I have an 92,000 mile '86 190E and my dad a 55,000 mile 93 C180.
They make good comparison, mine being a fully specced older car, his a zero spec (winding windows!
) but newer car.
Unless you really like the old 190E - which I and many others do - the C is most likely a better bet. It feels more modern, with quicker steering and less roll as the main difference in dynamics. However the 4 cylinder engine's just as noisy and by the general quality you'd never be fooled into thinking you're in an S-class.
By contrast, the 190E, particularly a well specced one, feels more special, it still feels like it was built by people who understand what a Bentley or Rolls Royce is all about
. More like each part's been crafted in metal, where subjectively the W202 feels a bit more like it's a collection of mass produced cheap parts put together.
To summarize, I think the reason for choosing a 190E would be purely emotional. A lot of people - that I know or that I've never met before - comment on my 190E, admiring the old boy, and say how great a car they were
. I cannot imagine that ever happening with a C-class.
Well good luck, and let us know what you get!
Russ
Edit: Sorry went off on one there, I see now you were looking for opinions on dependability, oops!
P.S. No offence meant to W202 owners, it's probably one of the best cars around in its price bracket, and maybe in 10 year's time will seem special like the beloved W126 et al.