Regular Diesel v.s. Turbo
 

I've been looking for a 300CD turbo but I need to know any advantage/disadvantage to settling for an older non turbo model like a '79 I've seen. I live up a mountain 2,000' up so need a climber. Anyone vouch for the non turbo out there??

Re: Regular Diesel v.s. Turbo
 

Reason enough not to buy an NA diesel. Look for a turbo, you WILL be happier with it. Better fuel milage, performance, and faster driving.

You will accelerate up hills in a properly set up turbo that you have to down shift for in a non turbo........
William Rogers.......

With a turbo, you will not suffer bug strikes on your rear windshield.

For the mountains- go turbo!!

I thought I'd mention some other points. Parts prices: earlier cars ie 1980 and earlier have different vacuum controls for doors, switches and the ever evil chrysler designed climate control parts which are all MUCH more expensive than 81+ parts.


Michael

I live at a mile high. I have 2 NA and 1 turbo. Get the turbo.

Sam, why should pre-81 parts be any more expensive?? Older cars dont even have the horrible auto-climate control and the vacuum system has yet to fail on my '79. What you will get with older cars that you wont find with newer ones are fewer sensors, relays and engine management systems.

Definitely go Turbo, I just like hearing that little whistle of the Turbo in my 300CD. :p

Dieseldog,


Generally, mercedes made improvements throught the year. Let's see: for an 1981 noturbo vs a 1980 you've got 10% hp!

I'm not sure but I've seen the climate control module for type II systems qouted around $800. WOW.

Turbos started a sound insulation improvement with benz. The 82 and up cars accross the board have a layer of sound insulation in the dash which make this noticably quiter than previous models.

Beyond prices- you can look at availability. If I had a vacuum pump failure- the dealerships stock the vp for the piston styles. And, I'd guess that production #'s might be greater which would then again lead to better parts.

He was in the mountains which makes a turbo a real plus. Here in the flat-lands I've driven a Turbo and a non-turbo. Each had it's better attributes.


Michael