I have an '87 wagon and a '98 E-class, so I have one of each as well. They are different, but both are pretty darn good. I actually prefer the rack & pinion of the later car. The effort is very light; it doesn't require much muscle to move the wheel. However, there is very little play, and the effort builds naturally as the front tires are worked harder. Feels as if there is very little friction in the mechanism as well. It is very communicative steering - just the way it is supposed to be. I very strongly disagree with the comment that there is no road feel.

The 124 is similar, but the effort level is higher. There is less power assist, certainly, but also more friction. The RCB setup also has more play - which is normal compared to an R&P system. Still, it's pretty darn good; just that I think the newer car is an improvement.