W123 diesels vs. SDs...who's had both? How does - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

#1 08-02-2004, 03:33 PM

the SD stand up againt the W123 with regard to driving / maintaining / good - bad points? Thanks

Honus · #2 08-02-2004, 04:01 PM

I had a 1979 300SD (116 chassis), and I currently drive a 1985 300D (123). The SD was more fun to drive, IMHO, but they are both great cars. The SD was badly rusted, much worse then the 300D. I don't know whether rust is a common problem with the 116 chassis.

MBDFahrer · #3 08-02-2004, 04:31 PM

Ive driven the W123, W116 and W126 cars. The W116 is slightly faster than the other 2, drives well and has a better turning radius. The W126 was rather boaty compared to the other 2 but it also feels bigger and roomier on the inside (and in the engine bay). The W123 is actually my favorite of the 2, relatively easy to work on, economical (less weight than the other 2) and smaller/nimbler.

edge · #4 08-02-2004, 10:05 PM

The 84 300D is quicker and has more road feel so is more fun to drive. The 85 300SD is larger, a bit slower but is quieter and more refined. The SD cruises the highway with less noise and more smoothness. It depend on what you are after. My 17 year old son hates driving the SD, says it makes him feel old. Around town I prefer the 300D, on the highway, the SD is preferred.

mbzkid · #5 08-02-2004, 10:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by edge
The 84 300D is quicker and has more road feel so is more fun to drive. The 85 300SD is larger, a bit slower but is quieter and more refined. The SD cruises the highway with less noise and more smoothness. It depend on what you are after. My 17 year old son hates driving the SD, says it makes him feel old. Around town I prefer the 300D, on the highway, the SD is preferred.

Are you talking about a 300D TURBO DIESEL, or the non turbo?

edge · #6 08-02-2004, 11:04 PM

The 84 300D is a Turbo Diesel.

#7 08-03-2004, 01:06 AM

I have had 2 116 SD a 1982 300d a 1985 300d non turbo, euro import. The 116 has got to be one of the best highway cars ever built and I can pull a u turn while parked against the curb without hitting the other curb. I loved my 82 300d turbo because it fit me well was show room clean and was my first MBZ. The euro non turbo is fun it will light them up off the line has a way better AC system and interior than the us models but it feels light and kind of cheap. It is really a matter of how big you are the SD is very large inside no problem for a 6ft 5 350 pound guy. I am 6ft 1 220 and I feel kind of small in it. If it’s around town the 300d wins on the highway the SD has it hands down just my 2 cents.
Dave S

Brian Carlton · #8 08-03-2004, 01:16 AM

I'm with MattDave on this.

However, I will add that the SDL makes the SD look noisy and a bit on the slow side on the highway when the numbers get around 75 or so. Of course, it is even more difficult around town than the SD, LOL.

Everything is relative

engatwork · #9 08-03-2004, 07:03 AM

I'm with mattdave - SD for interstate travel and D for around town/commute (that's the '81 non-turbo D). I have just recently had an opportunity to drive (and start servicing) a 116 model ('79 300SD) and was VERY impressed with that car. It is showing an actual 315k miles and drives/runs very, very good. The build quality seems to me to be a little better than the 126. I like all the room under the hood of the 116 too.