Quote:
Originally posted by WANT '71 280SEL
We could set a standard here. Let's compare a NEW Lexus LS430 to a, let's say 1972 280SEL 4.5. Which would be better? Looks? power? You could even look at the 109's. I belive that with THAT car they set a standard of what all cars should be built off. God, I love those cars. They are the BEST looking cars that have ever been built.
David
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Hey, I love ol MB's as much as the next guy, but I hafta say that 280SEL 4.5 would not be capable of keeping up with an LS430 on any road. Looks is too subjective to say, but in sheer performance the older cars don't stand a chance. New cars have better suspensions, better brakes (by a mile) and way more power out of much more fuel efficient designs. It's no contest.
Now, the 4.5 is a terrific car, and was the best car in it's day. They have proven themselves by standing the test of time, and those that escaped the rust belt (another plus for new cars) have held their value and their appeal. My Dad has a 1973 300SEL 4.5 and it's a hoot to drive, but I can easily outrun it in my C230, much less a V-8 sedan. That does not mean the C230 is better, but your point about the older cars having a power edge is completely off the mark.
If Mercedes built the 4.5 today, it would be a flop. It would fail today's crash standards in horrific fashion. It would suck way too much gas for it's performance. It would be laughed at on the slalom course. It's brakes would leave it at the back of the pack in any comparision. It's styling would be a winner, but the consumers would howl at it's weak AC. It would be priced twice any of it's competitors, and that would seal it's fate.
It's a great car, and will always be a great car. It would be a giant loser stacked up against any modern luxury sedan.