I drove a 220D auto and it was slow, but not "dangerously slow". I own a 76 300D which is the same body style but with a 5cyl engine. Its not but it keeps up just fine in traffic.

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1985 300TD Turbo Euro-wagon
1979 280CE 225,200 miles
1985 300D Turbo 264,000 miles
1976 240D 190,000 miles
1979 300TD 220,000

GONE but not forgotten
1976 300D 195,300 miles
1983 300D Turbo 175,000 miles

http://i42.photobucket.com/albums/e3...e485-1-2-1.jpg