I love the 94/95 E-class exterior styling. Probably, from an unbiased and objective point of view, more so than a 95 C-class. But it's hard to definitly say that I like one more than the other.
The C-class definitly feels lighter on it's feet, and has slightly quicker acceleration, but not by much.
The 95 E320 was the very end of a body style, where as the C280 had just begun.... meaning the C280 will tend to look like a newer model for a longer time. However, the body styles of both definitelyare products of a MERCEDES-BENZ of the 90s.
The C-class just seems so much more 'up to date,' in many respects, than the E-class. For example, the mechanical odometer on the E, the CC PBU. The C-class has all digital and a 'digital' PBU; OTOH, who really cares.
I chose the C280... because it suited me better.... I'm 20.