Texan: You are comparing an apple to an orange with the 201 class and your e420. Your 420 is a much bigger and heavier car than a 190 is. I would agree with ur comments about the 16 valve being a bit sluggish off the line but I think there are few cars out there that sound like that cosworth 2.3 screaming. MY dad has a CLK 430 and it will out run the 16 valve no questions asked. I love my 16 valve and 5 speed. 125,000 on the ticker!. Joe