W124 vs W210 Vote

[219]

I've loved all of my 201s ; hate the 203 I have .

I drive the 190 every day while the 270 lies up the drive . The 190 feels light , nimble , airy and happy to drive ; sure the 270 is faster than the 190 1.8 , but it is dark , dismal , claustrophobic inside , feels heavy and unwieldy , all the controls feel rubbery, and the thing is so unreliable - unlike every other Merc I've had .

Never had a 202 .

 

[grober]

Would you say the same of the w201 that has the same steering setup?

Not sure if you were asking me about this Spike but as you know the cars have basically the same suspension setup. Because the 190 is smaller lighter nimbler its the sharper drive [ perhaps less body weight transfer] but the feedback from the road is quite similar. I reckon MB engineered all their cars with the same "family feel" back then. I remember driving a 500 SEC for the first time and thinking- this isn't that different to my 190!

 

[Charles Morgan]

Plus points of the 210 - better steering, much better diesel engines and drivetrain, much better side wind stability and wind noise suppression. Negatives, the brown stuff may not be terminal but it is a perpetual battle to keep the cars looking ok and a general air of cheapness about everything (except when you need a part).

Plus points of the 124, feels wonderfully solid, dignified and right, lovely straight six petrols and multivalve diesel, although the latter would be so much better with a turbo and a 5 speed auto, and you can work on them yourself. Negatives, they do rust in far more important places, they are not a car even in estate form I would use daily now, just too old.

Horses for courses. Frankly it does seem to me that both have their virtues but neither are cars I would now run - a late W211 seems to have all the advantages of both, but for the ride.

 

[V12]

It seems we're finding the common consensus.

Would have perhaps been interesting to add the W211 into the mix, seems many forum members have a much higher opinion of the W211 than I do.

The difference between technology between the W124 and the W210 is a giant leap but between the W210 and W211 is a small incremental step.

 

[RBYCC]

I think what you're discovering based on a 3:1 preference is that "superior technology" does not equate to "higher desirability".
A true enthusiast doesn't always have to own the "latest and greatest" !
One learns to live and enjoy the quirks and anomalies of older cars....

As cars age, certain models become more of an "icon" then others.
Hence the new SL albeit superior in technology to a gullwing will never attain similar desirability and collectable value.

The 124 cabs, coupes and the 500E/E500, E36 etc., are deemed worthy of being a collectable and will maintain and increase in value.

No 210, including the E55 will ever be considered as such.

Ed A.

 

[neilrr]

I wonder how many of the people who have voted have actually owned both a 124 & a 210?

 

[Will]

I've owned both (and more than one of each) but didn't vote.

Does that confuse things even more?

 

[John Jones Jr]

I've owned both (and more than one of each) but didn't vote.

Does that confuse things even more?

Same here but I did vote

 

[Charles Morgan]

I've owned both (and more than one of each) but didn't vote.

Does that confuse things even more?

Ditto.

 

[V12]

Like Will and Charles I didn't vote despite setting the vote up myself and having owned more than just a couple of each.

 

[trapperjohn]

I wonder how many of the people who have voted have actually owned both a 124 & a 210?

Owned both and voted.

 

[johnsco]

We've had three 210s and a 124 (a 230TE).
All bought towards the end of their lives for not-a-lot-of-money.
I've put 5 front wings on the three 210s ..... a pair, a pair and a single.
My present high-mileage E300TD is now looking very shabby (although the wings are OK).
The 230TE really needed two front wings and also needed the rear suspension pipes replacing, so I didn't keep it long.
After my W126, I found the 230TE disappointing in terms of performance, facilities and fuel economy.
The 126 was a class-act.
The 230TE always seemed a bit quaint and utilitarian.
The 210s are neither quaint nor utilitarian.
They are good work-horses, they have plenty of power, and the fuel economy of both the E300TDs and the E430 are acceptable for a large vehicle.
BUT ... The 210s will never be remembered as a great MB classic.
I haven't voted.
The car for my retirement is a 126.

 

[219]

I wonder how many of the people who have voted have actually owned both a 124 & a 210?

I've owned four W124's ( one from 3 years old to 17 years old ) and have driven/been driven in countless others .

I avoided buying a W210 , but have sat in many and driven several .

 

[jaymanek]

Can't beat a w124!

 

[219]

Can't beat a w124!

The 124 is probably a good compromise between the older Mercs : Ponton , Fintail , New Generation , and the newer stuff .

I'm undecided about the W123 as , despite being solidly engineered , in terms of driving dynamics it was a step back to the Fintail era ; the W124 , I feel , was the true successor to the W114/5 in terms of road holding/handling and 'chuckability' .

A good W201 is one of the best all-rounders

 

[V12]

Just a shame that the W201 is so tiny compared to modern standards.

The W124 also feels quite cramped if you travel as a family.

 

[jamesfuller]

Just a shame that the W201 is so tiny compared to modern standards.

The W124 also feels quite cramped if you travel as a family.

I think the 124 seems big inside because of the old school low wasteline making it light and airy.
Modern cars with huge, high dashboards and door trims seem to enclose around the driver.

I say seems big, but I do notice when I get back in the 126 I can really streeeetch out.

 

[RKC-benz]

Just a shame that the W201 is so tiny compared to modern standards. The W124 also feels quite cramped if you travel as a family.

Is your other car a roller?

 

[E55BOF]

...are deemed worthy of being a collectable and will maintain and increase in value. No 210, including the E55 will ever be considered as such.

Ed A.

Say that again in ten years' time, and you may hear laughter. Particularly the AMGs...

 

[markjay]

I voted W124 but this does not mean much... the Alfa Romeo 2000 was a small cramped rust bucket with dodgy mechanics and woeful electrics, yet I would by one in a heartbeat...