I really, really hate to say this, but so far my 88 Deville (4.5) has outdone my 83 300D as far as repairs goes. And, in another 20somethousand miles will have out distanced it also. I heard that the 4.9's are supposed to be better. Don't get me wrong I still prefer a Benz! but I have to give at least some credit to Cadillac...they have had a good amount of success in improving their cars...especially compared to the crap they were selling in the early eighties. What do you suppose would have the equivalent (or slightly better) accelleration wise...a 420? Reason I ask, is I have gotten spoiled by the V8 vs the 617 and would like something close to it. (one more thing...the deville speedo is the single most annoying thing on that car...go over 85mph and all you get is 85...85...85...85...85...grrrr!)
-Larry