I drove the W126 300SE, that is a sluggish car not the W210 e320. The W210 are pretty fast, my 97 E320 goes 0-60 in 6.7 seconds. The W126 300SE probably is in the high 8s if not 9's due to wear and tear. I think the W126 also have a second gear start which only adds to their sluggishness. My 97 E320 has the I6 but the other E320s have V6 which have same power but a broader torque which only should make them more faster. W126 comparing to W210 is like comparing apples and oranges. They are two different beasts made for two different reasons. The W126 is an old breed of MB, you cant even imagine the number of differences that are in the w210. Distributorless ignition, twin spark motors, adaptive transmissions, much more comprehensive engine management, traction control systems, chasis construction, .27 Coeff of Drag and the list could go on for pages. Whatever E320 you drove was messed up for some reason because a well-maintained E320 can really pin you in your seat.