I've owned 124, 210, 203, and 211 chassis wagons. The 210 has a different feel than the 124, mostly the steering is lighter effort. Overall I think the 210 is quite a bit better driving car than the 124. Although light, the steering is very accurate with good feedback. Because the 210 carries more tire than the 124, turn in is sharp and there is more grip available.

In terms of subjective build quality I don't see much difference between the two. A 210 is tightly assembled; the doors thunk with the best of them.

Of course, at this point even the newest 210 is 10+ years old. So it is important to locate one that has not been abused.

In the USA we never received 210 wagons with a diesel engine. All USA cars have the 3.2 liter M112 V6.