2009 Cadillac STS vs. 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380
To start off, 2009 Cadillac STS 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 4,565 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 Cadillac STS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Cadillac STS (320 HP @ 6400 RPM) has 105 more horse power than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (215 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Cadillac STS 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 36 kg more than 2009 Cadillac STS.
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 Cadillac STS (427 Nm @ 4400 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380. (305 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2009 Cadillac STS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Cadillac STS | 1979 Mercedes-Benz 380 | |
| Make | Cadillac | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | STS | 380 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 1979 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 4565 cc | 3818 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 320 HP | 215 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 427 Nm | 305 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1560 kg | 1596 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2960 mm | 2940 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 90 L |
