I didn't post this in either the W123 or W124 sections, thought this was the place. If not, please move to the appropriate section, thanks.
I'm really on the fence about this one. Will be purchasing either a W123 or W124 Estate in the near future, but not sure which one to get. Will be using it to drive from Seattle to Los Angeles (1,200mi) about 4 times a year, plus using the car daily in the local LA or Seattle area. It will get used a lot. There are a series of moderate mountains with curves in southern Oregon/northern California, very enjoyable to run through. I drive generally very fast, and having a 1.9L Jetta TDi presently, learned over time how to make up for a lack of power (though that li'l rascal is quite 'torquey') with momentum. The dilemma is this: generally from my research I've found that the OM617 is more reliable than the OM603 (#14 head, rod-bender), but I gather that the W124 estate will have substantially more power, quieter, more comfortable, and better driving dynamics for my purpose (mountains, curves, most comfort over long distances, daily local use) than a W123. But the W123 is quite a bit 'more reliable' (iron head, etc.), parts more plentiful.
Is the W124/OM603 enough of a 'better' car for my purpose to deal with known 603 engine issues, or is it only marginally better than the W123/OM617, thus making the W123 the better choice? I'd be grateful for specifically the input of those who have driven both and can tell me how much 'better' for my purposes the W124 Estate is than the W123 Estate. Is it? Of course all constructive input on this subject is most gratefully welcome.
I'm really on the fence about this one. Will be purchasing either a W123 or W124 Estate in the near future, but not sure which one to get. Will be using it to drive from Seattle to Los Angeles (1,200mi) about 4 times a year, plus using the car daily in the local LA or Seattle area. It will get used a lot. There are a series of moderate mountains with curves in southern Oregon/northern California, very enjoyable to run through. I drive generally very fast, and having a 1.9L Jetta TDi presently, learned over time how to make up for a lack of power (though that li'l rascal is quite 'torquey') with momentum. The dilemma is this: generally from my research I've found that the OM617 is more reliable than the OM603 (#14 head, rod-bender), but I gather that the W124 estate will have substantially more power, quieter, more comfortable, and better driving dynamics for my purpose (mountains, curves, most comfort over long distances, daily local use) than a W123. But the W123 is quite a bit 'more reliable' (iron head, etc.), parts more plentiful.
Is the W124/OM603 enough of a 'better' car for my purpose to deal with known 603 engine issues, or is it only marginally better than the W123/OM617, thus making the W123 the better choice? I'd be grateful for specifically the input of those who have driven both and can tell me how much 'better' for my purposes the W124 Estate is than the W123 Estate. Is it? Of course all constructive input on this subject is most gratefully welcome.