when the 124 came out, it was only comparable to a bentley azure at the top end of its game. The new e class is a bigger car physically, but feels cramped in comparison..
the clk, was also based on the c class under pinnings, ie, not designed for 4 adults IMO
But the clk or new eclass would make a great roadster with extra space in the back, whilst a 124 would just give you space, but the boots on 124 were not not designed for 4 adults worth of packaging, whilst the clk or new e class do marginally better on that front..