|
Long Wheelbase. Have driven 300E's for 75K on '90 and 140K on '92 Sportline.
Most of my travel is business and involves long interstate driving. I have loved the 300E's, but for road trips the S class is the real deal. Comfortable, much more quiet, about the same fuel economy, and much more room. Furthermore, it's modern with electronic climate controls and a wonderful Bose sound system. Mine has Radio, Cassette, and Trunk CD changer.
The biggest difference is in steering and handling. They are just vastly different. The 300E has , to me, the perfect amount of boost. The 140 has variable boost. Around town you can drive it with one finger, on the highway the boost decreases, but it is still lighter than a 300E. You get used to it. There is more brake pedal travel on the 140 before you actually engage brakes. 300E is immediate. So it's simply sort of a limo, calm, smooth approach versus 300E sports sedan approach. The 140's suspension feels soft in the curves, but after you master it, the car can be driven very fast in corners.
On the 140 you have two wipers, but driver's side does telescope. I don't miss the single wiper. 140 projection headlights are good, not Euros, but good enough. Paint quality is really good.
I drove my '92 yesterday. It felt positively archaic compared to the 140.
Steve
|