My neighbor has a 380 SL that looks just like the 560 SL I just bought (Mine's in way better shape, tho.) What's the difference money- and performance wise?
Thanks!
2006-12-04 16:32:00 · 8 answers · asked by french7suzi 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Car Makes ➔ Mercedes-Benz
About 1.8 litres engine displacement. In fact your neighbour has an engine which is almost entirely different. The 560 engine in your SL cannot be fitted into the 380 or vice versa, or at least not without a lot of trouble, even though they look about the same and a lot of the outside parts are interchangeable.
The 560 is a better engine, it has a double timing chain instead of a single which was a major weakness of (at least) the early 380. Depending on state of tune and how you drive it, your 560 will not use a lot more fuel than an early 80s 380 since the later V8s have a better fuel injection system. You car probably has a higher level of accessories as well.
Make sure you keep the engine oil clean and plentiful. Dirty oil can lead to the timing chain breaking, even on the 560. If that happens you can kiss the engine goodbye. Lots more information on the net about these top-class cars.
I've been driving a 1983 380SEC for about 8 years.
2006-12-04 20:48:53 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Displacement one has the 3.8 liter V-8 engine and the other has the big 5.6 liter engine. Even opening the hood both engines look identical. Because it is the size of the pistons crankshaft and valves that are different. About 200 horsepower more the 560 is much more desireable. However these days gas prices the 380 might be a good choice drivers car just thake the 380sl badge off the trunk. Remember the timing chain should have been changed already see receipts! Most 560's had double row timing chains 380 did not. Very expensive to service lots of rubber mounts to replace over 20 year old MB. Buy as low mile example as you can.
2006-12-05 07:41:39 · answer #2 · answered by John Paul 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The engine displacement. The 380 is a 3.8L V-8 and the 560 is a 5.6L. The larger engine is more powerful, so the car is faster, but more expensive.
2006-12-05 00:46:47 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Same thing as the difference between an 80's mustang with a 4 cylinder or a 5.0 liter V8.
Suspension, trannies, brakes, etc. Mo' money, honey
2006-12-05 01:23:51 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Engine size.
2006-12-05 10:56:19 · answer #5 · answered by Bostonian In MO 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The blinking engines , one is 3.8 and the other a 5.6
2006-12-05 10:58:52 · answer #6 · answered by Latin Techie 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
sweet ur car is more powerful than ur neigbours (differnt size engines)... get him to race you!!!
2006-12-06 21:53:46 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
1.8 liters
2006-12-05 12:32:50 · answer #8 · answered by walt554 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋