As you may know, I am the proud owner of a 1982 Mercedes 240d (W123). I like that car very much.

So naturally, when 1974 240d (W115) showed up on Craigslist in Boston, I had to go take a look. I mean doesn't every W123 owner ask "What if I think my car isn't old enough, isn't slow enough, and isn't simple enough?"

I went into the test drive feeling rather cocky. I know all about how these things drive. How different can it be? It has the same motor and tranny for god's sake. When the owner asked me if I've driven one before, I said "of course" and grabbed the keys.

I couldn't start it. I mean just like my 240d, you put the key in, and turn to the right. However, there's no "start" position in the switch. You can turn the key to the right all you want, and nothing will happen. I tried everything… put the car in neutral, stepped on the clutch … nothing.

Apparently it has no vacuum system (Woot! One less thing to break). Apparently it has no glow plug light either. What it has instead is a big round black knob. So the starting procedure goes a bit like this: Insert key and turn to on position. Slide the tranny into neutral. Step down on the clutch. Now, with one hand holding the wheel for balance, use your other hand to pull the black knob half way out and hold it there. This sends electricity to the glow plugs. Remember, there is no glow plug light. Instead, you have this piece of metal between the gauges that literally turns red from the heat when the glow plugs are warm. Metal turns red, you're ready to start. At this point, you pull the knob all the way out and the motor cranks and POOF! Starts right up with a cloud of black smoke. Lovely.

Another amusement is that Mercedes removed a lot of the safety crap when they built the next model! The '74 doesn't let you start the car if the seatbelt isn't bulked. If you take the seatbelt off after the car is on, the thing buzzes like made when you move the gear level in any direction from neutral. There is also a big fasten seatbelts light smack in the middle of the dashboard. Finally, the clutch pedal needs to be engaged for the starter motor to crank. NONE of this is in my '82…

That's progress.

Interestingly, the '74 doesn't feel all that much slower than my car. I mean, I realize we're comparing different breads of turtle here, but I thought there would be a bigger difference. The transmission feels similar, and the motor has the same classic non-turbo clatter.

Overall, the '74 doesn't present itself as an inferior option to the later model. In fact, in many ways, it feels tougher, and more resilient. If it weren't for the more expensive parts, it would not be a more challenging ownership proposition.

As for me, however, no thanks. I'm sticking with the W123.