Hello, I'd like to become owner of a Mercedes E,
but I'm not decided on the model yet.

This won't be an expensive model, but and older and cheap one.
I want to decide between the later W124 or the early W210 (the W210 will be more expensive, surely)

So let's take for example 1995 W124 and 1996 W210 - what would be the differences between these
(with the similar engines, let's assume they are both diesels, for example W124 250D and W210 220D)

I have heard that the W124 is the 'old school', sturdier, more reliable model.
The exterior design doesn't interest me, I like the 'round' W210 and the edgy W124 too,

but what about engine quality, rusting of the bodywork, suspension quality, security (of me and the passengers), service cost
compared of these two models?

Thanks