Because of the short overall length and wheelbase, the W201 is very "soft" in the front and rear. Behind the bumper covers and reinforcement bar, there's little to no structural elements. Even the engine/trans mounts are designed to shear on impact and slide downwards to the ground if the front collision is severe enough. At the same time, the front fenders are also designed to flare outwards when pushed back so that they don't foul the front doors.