the 124 has a better driving position over my 210. you feel like your sitting "in" the '87 rather than sitting "on" in my '98. now that i think about it for me, a 5'8" chassis, the driving position leaves a lot to be desired in my 210. the seats are far better in 124 and my 18 month old son could peek out the windows much better in the 124. that said my wife hated to ride in that car, she said it was very drab, but she hated all of my diesels. the factory radio positioning sucks in the 124, you nearly have to take your eyes off the road to change a station. i don't mean to bash the 210, i love mine to death but mercedes nailed the 124 in my opinion as far as ergonomics go and nearly everything else.

i'd have no problems with a 2.5 124!. i think the face lifted '95 300d looks incredible but i'm not wild about that engine, though it's owners don't complain nearly as much as other models, mine included. the turbo lag and is a lot of the character in diesel mercs.