I settled for a 5-spd 2.3 190e because I couldn't find a diesel with a 5-spd quick enough. The car is very snappy compared with the D. It feels like they just squeezed real hard and got everything you're used to in the larger MB into the 190. 500# lighter does not get me anything above 28 mpg. The 5th speed is incredibly useful.
Turns out most of the power acc are fairly expensive to replace, so it is worth finding one that has the parts you want working. Not much elbow room. But very sporty- try to get a good testdrive to see what I mean. However, they only ever made the sedan.
Monster car on county roads after midnite.