I would not worry one bit about the safety of a 123 or 126 for a teenage driver. I think it's an excellent choice. Look at the location of the fuel tank, the positive action of the door latches, the huge padded section in the middle of the steering wheel, the size of the shift knob (too big to gouge an eye socket), the adjustable height seat belts in front and the three-pointers in back (10 yrs before this was the norm), and the 3500+ lb curb weight, and tell me that you don't think MB designed these cars with your utmost safety in mind. Full time AWD is the only safety advance I see missing in the 126, and that's why I also own an Audi Quattro for trips in bad weather.