pushed my 1989 190e2.6 to about 195kph (122mph) but backed off after a few seconds as visions of my license and insurance premiums flashed before my eyes. Rated top speed is 208kph (130mph), and since i have a 5speed manual, i had a lot of headroom below the redline. The car is quite drag-limited, and the wind roar becomes significant at this speed. The car was very stable, though, and did not break a sweat. I should try it in 4th gear ...

souped-up hondas can easily outsprint me in city traffic. And because of the upright-sedan/tall-greenhouse profile of my car, plus the stock quiet mufflers and stock ride height, it is not perceived by those drivers as a threat to them. In city driving, they simply assume that my car is not up to it (they can't read the "2.6" on the right of the trunk from a distance) and just try to zip around me, the sound of their 4-inch wannabe mufflers betraying their intentions. My car is sluggish off the line, and i never win stoplight shootouts. But once i get into 2nd gear, i can boogie with them, and sometimes i do. Just don't throw me a lot of corners.

But if i'm on the highway, and i show up in their mirrors without even tailgating, somehow they know what a benz can do and invariably move aside. (do other benz drivers experience this, or am i really tailgating?)

and what to do when they do move aside? Uphold the benz reputation, take the pedal to the metal, sliding past them while making sure you look very relaxed (the upright seating position helps), and disappear into the distance to *tailgate* the next group of cars.

I believe it's the knowledge that these german cars are built for this speed and can sustain life near the redline, and have the chassis for high-speed stability, that gives me confidence and satisfaction. This, plus the inline-6 that seems happiest from 3000-5000rpm.

i would be interested in knowing what kind of treatment other benz drivers get on the road, in the city and on the highway ...