My first car was a 95 VW Jetta GLS with a stick. Loved the car, thought it was the best thing on wheels (isn't your first always the best?) BUT in time I found it crude, and brash. Got into plenty of trouble with that car, and I'm not talking the law here! VERY bad handler, but fun. The 300D is a MUCH better car on all types of roads, even given its weight and age. Its like 1000 pounds heavier, has only 10 more horses and is 10 years older. BUT still a better car. Okay, it cost twice the Jetta in 1984... Point is, the Merc is ahead of the game. Hell, my 123 has been known to fight and get the best of cars with twice the power, and twice the original cost. Depends on the circumstances. The 300D has never let me down and is more than adequate to satisfy this picky car nut.... (And yes, I have driven larger number Mercs, BMWs and Porsches as well...) And the 123 does it all so well without calling any attention to itself.