115 vs 123

[didier240d]

I own a 240d with a 115 chassis, and with any bias I think the 115 body is a better looking car than the 123. Does any body agree?

I cannot agree more than you. I own a W123, and would like to own a W114/115 too but we do not seem to get nice examples in Singapore these days, so many of them are already very tatty around the edges. I like the classic look of the W115, but choose the W123 for its practicality as a daily runner. I do not think that the W115 has as good a rust protection compared to the W123 ( I may be wrong.) The underbody of my w123 is well protected by factory applied coating which explains the absence of rust, but most floorpans of w115s seem to be fested by rust.

[ctaylor738]

Having owned a bunch of each, this is a tough question. No question the 123 is a much more modern platform in all ways, especially the 1981-on. No comparison in the rust protection, climate control, parts availability, etc.

I like the styling of the 123 4-door and the 114/115 2-door.

I call it a draw.

[skalie]

I remember reading somewhere that the rust protection for a 114/5 improved from 1974 onwards.

Edit.......I forgot to mention that I find vertical headlights have a certain "Je ne sias quoi", but I'm not sure what it is.

I cannot agree with a "stroke eight" being better looking than a 123. I have a w123 currently and was rather young when they were current. Maybe I have a bias/nostalgia towards them but they are not only better to drive, but also better engineered from a service aspect. And I feel, the 123 is more timeless in styling, truely the last of the "old world" Mercedes (okay, save for the w107 SL). They are also safer, a w123 is perhaps one of the stongest cars to come out of Stuttgart and I feel its skin is delicate looking depsite its inner stength.

true, personally, I find the interior layout of the W123 more pleasing, and balanced.

I like the stacked vertical headlights of the W115 though, but would go for the W108 for external looks.