The suspension is TOTALLY different on the 124, in a good way. A more powerful motor too. I enjoyed the one I drove.
If you can't get better than 24mpg freeway cruising along at 65mph you have some issues!
ALSO - since you still have TrapOx, I have an extra pipe you can have to remove it yourself... and keep the catless downpipe. That's unless the turbocharger is bad or something of that nature.