I haven't owned a V8 or a 300SE/L. I've driven 500SELs, 560SECs and 420SELs and those V8's felt fast and effortless by 80's standards.

I came very close to buying a 1990 300SEL when I moved back to San Diego in 1999. The one I was interested in was in excellent condition, with 90k miles on the clock. Acceleration could best be described as "quite Relaxed".

I had recently driven a 1995 E320 and there was a big difference in feel between the two engines. The E320 gets up and runs, with power building right up until redline. In comparison, flooring the pedal in the 300SEL merely coaxes it into a faster walk. You never feel the push on your back. I even thought it seemed rather bland in comparison to a 300SD, even though the 300sel Actually reaches 60 sooner. Around town I appreciate the mid range torque surge in the turbo diesels, but the 300SEL makes a better high speed freeway cruiser.

I've thought of some theories for why there are so many well preserved 300s left. Because they accelerate rather leisurely, they appealed to the over 60 crowd.

From what I recall about the 300 gasers I've been in, very little engine noise was audible in the cabin, but what did make it through sounded good. There was no doubt it was a straight 6. Like all Mercedes, the gearing takes full advantage of output, for good high speed freeway cruising.

I only recall driving one 420SEL. It belonged to the mother of a friend of my best friend, and was almost brand new. I went directly from the drivers seat of my 300SD to the 420. The extra power of the V8 changed the whole experience. The smaller, leather wrapped steering wheel bore some responsibility for the difference in feel. It actually seemed to handle better because of the extra push from the rear wheels while accelerating out of corners. If not for the visual cues, you would have thought you were in a totally different car, as in, not even the same chassis.

The Euro tune 500SEL felt like a land rocket. I loved it! It put out gobs more power than a US Spec 500 or 560. But it cost more than twice as much for fuel compared to my 300SD. Some tanks returned 12 mpg, or less. And it had to have premium. Sadly that car had been driven very fast on wet, salty roads on the Autobahn. Because of that, every nook and cranny, had corrosion. The body and undercarriage were rusting on a 4 year old car. He sold it to a High School age boy, who was very happy to have it.

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1979 240D, 4spd manual, Power Sunroof, manual windows, 147k miles, Pastel gray/Black MB Tex.
1991 300D 2.5 - Smokes like it's on Crack!