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Greg in Oz · #3 08-31-2004, 04:29 AM

I doubt that all suspension parts would be the same. The 2.3-16 has self-leveling rear which was not standard on other (non 16V) models so therefore rear springs and shocks would differ. Front suspension may be similar between the 2.3 Sportline and 2.3-16 but as 2phast suggests, the 2.6 would probably require heavier springs and shocks. Something I have noticed is that my 1990 2.3 Sportline sits lower in the front than a friend's 2.3-16.

Just a slight correction on the brakes, the 2.3-16 uses 300E front rotors and calipers but those on the 2.3 and 2.6 are similar but slightly smaller. They are actually the same diameter as other 190E discs but ventilated whereas the 1.8 and 2.0 used solid discs. Rear rotors and calipers are all the same for all W201 which is also the same as for the W124 (excluding wagons, 24 valve and V8 models).

Regarding the steering, whilst the Sportline has a faster steering ratio, I seem to recall reading that the 2.3-16 had a slightly faster ratio still, but I may be wrong. I believe my Sportline steering wheel is smaller than that in the 2.3-16 as stated by 2phast.

Whilst it was not part of the original question, since diff ratios were mentioned, I will add that my 2.3 Sportline which is a 5-speed manual has a 3.46 diff. The manual 2.3-16 has a direct (1:1) 5th gear whereas the manual 2.3 and 2.6 got an overdrive (0.78:1) giving lower cruising engine speeds. Wheels on my '90 Sportline are identical 15 hole 7x15 ET44 to those on the 2.3-16.

It is probably also worth mentioning that the Sportline and 16V seats appear to be the same, except that in the case of mine versus my friends, his are cloth trimmed without rear headrests whereas mine are leather with rear headrests.

As to how my friend's 2.3-16 and my 2.3 Sportline compare on the road, I believe his is a better "club" or weekend car whereas mine is easier to live with as a daily driver. Both offer superb handling. The 16V is potent at higher revs but with closer gear ratios and a taller diff is harder to get moving. The 8V offers useable low down torque which with shorter gearing gets it moving with less fuss and possibly as quickly up to the point when the 16V gets into to the upper rev range. The 8V is quieter and is relaxed and easy to drive. The 2.6 would be quieter still and with power output between the 2.3 and 2.3-16 should make for effortless driving. The M103 (2.6) is a lovely smooth motor and would be my pick for a daily driver. It is shoe-horned into the W201 though making access difficult for some jobs and probably compromises handling slightly compared with the 2.3-16 or 2.3 Sportline.