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+--- Thread: W126 vs W123 (/showthread.php?tid=850)
W126 vs W123 - JB3 - 11-17-2009
So, im keeping my eye open for another turbo diesel powered by a 617 for the future, and im considering looking into 300SD models vs 300Ds.
I have never owned or even been inside a 300SD, but there are a couple of reasons, 1, they appear to be generally cheaper in my area than a 123 chassis, 2, it appears to be a bigger, more comfortable car, and since my use would generally be highway road trip stuff, that would be desirable.
Anyone have any thoughts on a comparison of the two models?
RE: W126 vs W123 - MB TECH - 11-17-2009
126 body cars are pretty sweet as far as ride quality and possible options, it is a heavier car so you can expect less fuel economy than a 123. Its all your personal opinion on the choice, I prefer the 123 for better mileage and smaller car, but definitely would not mind a 126 for a road trip car.
RE: W126 vs W123 - JB3 - 11-17-2009
Is it a pretty similar drivetrain using the same engine? I know I personally have pilfered an SD rear end for a project, and it was generally identical for bolting up and everything. Do they share similar automatic transmissions?
What about the suspension? is it hydraulic, air, or spring?
How about the space in the engine compartment? Its got that wrap around firewall deal going on I have seen from pictures, but is there additional space in there over a 123 for modding?
RE: W126 vs W123 - 300SD81 - 11-17-2009
Same engine, transmission, lots of interchangable parts. Spring suspension unless you get a 500, which had SLS as an option. Plenty of space in the engine compartment, more than a 123 as far as I can tell.
RE: W126 vs W123 - ForcedInduction - 11-17-2009
Bigger engine bay, better aerodynamics, more comfortable and more body modification options.
City economy will be lower due to weight, but highway economy will be better from the aerodynamics.
RE: W126 vs W123 - willbhere4u - 11-17-2009
our 81 w126 300sd got 23 city and 28 highway on average! great cars
RE: W126 vs W123 - JB3 - 11-17-2009
Sounds like im eventually in the market for a 126!
RE: W126 vs W123 - JB3 - 12-10-2009
Ok, so now the dilemma is a W126 vs a W115 or W114.
Here are my possible eventual plans for the two model types-
With a W126, I would convert it to manual transmission and start doing basic mods to the engine. The advantage to this body style would be generally decent level of technology, lots of available parts/mods/upgrades, Excellent space, and generally higher starting level of comfort and finish. Plus this car would be basically a daily driver from start to finish
With a W115/114, I would find a parts car, gut the vehicle, drop in a 617 mounted to a manual transmission and over time upgrade and modify. A smaller car would be faster, probably more fun to drive, I personally think is more attractive than the 126, and would be a far more involved challenge for modernization and modification. This would probably be undriveable for quite some time, and require a dedicated personal garage to do it, which I don't currently have.
Drive trains for both options would eventually be basically the same, but would require more or less work.
any opinions?
RE: W126 vs W123 - benztek - 12-11-2009
I prefer the 126. Simply because I just cant seem to get comfortable in a 123. The 126 has plenty of room for the whole family and the ride is great.
RE: W126 vs W123 - winmutt - 12-15-2009
My buddy has a 80k SD with all the trimmings and it is quite a fine specimen of car.
RE: W126 vs W123 - CID Vicious - 12-17-2009
If you're just looking for a cruiser and want a bigger back seat, the 126 is great. So long as you don't mind the more complicated, high-end-luxo equipment (or, rather, repairing it), it's not a bad choice.
However, as any kind of a performance option, it's going backwards in comparison to the 123. It's an uphill battle with a 123, it's an over battle with a 126. Everything you'd do to a 126 to improve it's performance would yield better results with the 123, mostly due to weight. Plus they're generally simpler cars. The 126 is just a 123 writ large - and heavy.
I personally don't find the 123 lacking at all in front seat comfort and I'm 6'2" with wide shoulders. Since I rarely spend the extra money on the road for a hotel, I sleep in the car, and the 123's stock seat is the best front seat of any car I've ever had to sleep in. The back seat kind of leaves more to be desired but that's not my domain anyway
But then again, my previous car was a Civic coupe, so I'm not afraid of a smaller car I guess.
RE: W126 vs W123 - JB3 - 01-03-2010
guy has a slate gray 1981 300SD for sale, 125,000 miles, "no rust, no dents", missing radio and antenna for 1000 bucks. Sound like a deal? I have no idea of the value of these cars.
RE: W126 vs W123 - CID Vicious - 01-09-2010
Assuming CNY is Central New York, that's not a bad price to pay at all. Hell, that's not a bad price to pay out here in SoCal.
RE: W126 vs W123 - winmutt - 01-14-2010
If it really has no rust and that is the actual mileage thats a steal anywhere in the country IMO.
RE: W126 vs W123 - JB3 - 01-14-2010
must have sold, no longer on NYC craigslist.