PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum - View Single Post

yhliem · #14 11-07-2003, 03:24 AM

While I certainly agree with Paul's comments re: new cars having reached a performance level meeting or surpassing that of the 500E500, it's hardly surprising that that is the case. I mean, really, the technology in the 124.036 is mid '80's at worst and early '90s at best (remember, there's a couple of years worth of designing that goes into the car before it ever sees the asphalt).

that having been said, i agree with fad: the 124.036 is what it is and it's heritage being that of a collaboration between MB and Porsche makes it that much more special a car. it may not be the fastest car around, or the most expensive or the most exclusive, but it is something special.

the 201.036 (190E 2.3-16) is in very much the same vein. it's old tech, not particularly fast, nor that easy to find performance parts for, but it has an established "cult" following. it's still a desirable car. not for it's speed but for what it offers as a whole package and the history of the car.

both of these cars are for particular tastes. they were not meant to appeal to the masses. Seriously, how many people would pay $80K+ for a 4-door sedan in the early '90s? enough to make a decent market for the car, but certainly fewer than the number of people that bought Chevy Caprices.

the W124.036 was designed as a dual purpose car that could allow the driver to cruise the autobahn with authority while offering all the acoutrements of a high-end luxury vehicle. the competition from Munich was the old E34 M5...a 6-banger that didn't have the same level of fit and finish or the quality of materials as the 124.036.

though the M5 may be more of a driver's car, the 500E500 is still a head turner...and in my experience, more so than the M5.