2007 Lexus IS vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2007 Lexus IS is newer by 28 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 40 more horse power than 2007 Lexus IS. (175 HP @ 3600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 should accelerate faster than 2007 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2007 Lexus IS weights approximately 134 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, 2007 Lexus IS (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Lexus IS 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 2007 Lexus IS has manual transmission. 2007 Lexus IS 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:
| 2007 Lexus IS | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Lexus | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | IS | 380 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2231 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 175 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 3600 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86.1 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 96 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 15.8:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1730 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4580 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2740 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 90 L |
