The second gear start is probably the biggest "problem". If you pull the selector to "L" or "2" - whatever it says, it will start in first.

The engine is a bit torque shy, but the car is not that heavy - about 3200 pounds for the early 300E models, which is lighter than some current C-Class models.

Car and Driver reported a 0-60 time of 7.5 seconds in their first road test of a 300E back about 1986, but their test car had a five-speed manual.

The couple of 190E 2.6/automatic models I have driven felt sluggish compared to my five-speed, which is 2929 pounds curb weight (full fluids including fuel).

Duke