In real world conditions, it's hard to beat the safety cell passenger cage integrity of a W123/W124/W126.

Compare photos of earlier cars vs newer ones, and see which ones appear to protect their occupants better, then report back. The newer cars absorb energy worlds better than any of the earlier models with their larger and more plentiful crush zones. Stiff does not always equal better. I am really impressed with the 211's and 203's performance, though.

And for those that have W210's and consider them far superior than any of the earlier models made by MB...There are some things that are better such as lighter steering, wonderful convenience features, plus easier repairs). But the suspension is jostly, the visibility is relatively poor (dash rises too high, and the B-Pillar gets in the way of your rearward-side vision when merging), and the high-speed stability (110 +) is a little quirky (you have to correct the steering far too much).

It doesn't feel like a Benz, to me...And that's why I don't have one, anymore.

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1987 300SDL (324000)

1986 Porsche 951 (944 Turbo) (166000)

1978 Porsche 924 (99000)

1996 Nissan Pathfinder R50 (201000)