I see that 4 people voted for the w201 and one for the w124.

Is the w201 a better chassis? Do you think I can just swap engines between the 2 cars so have a w201 with a 3.0l turbo and a w124 with a 2.5 liter turbo? I'll then sell the w124 with the 2.5l turbo.

Do you think the om603 turbo consumes way too much so you'd be much better off with an om602 turbo? The consumption should be around 20-25% worse so I don't mind it.

Or it's the 5 speed manual vs the automatic? This can be swapped easily. I can even win some money I do swap the automatic for a 5 sp manual.

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1992 Mercedes 190D 2.5 turbo 5sp manual. EGT+boost gauges. Boost controller set to ~14.5 psi. 1 1/4 turns on full load adjustment. LPG injection. Next in the list is water injection.