I am looking to buy an old 300SD. I have two in mind (both are same price), but need advice on which seems like the better choice.

Choice 1: 1982 300SD (W126 chassis); 273,000 miles, new trans, brakes, and glow plugs; needs new paint and upholstery and very minor body work (though frame is fine).

Choice 2: 1979 300SD (W116); 248,000 miles; engine in great shape; paint and interior in very good condition.

On the surface, the 1979 seems better, but the early '80s 300SD are supposed to be excellent as far as durability. Based on this info, what do you think?

 

I believe both of them have the same drive-train?
The rest is just cosmetics.

 

Here is the response I got from another forum:
He said the 126 is a better car because: "...newer design, better systems, better climate control, bigger brakes, better handling, better ergonomics, bigger, more comfortable interior, I could go on and on."

So I am still confused...

 

"Better" is hard to definite word. I used to own 83 on 123 chassis and 93, what was 12...?
In my case the 93, being smaller car with more powerful engine and much better economy was better, but bigger interior is not something you use on everyday driving (although I am using wagons in my business). Test drive both cars and see which one you like better. If you are still undecided >>>> flip the coin.

 

All depends on what you are looking for. Both cars are both just about the same durability. (Bad grammar somewhere.) I guess it just come down to which one looks better to you. The W116 or the W126 body style. The W126 is more advanced as far as comfort and safety features true, just as the 1992 is more advanced than the 1982 and the 2002 is more advanced than the 1992 but that doens't concretely means that the more adavenced one is a better car. It's about peronal taste. Drive each one and then decide. If ya still stuck in a rut, flip a coin and you still won't regret your decision. (Or you could always get both of them.)