As an ardent W201 fan, I have to say that comparing the W201 to the W124 is a bit misplaced as they occupy two different positions in Mercedes' mid-80's to mid 90's product line.

Each influenced the other. FWD was considered for the W201 prototype, but RWD was thought to offer a better driving experience and would make parts interchange with the W124 possible.

The W201 was the lightest sedan produced during Mercedes modern era. It was also one of the most costly R&D project till that date. The Colin Chapman inspired multi-link rear suspension was debuted on the W201 and would become the standard rear suspension set up on Mercedes sedans for nearly two decades.

What W201 owners like to crow about . . . the 2.3-16 variant was the platform that Mercedes chose for their official return to circuit racing.