W124 vs W129 driving pleasure?

[bruiserdennison]

I can't quite believe it but I find my 1992 300CE (with 170K miles) more of a pleasure to drive than my 1994 SL500 (91K miles). The steering and suspension feel so much better in the E-Class (tighter and more solid with a very smooth ride). I know that the sportline suspension is good but I just wonder if either the build quality on the 124s is better than the 129s or that its just that carrying a 5 litre V8 wears out the parts more? Has anyone else had this experience or feel that i should be getting a more pleasurable experience from the SL?

 

[Gollom]

In my W203 the ride is good and relaxed. In the W124 the ride is majestic!!

 

[stats007]

The R129 has firmer springs and dampers though shares much of the same components with the W124 so neither is of better quality in that sense. Have you ever driven another 129 to compare? Are the tyres the same between your two cars? A lot to consider but maybe you just prefer the E class as it's more supple - it's certainly won't corner with the same ability however.

 

[KLP 92]

Build quality is better on the W124s. I've owned numerous examples of each over the years, you can't really compare both of them together. The SL is more of a sports car than the W124.

Personally the SL can't beat a W124 for ride quality, or build quality.

 

[stats007]

 

[Howard]

Poop Poop

 

[grober]

Fundamental design differences

Maybe the difference is in the inherently greater rigidity of a solid roofed model. No matter how you re-enforce the floorpan of an open car ( And I would guess the SL is better than most in this respect ) if they have doors ( difficult to get in and out otherwise ) the structural integrity and thus the stability of the suspension mounting points where their loads are fed into the structure is inferior. A rigid chassis permits more compliant suspension without sacrificing handling but open cars often try to compensate for this lack of rigidity with firmer suspension.
Perhaps a fairer comparison would be with a w124 cabriolet?