2006 Ford Ranger vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2006 Ford Ranger is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,818 cc (8 cylinders), 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (215 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 111 more horse power than 2006 Ford Ranger. (104 HP @ 5000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2006 Ford Ranger. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Ranger weights approximately 1260 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Ford Ranger. (174 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Ford Ranger. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2006 Ford Ranger has manual transmission. 2006 Ford Ranger will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Ford Ranger | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Ford | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | Ranger | 380 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2184 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 174 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.6:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 2856 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 2120 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2990 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
