300D Vs. 300TD - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

dwninit2001 · #1 02-22-2009, 10:41 PM

Yes I meanturbo vs non-turbo
...Is everyone in that much of a hurry? Why not enjoy the meander of the Mercedes? Seems to me that just about everyone prefers the turbo. Please tell me why.

We recently purchased an '80 300D and luvin' it. Needs some TLC and enjoying the learning process. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. My wife found on Craigslist and I was not sure

but wow this stuff is neat!

nickofoxford · #2 02-22-2009, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwninit2001

Seems to me that just about everyone prefers the turbo.

Try one out if you haven't. It's the spool down of the turbo every time you stop.. the way it almost pushes you back in your seat.. and more stuff to look at while you and your buds stand back with the hood 90 degrees having a smoke.

I drive a 240d (no turbo

), and the difference from that and my friend's 300dt (turbo

) is amazing. It's a lot to do with your driving habits, im a lot more relaxed and I enjoy tooting along in the 240d.

Just wait, you'll have a driveway full of these things eventually

fruitcakesa · #3 02-22-2009, 11:04 PM

I have 2 - 240s and appreciate the relaxed driving and ultimate simplicity but I can get my turbo thrill from my TDI and Cummins

kerry · #4 02-22-2009, 11:12 PM

Jimmy, where art thou???

(300TD=wagon)

nickofoxford · #5 02-22-2009, 11:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fruitcakesa

I have 2 - 240s and appreciate the relaxed driving and ultimate simplicity but I can get my turbo thrill from my TDI and Cummins

Yeah the 240d isn't the ideal "sh** im late for school" kinda ride, but it keeps me out of trouble other than cops trying to get me for noise violations, she flares

nickofoxford · #6 02-22-2009, 11:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

Jimmy, where art thou???

(300TD=wagon)

haha I guess he means 300DT?

el sea · #7 02-22-2009, 11:16 PM

My 76' 240D, non-turbo
My 76' Thompson Trawler with a 4-53 Detroit Diesel, non-turbo
My 65' British Seagull outboard, non-turbo

all allow me to take my time and enjoy the roses.......

Of course my 07' Dodge 5.7 hemi
and my 04' VW TDI are a different story,
but I manage to keep a soft foot on the pedal.

kerry · #8 02-22-2009, 11:35 PM

One big downside for non-turbos is performance at altitude. I'm guessing the trawler pretty much stays at sea level?

husk · #9 02-23-2009, 12:14 AM

I too prefer the naturally aspirated diesels to the turbo's.....I have noticed my IM and EGR's stay a lot cleaner on the non turbo compared to the turbo's.....Not to mention the fuel mileage is much better. I think the N/A diesels make much more pleasant noises under throttle too! I have noticed most of the high mileage 700k+ Mercedes diesels are usually N/A and not turbocharged....I think its safe to say that a Turbo Diesel for the most part will have a shorter lifespan than a n/a diesel, there is just too many components under stress.

JimmyL · #10 02-23-2009, 12:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dwninit2001

Is everyone in that much of a hurry? Why not enjoy the meander of the Mercedes? Seems to me that just about everyone prefers the turbo. Please tell me why.

We recently purchased an '80 300D and luvin' it. Needs some TLC and enjoying the learning process. Any tips would be greatly appreciated. My wife found on Craigslist and I was not sure

but wow this stuff is neat! Yes I mean turbo vs non-turbo...

Quote:

Originally Posted by kerry

Jimmy, where art thou???

(300TD=wagon)

OK grasshopper, MB school is in session:
300TD is a wagon [touring diesel]
A W123 300D from '77 to '81 is a non-turbo
A w123 300D from '82 to '85 is a turbo
Mercedes never used a rogue "T" to denote "Turbo"

Now, on to things with more importance:
There is nothing on this planet wrong with an NA [normally aspirated} 300D. They have a little lower rear end ratio which for city driving makes them a bit peppier off the line. Highway cruising can also be done into the 80's without issue.
Sure, a turbo diesel is a bit faster, but all are slow compared to gassers so it is a bit of a moot point. There is very little my '85 300TD [wagon, with turbo] can do that my '80 300TD [wagon without turbo] could do. [except not smoke, but that is a different story altogether]
Enjoy the extra room in the engine bay on the non-turbo. Enjoy never having to find out why you lost boost. Enjoy never having to repair your turbo oil drain leaking. Enjoy not being tempted to tweak your alda. Enjoy not being tempted to throw in that rogue "T".
I'm always watching, and I'm developing minions.........

Oh, one thing about your '80 300D: Do a search on "Evil Servo". Oh dear.....

KAdams4458 · #11 02-23-2009, 01:14 AM

I knew as soon as I saw the rogue T that JimmyL would be posting. I find myself looking forward to those posts. Sick, eh?

You know, I have an NA 300D, and I feel that it's slow enough to be dangerous in some situations. There are plenty of entrance ramps around my area that aren't long enough to get the car up to match traffic speeds, which can make for some hairy situations. For the short time I actively drove it, I actually avoided certain entrance ramps at some times of the day, because hitting the highway at 40 when traffic is running at 65 or faster was just asking for a collision.

I'll miss the simplicity of the NA engine, but I'm very close to just swapping a turbo motor in. Now, if I was dealing with all country roads and around town driving with rare highway use, the NA would be excellent. Sadly, I don't have the option of driving on such roads.

JimmyL · #12 02-23-2009, 01:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KAdams4458

I knew as soon as I saw the rogue T that JimmyL would be posting. I find myself looking forward to those posts. Sick, eh?

Yes, it is sick, but take heart, not as sick as me actually addressing the rogue "T" situation. I've been taking a much lower key approach, but sometimes my brethren call me to action.

You can always tell when somebody doesn't have a 240D. They mention the slowness of an NA 300D.

Step up to the 67hp fury of a 240 if you want entrance ramp fun.

And to be honest, I'm in the DFW area and there just is never a problem. It isn't like the freeways are usually up to speed anyway, but if they are it just is never an issue. Sure, you can't surgically implant yourself like an AMG probably can, but you know what you got, and you know how to fit it where it needs to go. It is just that simple.

pawoSD · #13 02-23-2009, 02:38 AM

A 240d is a good way to get killed around here on some of the on-ramps....we're talking, curved, short, UPHILL onramps....with a bazillion cars and trucks roaring past at 60+ mph.....I can just barely break 65 on the ramp right near my house if I wind out 3rd....in my 300SD.....our 300E can easily take it at 75-80....its too easy in that car. (boring) I can leave a normal onramp at 90+ if I want in that car....

Hurrah for JimmyL.....take out those Rogue "T" users!! Just send darth servo their way.

t walgamuth · #14 02-23-2009, 06:01 AM

I have the 83 240 with the euro 300 na engine, a 307 rear end and five speed. Taking off in first is a little dicey but once moving its fine. Let it rev out a bit in the gears and its adeauately quick, a bit quicker than a 240 and very very quiet. Economy exceeds a 240 a bit around town 21 to 22 and on the highway mid thirties routinely.

I like the turbos too but this is fine. I am not in a big hurry.

If I wanna drive fast I can take my miata to an autocross, or my 95 chevy wagon with the LT1 on the street if I wanna burn up some gasoline.

For everyday driving the na diesel is just right for me.

vstech · #15 02-23-2009, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by t walgamuth

I have the 83 240 with the euro 300 na engine, a 307 rear end and five speed. Taking off in first is a little dicey but once moving its fine. Let it rev out a bit in the gears and its adeauately quick, a bit quicker than a 240 and very very quiet. Economy exceeds a 240 a bit around town 21 to 22 and on the highway mid thirties routinely.

I like the turbos too but this is fine. I am not in a big hurry.

If I wanna drive fast I can take my miata to an autocross, or my 95 chevy wagon with the LT1 on the street if I wanna burn up some gasoline.

For everyday driving the na diesel is just right for me.

t, how do you like driving your euro? my 84 240 5speed is simply awesome! I can't wait to get it on the road. you like the 3.07 rear? I was thinking of it, but hadn't decided firmly on it yet... I have driven a 79TD, automatic, and like the acceleration of the shorter gears, but understand the stick will be more difficult... dropping down to the 240 more so... but it's a euro with the m style pump, so maybe peppier than the american 240's... we'll see... I'm thinking I'll kick it up to 3.47 from the auto n/a, and see how I like it, then try the 3.07, and maybe even try a 2.88, and if I get REALLY crazy, I also have a 2.47 to test out... fun fun fun.