depends on the car and type of engine. for instance, when i drive my dads 190E 2.3-16, thats a car that needs a manual transmission. i drove an auto 190E of the same year and it wasnt the same. but when im driving a 300SDL, i much prefer auto transmissions. just the size of the car and how much pedal it needs to get moving wouldn't be beneficial i think. and the auto trannys in those cars are pretty solid. i don't think that many of the old diesels are nice with manuals but ive never driven one so don't take it from me. if i could find a manuel 280SL, that would be great.

i guess it just depends. of the car. if you have a good feel with the clutch any car is possible to drive, but is it nice to drive

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Current
2006 E320 CDI, 57K bought at 67K "Liesl"
1986 190E 2.3-16, 198K bought at 56K "Brigitta"
1987 300TD (Chuggin Along), 292K "Friedrich"
1995 E320 Wagon, 200K "Louisa"

Past
1987 300SDL, (sold) 125K, bought for 1$ "Kurt"