well i think this is going to boil down to driver preferance. I know i just couldn't stand a slower car, i like to be able to know i can out-accelerate the car next to me if i wanted to, most the time i cant do that with my SD, and knowing every car on the road can out acccelerate me without even trying(240d) would just bug me. Dont know how to explain it other than that. I really want a 190e 2.6 with a 5spd, that would be my perfect benz right now :D However, perhaps it's good that i cant out-accelerate other cars, it could keep my traffic tickets down, as i never bother to try to beat someone off the line- i already know who will lose......
Ryan

Ryan, there really isn't any need to out accelerate people in the first place. You already drive a Diesel so I doubt that is a major concern.


Think of a 240D this way: A lot of people think old school VW Beetles are neat and would love to drive them. A VW Beetle though is just as slow as a 240D (possibly slower). Y'all are Stereotyping the 240D as the slowest thing on earth just because it's an economical Diesel.

well i'm gonna have to eat my own words here and say i was wrong. Thinking about it, the very first car i drove by myself was a 95 honda passport 4cyl 5spd. That thing was a dog, a big, heavy sport-ute withe a tiny little four banger, and the 5spd made it fun. Also, thinking about it, the century was front wheel drive, which is much better for a novice driver in the rain/low traction conditions. Even though the SD isn't over powered by any means, the first time i drove it in really slick rain i fishtailed it quite bad, and i wasn't expecting it at all. Luckily, it was at nightime with no one else on the road. After that, i had fun doing it on purpose! :D (safely, with no one else around, and i havn't since i actually got GOOD tires....). But since the 240d is rear wheel drive, and it's a 5 spd, i can see why that would make a great first car. it would be connected to the road yet not fast enough/powerfull enough to get you into trouble. I still would take my SD over the 240D, but i see all your point. Yes, i'm an indicisive 17 yr old with no life other than to bug you guys out of your mind- i know this
Ryan