[W126 Coupe] 380 / 500 differences

[Richard Shayegan]

I wouldn't want a US 380 if I lived in Europe. The US 380 only had 
155hp. It's a fine engine outside of that, but if you live in Europe 
where 380s came with 204hp, no need to buy a US model
All non-US 380s came with a double row timing chain. Only 1984-1985 380s 
had a double row timing chain in the US.
I think it gets a few more mpg than the 500.

Andrew Sporner wrote, On 1/30/2009 7:05 AM:

> Hi

>

> I just got the news that my 500 will cost too much to repair, so now I am

> going to look for a replacement. (nearly EUR 17K for chassis/body work--

> OK thats a mercedes shop and would be expensive! but even a private

> shop would charge even a third to half and still its too much).

>

> Ultimate goal is to bring it home with me in a few years.  From this I have

> considered a 380 SEC which was sold from the very beginning in the USA

> and thus would be no problem to insure.

>

> I notice a huge difference in displacement, but a very small difference in

> horsepower.  Somebody told me that consume nearly the same amount of

> gas.  Are there any other big differences (besides the obvious).  I know that

> one can get about 500,000 KM on a 500 but I don't know if the 380 motor is

> as well built.

>

> Suggestions/ideas???

>

>

> Andy

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