2006 Mercedes-Benz C vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (268 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 41 kg more than 2006 Mercedes-Benz C.
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, 2006 Mercedes-Benz C (350 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 45 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2006 Mercedes-Benz C will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2006 Mercedes-Benz C has manual transmission. 2006 Mercedes-Benz C 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 Mercedes-Benz C | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | C | 380 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3497 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 268 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 350 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Top Speed | 250 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4530 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1980 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 62 L | 90 L |
