MB non-turbo diesels have more HP per cubic inch than most any other non-turbo diesels of the time. Look at GM- 5.7L V8: 85HP. MB- 3.0L L5: 90HP. Granted, the MB has aroundt 50-80ft. lbs less torque (Depending on the model years).

Add even more power to that and you are asking to melt something very quickly.