W123 versus E320 CDI
 

From Business 2.0 Oct 2004
I prefer my W123 only because the latter is not available in Kalifornia !
Crazy gun laws ;)

This is a loaded question.:D

I love my w210 :eek:

Looks like they are comparing the CDI to a euro model 300D with no turbo. I think the US version with the turbo is somewhere around 14 seconds 0-60.

The article says turbodiesel and 120 hp. Pic is of a Euro.

How do the purchase prices compare?

Sixto
95 S420
87 300SDL

W123 - More Bang for the buck! :D

The W123 looks nicer and it's probably more reliable. I've seen the CDI in person and sat in it at a dealer with the motor running. It was ok but nowhere near as appealing to me as a W123. Just my 2 cents. :D

I'm pretty sure the CDI will not be as reliable as a W123, looks are a rather subjective issue but I think the W211 chassis looks great and it will stand the test of time, just as the W123 has.

I really think you need to drive a W211 CDI before you pass final judgement but it would be hard for me to imagine anybody thinking a W123 would be preferable to a CDI unless the ONLY consideration is reliability/fixability.

I'd take a CDI in a second if I was in the market for a 50K new car.

They have improved some things in 20 years, the W211 is safer, faster and gets more miles to the gallon. Overall I like the W211 better then the W123, I have never really liked the W123 to much. Thier isn't much room inside.

Tim, I did a poll here several months ago and the favorite of most people was the W123 chassis. The W211 was one of the least favorite ones. It's true that most people haven't driven it, but the W210 chassis has been around for quite some time and yet it wasn't all that popular either. I think the vast majority of people in the world would take a W211 over a W123, but on this board there's more classic car lovers like myself. I used to like new cars a lot, but now I'm much more into these soon-to-be-classic cars.

price
 

"Every $49K CDI is sold as soon as it hits the lot, and Mercedes anticipates no problems moving all 3,000 diesels earmarked for the United Staes this year"

goes on to say Volkswagen is enjoying a 17.4% rise in annual diesel sales and can't import the new diesel SUV fast 'nuff and Chryler says buyers are begging for its Liberty diesel SUV due in October.....

Stats take into account that Kalifornia, News York and 3 other states don't sell diesels cuz of stiff laws.

Do you folks really drool over a 211? When you think of diesel, what thoughts are conjured up in your mind? Isn't owning a diesel more of an experience than just "fuel economy"?:confused:

It is baffling to me that one would think just because something is new makes it superior in every way. That usually does not seem to be the morale in this forum.

I'll take a W211 in a heartbeat if i was offered the chance.
If I was to pick a category for everything, this is how it will go:
Styling: W124
Performance: 320 CDI
Reliability: W123
Safety: W211

And another reason why I will like a E320 CDI, lots of "acquaintences (sp?)" say "ewwww... diesel" :eek: This will shut them up for good. :p

Perhaps my personal emphasis on reliability and quality construction are too superfluous for others.:)

I would take a 211 in a heartbeat. Then I'd sell it and invest the cash in an appreciating asset. That's why we all buy "used".:p

[QUOTE=DslBnz]Do you folks really drool over a 211? When you think of diesel, what thoughts are conjured up in your mind? Isn't owning a diesel more of an experience than just "fuel economy"?:confused:QUOTE]

It's that and more. Owning a diesel is also about style, uniqueness and economy. A w210 is a combination of all of these NA orTurbo.

Gorgeous looks that will wear well throughout time. Uniqueness, incomparison to E320's and E420/30's there aren't many. And fuel economy as well as the diesel clatter. These are the items tha tsold me on my car. Granted there may be issues due to the newer electronics as compared to the older series like the w123 and w126.

But for the most part the w210 is also an MB that is made to rack up miles, be fixed and put back together....

How the new w211 will hold up, we'll all see. But there is no denying the sheer power and efficiency this new powerplant holds. Not to mention it's drop dead looks when dressed in the Pewter color with some E55 exterior goodies.

It's be sweet to see a w211 with the E55 body kit and brakes..... That my friends, is on teh verge of PERFECtION...

Not to mention that a w210 dressed up likewise is just as much desireable if not more. I prefer the w210 looks to the w211, but it isn't that far behind in my book....