2009 BMW 550 vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2009 BMW 550 is newer by 30 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, 2009 BMW 550 (362 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 147 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW 550 should accelerate faster than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 BMW 550 weights approximately 64 kg more than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 BMW 550 (490 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 185 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 BMW 550 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 2009 BMW 550 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW 550 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:
2009 BMW 550 | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
Model | 550 | 380 |
Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2495 cc | 3818 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | V |
Horse Power | 362 HP | 215 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
Torque | 490 Nm | 305 Nm |
Torque RPM | 3400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
Engine Compression Ratio | 10.5:1 | 9.0:1 |
Top Speed | 235 km/hour | 216 km/hour |
Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1660 kg | 1596 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4850 mm | 5000 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1490 mm | 1830 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1850 mm | 1440 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2890 mm | 2940 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |