Why do I often prefer driving the inferior car? - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

shertex · #1 03-13-2013, 07:25 PM

I have a 1991 300D that's virtually perfect with only 105,000 miles. It's just a fabulous car. (Also have a 92 300D that's just as good but with higher mileage.)

BUT, most days I find myself hopping into the 1983 240D manual. I wonder why. It's clearly the inferior car...though I realize not all would agree.

Maybe I love having a manual again....maybe I like saving the miles on the 300D...maybe I like that go-cart puttering feel...maybe since I'm not keeping it long term I want to drive it as much as I can....maybe I like the retro feel to it.

Probably all of the above....but I do find it odd.

Adv_rider · #2 03-13-2013, 08:02 PM

Maybe you are a good salesman and this thread is to start promoting your car?

JK

whunter · #3 03-13-2013, 08:06 PM

You can't fool me !!

* The clatter.
* Ability to smoke tailgaters.
* Manual shift.
* Feeling of driving a bank vault.

You will not convince me a 240D is the inferior car.

Comparing fish with poultry is more accurate.
The 240D is an elegant vehicle doing an amazing range of hard work without complaint.
You know with a little care, the family will enjoy it for generations.

.

GregMN · #4 03-13-2013, 08:08 PM

When you drive the old beater and you arrive at your destination, you feel like you accomplished something.

TheDon · #5 03-13-2013, 08:09 PM

I'd drive a 240D 4 speed every day if I had one over my '87

uberwasser · #6 03-13-2013, 08:13 PM

If nothing else, old cars have a character. They drive with a story. It's fun to be along for the continuation of it.

Volker · #7 03-13-2013, 08:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by uberwasser

If nothing else, old cars have a character. They drive with a story. It's fun to be along for the continuation of it.

Sure but we are talking about a 22 year old car and a 32 year old car they are all old and with character

It is just that maybe the 91 has a respectable character and the 240 D makes you look like a swearing, chainsmoking Lebanese taxi driver

But we are all a chainsmoking swearing Lebanese taxi driver on the inside

Skid Row Joe · #8 03-13-2013, 08:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by shertex

I have a 1991 300D that's virtually perfect with only 105,000 miles. It's just a fabulous car. (Also have a 92 300D that's just as good but with higher mileage.)

BUT, most days I find myself hopping into the 1983 240D manual. I wonder why. It's clearly the inferior car...though I realize not all would agree.

Maybe I love having a manual again....maybe I like saving the miles on the 300D...maybe I like that go-cart puttering feel...maybe since I'm not keeping it long term I want to drive it as much as I can....maybe I like the retro feel to it.

Probably all of the above....but I do find it odd.

Perhaps you have too many good choices at hand to drive what you want to?

The MB 240D (esp. stick-shift) is perhaps the most cost efficient diesel-powered MB built to own and operate all-around, in automotive history. Just ask Roy (whunter) what he thinks about that.

Quote:

Originally Posted by GregMN

When you drive the old beater and you arrive at your destination, you feel like you accomplished something.

That, the $s you have into it, AND the cost to operate. All good in an old 240D.

Quote:

Originally Posted by uberwasser

If nothing else, old cars have a character. They drive with a story. It's fun to be along for the continuation of it.

When it's a 240D, I don't see many cars being able to compete with it for value, excepting perhaps other MB diesels.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Volker

Sure but we are talking about a 22 year old car and a 32 year old car they are all old and with character

It is just that maybe the 91 has a respectable character and the 240 D makes you look like a swearing, chainsmoking Lebanese taxi driver

But we are all a chainsmoking swearing Lebanese taxi driver on the inside

There may be a measure of truth in that......

shertex · #9 03-13-2013, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Adv_rider

Maybe you are a good salesman and this thread is to start promoting your car?

JK

I hadn't thought of that!

Probably at least a subconscious motive....

The deal I have with my wife is that I can get a third diesel, keep it for a while, then sell it. I really am having fun with this 240D, though.

shertex · #10 03-13-2013, 09:10 PM

The coolest part about it is that 1983 is the year we got married and the year we graduated from college....I've already told my wife that that's the one we're using for our 30th anniversary dinner!

NC-Diesel · #11 03-13-2013, 09:53 PM

This is why I have 3 240's!! It's a patience car! It teaches you patience! Plus I always feel I should have on a tweed jacket and a newsboy hat when driving it...

anghrist · #12 03-13-2013, 10:06 PM

I think that your definition of inferior needs a fair amount of adjustment.

shertex · #13 03-13-2013, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NC-Diesel

This is why I have 3 240's!! It's a patience car! It teaches you patience! Plus I always feel I should have on a tweed jacket and a newsboy hat when driving it...

That's true....and it forces me to relax and not be in a hurry.

shertex · #14 03-13-2013, 10:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by anghrist

I think that your definition of inferior needs a fair amount of adjustment.

Nah....I'm convinced the 300D is clearly the superior car. But I'm sure I've been drinking the W124 koolaid for a long time.

barry12345 · #15 03-13-2013, 11:23 PM

. You do have to drive the 240ds to get where you are going or more so than most cars. Kind of puts some of the fun back into driving

Same chassis as the five cylinders yet because of less engine mass and perhaps even less transmission weight as well. They feel much differant than the five cylinder 123s to me at least.