2009 BMW M3 vs. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 27 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 209 more horse power than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (205 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
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 M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. (315 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 BMW M3 | 1982 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | BMW | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | M3 | 380 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1982 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3999 cc | 3839 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 414 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8300 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 3250 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 12.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1525 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4620 mm | 5140 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1420 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1760 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2770 mm | 3080 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 90 L |
