The W123 is a very nicely balanced sedan. It will eventually slide when you've reached the limits of tire adhesion, but will give you ample warning (that is, handling will "fade" as you approach the limits -- so sudden "God let go" events like my old Audi Fox!).

It is probably unlikely that anyone will push a diesel W123 past the limits unless on a mountain downgrade due to lack of horsepower. The gas models can get you into trouble.

They do not tend to lose tires like the W115s, though, which is a good thing -- the W115s have very little body roll, at it is possible to force the outside tire off the rim in a fast, hard turn! Very scary, as the car will shoot straight off the road! The W123 will "plow" instead.

Snow and ice handling in diesels is bad -- too much torque!

Peter

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1972 220D ?? miles
1988 300E 200,012
1987 300D Turbo killed 9/25/07, 275,000 miles
1985 Volvo 740 GLE Turobodiesel 218,000
1972 280 SE 4.5 165, 000 - It runs!