Comparing the two is night and day really. What you have to do is stop reading everything Frank Barrett says as gospel. He made a pretty good book but his summaries on everycar are not how do I say? Everything?

Comparing the w116 to a 126 is like saying, who was a better ball player? Joe D or Derek Jeter? Two different cars, two different times. The 116s were built well (as were the 126s) however their construction and steel were prone to rust. Thinner steel, crumple zone construction and (I've heard) "bad" imported steel give way to rust. Many 116s are quick off the line and give a nice sporty ride for such a big car.

The new 126s are miles ahead technology wise. I wouldn't say the quality went down, just the use of chrome and the like. Now if you're taking w220s, I'd say yes, the quality went down.