w124 Vs W210 space

[jonsheaf]

Just as I'm about to take the plunge and buy a W124 estate, I'm beginning to wonder about the temptation of good value 210's.
I understand the price differences are the to some legendary status of the 124's versus the bodywork rust issues (is that it or is it overall quality?) of the 210 estates.

The deciding factor for me would be if the (seats folded flat) rear load space of the 210 was significantly bigger than the 124 as I often carry a few 6'x3' plasterboards and ideally would like to do this in a load liner in the rear.

The other thing would be as I'm looking at the 300d in the 124, I can imagine the turbocharged version , if that's what it is in the 210, would be quite an improved beast.

Having wondered all of the above I appreciate that finding a "good" 210 estate or a sorted one would command a higher price

 

[SilverSaloon]

a good OM606 W124 estate will command a higher price... unless you catch a bargain.

W124 606-non tubo = people say they are slow, but they are very fine beasts on the road. I have 2 and although no speed demon off the line, they are fine in reality and sit at 90mph all day long on free waste veg oil on my own private runways

 

[Johnniek]

Don't have the dimensions but having owned both I think the 210 has a wider boot. It's more modern to drive, faster & safer, less stately. But does indeed rust. If you want a high speed van to run into the ground the 210 is great just a bit of a German Lancia without the flair!
If the 300TD w124 is not too slow then get that and make sure it's alarmed, tracked and immobilised so it doesn't get nicked like ours did!

 

[Charles Morgan]

I have had 2 W124 estates (one a 300D) and 1 W210 320cdi estate. Load area in the 210 is much better, I have had a 1.8 metre bookcase and was still able to drive comfortably. W124s rust too.

The biggest improvement between W124 non turbo and W210 turbo 300s is the 5 speed gearbox in the 210. It makes it a much more economical drive and cruising is considerably less frenetic.

The W124 is undoubtedly a great car, but you will pay a lot more to get a good one, and to use one on business, I'd go for the W210 for that purpose.

 

[Biglips]

I have had 2 W124 estates (one a 300D) and 1 W210 320cdi estate. Load area in the 210 is much better, I have had a 1.8 metre bookcase and was still able to drive comfortably. W124s rust too.

The biggest improvement between W124 non turbo and W210 turbo 300s is the 5 speed gearbox in the 210. It makes it a much more economical drive and cruising is considerably less frenetic.

The W124 is undoubtedly a great car, but you will pay a lot more to get a good one, and to use one on business, I'd go for the W210 for that purpose.

This advice is spot on.having owned both I prefer the 124 but undoubtedly the 210 is better for what you have in mind.

 

[trapperjohn]

Here is a cheap 210 Estate. Like the other posters I have had both and for sheer carrying capability and punchy engine with economy. Its the 210. But it will rust as this one has.

1998 MERCEDES E300 ELEGANCE TD AUTO BLUE 7 SEATS | eBay

 

[jonsheaf]

Okay cheers for the advice that I thought may have been coming all along.
I think if I could stretch to a sorted 210 like for example Charles Morgans for sale on here then I would bite the bullet, but as it stands I cannot and actually really prefer the interior cabin design of a 124 oh and that I don't want leather trim means I'll now shake off any doubts and give this 124 300d a try.

 

[Charles Morgan]

They are super cars, just invest in a roof rack!

 

[KevinF]

124 Vs 210

No contest, as a driving vehicle. The 210 every time. Especially the 24v diesel turbo 210 compared to the 24v diesel w124.

I have the w124 and a pal has the 210 with the same, but turbo engine. While mine is worth considerably more - rust-free '95 24 valver with leather, heated seats etc - I'd rather go a distance in his '96 210 Elegance. It is much quicker, much, much quieter, smoother and better appointed. Pity they rust so much....

 

[horatio]

Had 124's and 210's.

I probably wouldn't buy another 124 just on the basis I was half expecting mine not to be there every time I walked back to it (as Johnniek found out). I wouldn't buy another 210 either because I would most likely have to look through 100 cars to find one looking respectable. They have a habit of looking ok in photos but have rust creeping through every panel when you view in person

Volvo V70 D5?