Mercedes W124 or Fiesta XR2?
Discussion
Hi all,
The time's coming up where I'd like to change my current car (2003 Ford Focus) for something more interesting. I've narrowed down my choices to a Mercedes W124 300CE or a MK2 Fiesta XR2.
In my mind, the XR2 has the edge in simplicity, reliability, fuel economy and DIY-ness, with the downsides of being unrefined, easy to steal and rusting as you look at them.
The W124 has the edge in refinement, comfort, power and security, but I'm worried but the long-term reliability implications, i.e. blown head gasket, broken reverse clutch/band (£1000+ each to fix).
Current mileage is around 7-8000 miles a year, all sorts of roads.
I would enjoy driving both, but can't afford nor have the space for both.
Which one would PH have?
If neither, alternatives?
Any help much appreciated
The time's coming up where I'd like to change my current car (2003 Ford Focus) for something more interesting. I've narrowed down my choices to a Mercedes W124 300CE or a MK2 Fiesta XR2.
In my mind, the XR2 has the edge in simplicity, reliability, fuel economy and DIY-ness, with the downsides of being unrefined, easy to steal and rusting as you look at them.
The W124 has the edge in refinement, comfort, power and security, but I'm worried but the long-term reliability implications, i.e. blown head gasket, broken reverse clutch/band (£1000+ each to fix).
Current mileage is around 7-8000 miles a year, all sorts of roads.
I would enjoy driving both, but can't afford nor have the space for both.
Which one would PH have?
If neither, alternatives?
Any help much appreciated
Edited by awesomechairs on Thursday 28th August 15:27
JakeT said:
XR2. Love them dearly. Just Waxoyl everything. How did you end up with these choices? They're almost polar opposites.
I've always quite wanted an XR2, but never really got round to looking for one. As for the W124, I was looking around to see if there were any other older cars I liked the look of, came across people gushing about it, read up and liked what I saw.Pappagallo said:
Here's an XR2 I saw at the weekend. Very cool I think.
First saw one when I was about 8, thought it was the coolest thing.I've had a few XR2s and kit cars based around them, my current Quantum is all Mk2 Fiesta based.
The thing is, you'll find quite quickly how used you are to power steering. Even on little 13s, your forearms will soon be feeling it.
If you're not bothered about that, crack on - they're fun enough in their own way. Many of them kicking around now minus the old 92hp CVH favouring a 130hp Zetec. Mine has the CVH turbo engine in with a few mods and it's respectable acceleration against current cars on the roads.
If you want to go really old school, find a set of Weber twin 40 DCNFs or Dellortos, look into a Kent CVH22K cam kit and a decent exhaust and you'll find plenty of smiles
Out of all the XRs, Quantums and the like, to be honest I wouldnt pick up the keys to them if I actually needed to get somewhere, only if I wasnt fussed either way and could get recovered back to pick up another car
The thing is, you'll find quite quickly how used you are to power steering. Even on little 13s, your forearms will soon be feeling it.
If you're not bothered about that, crack on - they're fun enough in their own way. Many of them kicking around now minus the old 92hp CVH favouring a 130hp Zetec. Mine has the CVH turbo engine in with a few mods and it's respectable acceleration against current cars on the roads.
If you want to go really old school, find a set of Weber twin 40 DCNFs or Dellortos, look into a Kent CVH22K cam kit and a decent exhaust and you'll find plenty of smiles
Out of all the XRs, Quantums and the like, to be honest I wouldnt pick up the keys to them if I actually needed to get somewhere, only if I wasnt fussed either way and could get recovered back to pick up another car
Depends what sort of car you want - they are polar opposites.
Nothing sporty about a W124 - it's a relaxing cruiser designed for long motorway / A-road journeys. Decent performance if required but Mercs 4-speed auto is slow to change down and starts off in second gear unless booted, so it's not going to feel very lively in normal driving.
If you want a retro hot hatch, why not go for the Peugeot 205GTI? I like the old XR2s as much as any child of the 1980s but they can't compete with the 205 which is faster and more responsive and has a timeless style and appeal. More likely to hold it's value or appreciate in future as well I reckon.
Nothing sporty about a W124 - it's a relaxing cruiser designed for long motorway / A-road journeys. Decent performance if required but Mercs 4-speed auto is slow to change down and starts off in second gear unless booted, so it's not going to feel very lively in normal driving.
If you want a retro hot hatch, why not go for the Peugeot 205GTI? I like the old XR2s as much as any child of the 1980s but they can't compete with the 205 which is faster and more responsive and has a timeless style and appeal. More likely to hold it's value or appreciate in future as well I reckon.
andy-xr said:
Out of all the XRs, Quantums and the like, to be honest I wouldnt pick up the keys to them if I actually needed to get somewhere, only if I wasnt fussed either way and could get recovered back to pick up another car
That's just down to maintenance though. XRs were daily drivers for many back in the day and looked after properly still can be.That said MB would be my choice, more chance of finding one that hasn't been buggered about with.
Edited by OldBuoy on Thursday 28th August 15:11
OldBuoy said:
That's just down to maintenance though
Yep, I'd agree with that, but with an add-on that the dealer parts network doesnt exist so when things start to go wrong you're kind of on your own (forums and old mechanics can help) but availability of parts can slow things down - for a daily it's not great if you're waiting for someone on a forum to take the bit you need off their car and send it to you before you can get back on the road again! andy-xr said:
Yep, I'd agree with that, but with an add-on that the dealer parts network doesnt exist so when things start to go wrong you're kind of on your own (forums and old mechanics can help) but availability of parts can slow things down - for a daily it's not great if you're waiting for someone on a forum to take the bit you need off their car and send it to you before you can get back on the road again!
Really? I thought parts for old Fords were still fairly available.andy-xr said:
OldBuoy said:
That's just down to maintenance though
Yep, I'd agree with that, but with an add-on that the dealer parts network doesnt exist so when things start to go wrong you're kind of on your own (forums and old mechanics can help) but availability of parts can slow things down - for a daily it's not great if you're waiting for someone on a forum to take the bit you need off their car and send it to you before you can get back on the road again! So MB 124 wins it. I would also consider a 190e
don't know anything about the w124, have quite a bit to do with xr2's (neighbour and best mate both have them) xr2's are lovely cars and the few times ive been let loose in them it does make you want one. they drive like a go kart and make a lovely sound and smell, downside is RUST and price.
my neighbours one is a pampered example and set him back 5 grand and still needed a tiny bit of preventitive work done. my mates owes him around 10k as its fully restored and had engine work done.
if you can find a cheap one your best to have a rolling-resto or run it into the ground, if it wasn't for price i would more than likely own one myself.
my neighbours one is a pampered example and set him back 5 grand and still needed a tiny bit of preventitive work done. my mates owes him around 10k as its fully restored and had engine work done.
if you can find a cheap one your best to have a rolling-resto or run it into the ground, if it wasn't for price i would more than likely own one myself.
Gassing Station | General Gassing | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff