The 210 cars have rack and pinion steering versus the recirculating ball steering of the 124 cars so they have an entirely different feel. In my mind the 124 car build & material quality exceeds the 210, but as stated the all wheel drive in the 124 cars is more problematic. Having said that a 124 wagonr with rear wheel drive and snow tires all around should be fine in the Winter, presuming that's why your friend is leaning toward all wheel drive.

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Fred Hoelzle