It's probably more accurate to say that the .380ACP is the .38Spl of autoloading. Based on muzzle energy, the .380ACP is virtually identical to the standard pressure .38.the 9-minimeter is basically the ."38 Special" of autoloading cartridges
When it comes to momentum/power factor, the 158gr bullet .38 loads will easily beat the .380 for momentum/power factor. However, the .380ACP comes much closer to matching the momentum numbers of the 125gr and 110gr loadings in standard pressure .38spl.