2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS vs. 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 5,460 cc (8 cylinders), 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS (382 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 163 more horse power than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (219 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS should accelerate faster than 1980 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 Mercedes-Benz CLS (530 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 225 more torque (in Nm) than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mercedes-Benz CLS | 1980 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Mercedes-Benz | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | CLS | 380 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 1980 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 5460 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 382 HP | 219 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 98 mm | 92 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.5 mm | 71.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.7:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4400 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1310 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2860 mm | 2470 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 80 L | 90 L |
