Don't miss episode 3 - th-cam.com/video/2NGOHDXTV_w/w-d-xo.html and episode 1 - th-cam.com/video/qYSsSeBCS1U/w-d-xo.html Please like, subscribe & contribute towards the next episode if you can (links in description). It genuinely helps us produce more episodes!
I must say, I love this car, the one I have now is a 240D from 1978 with 189.000 km, I'm 22 and I never wanted a sofisticate modern car just like everyone at my age wants, it's that kind of elegant car that gets you from A to B, never dies and attracts a lot of attention.
I have the 1983 240D manual 4sp only 92k on clock not only do I love it but my 10yo grandson has told his mother it's his when I'm deid! As an auld engineer , electric cars are the work of the devil. ... up there with wind turbines. Warms my heart to hear a young fellow appreciate these cars.
Had a 240 sedan. Thrilled it passed to the ex wife at divorce. The 123 was F 1 in comparison. Working my way backwards to a 123. Have a 126 with 520,000 miles. Basic proper maintenance, runs beautifully.
I can vouch for the undestructibility of the W123. Hit one head on (well slightly to drivers side of the front to be exact) in a Nissan Micra about 20 years ago. I was fine, bruised and extremely shaken. If I had a passenger they would have lost their legs. Micra was totalled - front and rear windscreens shattered, very little of the passenger side left, oil and glass all over the road and into the field that it spun into. W123 had a bent bumper and a very small amount of smoke out of the radiator. The old boy driving it was equally as unaffected. The police (once we both passed the breathe test) were quite amusing.
Wow. WOW. My first car back in 1988 when I was 17 was an immaculate P Reg (1976) metallic brown (well, sort of metallic) Volvo 240 saloon, (not a fancy face lift estate like this one). My dad got it for me for next to nothing thinking that I could not be anything but utterly safe in it. And he was right. I loved that car more than my baby brother. It was beautiful!
But...Quentin Willson (does he ever age?) is talking absolute salesman's guff about the range of those Teslas. Anyway, give me a 1976 Volvo 240 any day. You're all welcome to the future. Have at it!
Oh I loved my 245. Had to sell it eventually as the care it needed to get it back to reliable and economical daily running was just beyond me at that time. I wish I could have hung on to The Tank and slowly done the work needed. Maybe one day I shall get another. And oh, I'm 55 and far from being a hipster.
chris jones yeah some might be safer, however many are cheaper, lower build quality, and less safe, even SUVs are rolling over and breaking apart all over the place though. But yeah, key word “some” Gotta admit the crumple zones are pretty impressive especially for the Volvo 240
Excellent, more please. Brilliant format. I was slow in finding your new platform , we need to get a lot more people viewing it, they won't be disappointed!!
Very pleased you enjoyed them! As we have no sponsors, future episodes are funded by viewer contributions via the links in the description above. If we can raise enough, we’ll surely produce more.
I just found your channel and love it. You and Edd with the MGB and Fiat was great. I have had my 72 Harvest Gold B for 40 years and would never get rid of it as long as I can drive! I was really looking forward to this episode as I did own a 79 300D that I also loved, but was a little disappointed that it was cut short to focus on the Tesla. Better luck next time?
Thanks so much for the kind words. We're working hard to crowdfund additional episodes (links in the description above). We'll do everything we can to bring you more!
Glad I found this channel, and I am subscribed. But please review sound recording levels for future, as the volume needed almost max just to hear normally. Thanks.
The early Model S' may be collectible, but not the 3's. They're great engineering exercises and have a place in the modern garage. That said, we have got an old W114 for weekends and the rest of my cars are gas guzzling manuals(996, 986, P1800, W114, AW11). I'll be the last hold out when the oil runs dry.
I had owned a 80’s model Mercedes-Benz 123 Model 300D Turbo Diesel, classic white with tan M-B Tex interior and full Zebrano wood. Best vehicle I’ve ever owned, even over the M220 C280 Elegance model and Rover 75 Connoisseur !
I have owned quite a few VOLVOS (11) to include a 1969 240 wagon with a std transmission and a later 240 wagon, bullet proof. I was a factory field rep for M-B of No America during their finest years.. I left when Chrysler sucked them in and destroyed the "Best Engineered Car In The World" and the company. Merecedes Benz best was the NON turbo 300 and the Plain Jane 240. Simply outstanding. And the best of those two would be the wagons built in Bremen. Tesla, never. Excellent video.
I'm no speed demon, but the 240 and non turbo 300 are just plain too underpowered for me. The 300 turbo keeps up in traffic, accelerates faster than a 7 speed bicycle, and can go uphill at speeds exceeding 30 mph, all while keeping the same standard of reliability.
I own a Mercedes 300TD wagon from 1984 with well over 300,000 miles and it still goes, I run biodiesel in it, the OM series diesel engines were the best ones built
I guess it is what about the cars that "drives" you. I like the feel. I had a Amazon for 5 years, and I loved it in normal traffic. It brought a smile to my face, Tesla's don't. Maybe a Polestar might be the answer....
Love the proposition here guys... quality and knowledgeable presentation with an astute perspective from kosher presenters/motoring journalists as opposed to rabid “yooufs” and wannabe TH-camrs. You may however need to substitute the needless “drag races” and offer up a little more background on cars in terms of ownership experience such as spares availability / viable fixes to known faults ( eg. Triumph Stag overheating fixed with proper fan / K series engine easily fixed with proper head gasket, etc).
I love the comparison to the Tesla. Makes complete sense that an electric car like the Tesla would be simpler and longer lasting than the conventional cars trying to go green. You’ve convinced me to get a Model 3!
The Toyota Prius/Prius Prime seem like the modern equivalent of the Volvo and Merc. They're reliable (taxi companies love them), depreciate slowly, have strong parts support and reasonably spacious interiors. They're also incredibly cheap to fuel. They appeal to pragmatists who don't need speed (but are still quick enough for any speed limit). As much as I like the Teslas, they have parts availability issues. The Volvo and Mercedes I also like, but compared to modern vehicles like my minivan, they use too much fuel and are harder to find parts for due to age.
The Prius does have all those things. Sadly, it lacks any semblance of character or feel, which the W123 and Volvo do have. We haven't heard of parts availability issues on Teslas but we know quality control is remains a bit spotty.
@@NewVsOld, I agree that the Prius lacks solid-feeling character, but it still has some character with its open-feeling interior and distinctive aero shape. While it's not the same category of vehicle, I think its buyers have a similar mindset. For parts, it's a little hard to tell whether it's Tesla or the shop's fault, but TFL's Tesla took months to repair because the parts took a long time to arrive: www.tflcar.com/2019/07/the-tesla-is-finally-back-so-why-did-it-take-3-months-to-fix-it-thrifty-3-ep-16/ This article also talks about issues with parts availability, as well as a lack of qualified technicians: www.sfgate.com/cars/article/tesla-repair-wait-time-complaints-electric-car-13796037.php Rich Rebuilds also has parts issues because Tesla refuses to sell him parts for a vehicle with a salvage title.
I´ve driven both models, and they are hard to compare, `cause they are quite different. Although, there might be very much similarities, in the way of thinking the design and functions. Absolutely great motors both of them, though. And your show is most entertaining and informative, keep up the good work, hope you all the best! I`d really like to see Triumph 2000 mk1 and Rover P6 in your forthcoming show.
I had 3 w123, 2 240d and 1 300d. Very slow but indestructibles... One of the 240 had already 2.400.000 km and still ridding like a new car. Never let me down. The best choice, on diesel options, is the 300 diesel with 5 speed. The turbo is quicker, but not realible... From Portugal
Ive had my model 3 for 2 years now. Biggest purchase of my life after my home. Best decision of my life. I still make excuses to go for a drive only to get behind the wheel of my car.
You sound like me. I have owned quite a few cars over the years and this is the only one where I cannot think of any downside. In addition you do not have to have anything to do with car dealers since you buy direct from Tesla
Hey good morning to you from Los Angeles CA... I love electric cars they save the environment so my 1977 240d 4speed can have more time to live and "roll some more coal"!
@@NewVsOld ahh jees you called my bluff. I secretly already do , I only claim to hate the environment for the street cred. I admit I was peer pressured lol.
I have a 1972 Jaguar xj6 and a Mercedes w110 200d as well as a w123 240d. The W123 is broken, bad electrics and automatic gearboxes. The w123 isn't a patch on the jag and heckflosse.
@@PontoneerW105 Mine has no rust. Of course I live in Johannesburg South Africa. The Australian made ones however rust dramatically more than those made in South Africa or Germany.
QUESTION is will thus Tesla still running on the road after 30 years? and still going without any steering free play, since you are comparing it with over 30 years cars?
No way will that Tesla last more than a few years, the electronics will all fail. No way any electric car will last 40 or 50 years like a gas car just from the batteries alone, which will take many times the value of the car to replace once they crap out in 5-10 years time.
40 years? Perhaps you're right in that it would be cost prohibitive to replace motors/ inverters and batteries to keep an early 21st century Tesla on the road. Or perhaps they'll be collectible then too? Regardless, early indications suggest they may do a million miles of driving mileage which makes a compelling case for a high mileage daily driver. Think about the savings and fun over all those miles (if not decades)!
@@NewVsOld It's plastic crap none of the Tesla junk will be collectible, ever. Only modern exotics with low production will be collectible and even then few will be running, the electronics will all have failed and not be repairable as the computer parts will be as obsolete as finding parts for a 1970s computer.
I doubt about Tesla's 1 million miles. After just 2-3 years paint is peeling off and rust is taking place of it. Maybe later Tesla will solve quality issues, but for now Mercedes Benz W123.
Call me a hipster, but I'll take the Volvo. I'd even settle for the Mercedes. I just don't like Teslas, though. It's not the electric motor that concerns me, It's the company itself. They've just done everything in their power to make me disinterested. But then again I guess I'm not their target demographic.
I hate the way they look inside, the bland surfaces, the sticking out screens. To me they look cheap and tacky. But the drive-train and the batteries are miles better than the rest and I think the only reason why every car manufacture is making electric cars today. They simple could not afford to let Tesla steal the market from under them. But Oh do I hate the bland buttonless interiors.
As I've said many times before: I don't like the hype around EV's, particularly since I live a stones throw from a Tesla factory. They're all cool and that, but they're still far from clean or green (better than ICE cars, but much much worse than a good old diesel bus or a train). It really depends on what you use your car for: The first argument for EV's is always - and this show is no different - how quick they are. That was never a criterium for a car unless you're a race driver. Almost all countries have speed limits around 120km/h / 65mph and it doesn't matter much whether it takes you 8 seconds or 2 seconds to finally drive behind a Prius going 10 below speed limit in the speed lane. I give EV's the maintenance and cheaper fuel. In California we have rotating black outs and only 10% of the millions of vehicles are EV's. If I listen to Tesla fanboys, we'll all be driving Tesla's next year and the overtaxed grid supposedly can handle that (yeah, that's why we have blackouts on hot days). After the last 3 week wildifre power shutdown I had to evacuate my neighbor because he has 2 Teslas and couldn't get out because both were empty from driving for 2 weeks(and no, their solar was useless since most solar installations are grid dependent). Gasoline in a jerry can does have a portability advantage. For me, I'll get an electric offroad vehicle when we can have 1000 miles range - minimum. I go on a lot of overlanding trips and some are around 1000 miles without a gas station or power grid. That's why my Jeep has 44 gallons of fuel tanks (for metric people: that's 166 liters of gasoline), which gives me a 600 to 800 miles range in most terrain. On some trips I bring extra jerry cans. That said, if you're the average suburban going to work commuter a EV is a great car for you. Cheaper, more reliable and lasts forever if you don't mind the ugliness (yes, I don't think Teslas look good - I thought the Volvo 240, 860 and 850 looked good). The other thing I don't like about Teslas is that they're constantly sending information back to Tesla. I'm not a fan of being monitored every step I go, but of course for someone in the UK that's not a problem - if they don't monitor you by network, the millions of cameras will. For me: nope, I'll never have a vehicle tied into any kind of wireless network.
Interesting episode but W123 is the last over-engineered Benz? :) Not even close - R129? W124? The latter of which (a Black/Black 1993 280E) we run as our daily. It's ex-Japan, has just hit 90k km (over 30k 100% reliable km in our possession) has a decent spec (factory air, cruise, electric seats etc) all of which works perfectly & it runs like a hot knife through butter with plenty of power on tap when needed. Everyone who has ever ridden in it comments on how smooth & comfortable it is. It's a pleasure to be in, a pleasure to drive. Fuel? We can manage around 9.5lt/100km on a good run, less of course if you are heavy footed in traffic - considering the "0" depreciation & low running costs (parts readily available & most maintenance jobs I can do myself) it's just an utterly superb car to own & we love having it tucked away in the garage ready to fulfil our "fave teenage cars" fantasy whenever needed. I can't imagine ever wanting to part with it or needing "more" car.............but there may come a time when that has to happen, in which case I'm very happy Elon Musk is doing his thing, although modern manufacturing & materials will never recreate those classic interiors (the feel, the smell), which is the biggest shame. :( It would be interesting to see you do an episode on late R129's & W124's (24v engines onwards) compared to their modern fossil fuel counterparts as I believe (as I'm sure others will) that both models still easily hold their own against modern cars, hence why both are so incredibly popular & why so many are still on the road. Cheers!
123 was a rot box how many do you see now. A lads dad had one when I was at secondary school in Colne in the mid 80s an 82 x reg in cream. It was the only decent competition for my Dads Cotswold yellow 1979 Daimler sov 4.2. Only problem was neither the lad or his dad were car minded.
I think my 1982 300D has around 600K miles I think. Never any big costs for repairs. I thought tesla batteries only last about 12 years? Then gotta spend like 10K for a new battery, plus the range starts to go down after the 30-40% life, so at 6 years you only get a range of like 200 miles.
Tesla maybe a interesting car but will the drive train last. I look forward to seeing what happens and if we will ever get over the issue of the majority of our housing stock not having off street parking
Electric cars are the future. Fact. But QW needs to be more honest about range. Also life is a case of you gotta pay to play. Very few things are just about cost. Character has a lot of say in the choices that humans make. Lastly QW needs to come back when that Tesla is as old as that Benz and let's see how it fares then.
Np pixel errors of softwarebugs ect in the W123 or the Volvo240. And while an (to me unnerving) amount of Teslas reached their x00 000 miles/kilometers needing either several motors or the battery pack replaced those old cars did not need their engines or fuel tanks replaced for that.
Electric cars are no doubt the future and for the mass market that's fine but for car enthusiasts they are merely appliances and that's exactly what Tesla make them as. Taycans are already starting to outsell Model S's even though they're more expensive than the Tesla, Porsche are still making cars that have a soul and are lovely to look at inside and out. Tesla's look like a Japanese middle of the road saloon like a Mazda 6, Tesla need to up their aesthetic and driving involvement game as although their tech is still the best the traditional manufacturers have caught up enough that folk will still buy a technically inferior electric Jag/Merc/BMW/Audi over a a Tesla due to looks/perceived quality/heritage/badge/dealer network/fear of change.
I don't mind insights from bean counters and marketing if they can make the vehicle better in terms of affordability and user feedback. With these inputs, engineers can then create a no-compromises car for every budget
The Tesla is so quiet, one shudders at actually having to hear the mrs. Been thinking about getting a Spanish taxi though, be something to leave the kid.
If anyone things that a production electric car is going to last at least 200k miles you know nothing about electronics. Unless you literally make gold wires, it is going to oxidize away and become unreliable after 15 years. There is a reason that spacecraft cost billions to make, and that is because they are basically made of gold.
The cheapest Tesla vehicle, will cost between $44,990 and $70,990, which is more than most can afford. -- Today, cars from the 60's can be fixed and parts can be bought for them. -- Will a 2021 Tesla be useful and collectable in 2081? -- The old cars from the 60's have charm and are relatively simple where the average man can do basic maintenance on them, where as the Tesla has no charm, and it's components would probably not be rebuildable, but require replacement.
According to UN Agenda 2030 we will be driving electric cars by 2030, with net zero carbon emissions. But instead of plugging into the power grid and compliance with Agenda 2030, we should grow hemp. -- Hemp has been used for textiles, rope, fuel, sails, machine oil, paper, various medicines, etc, etc and etc. Men have been growing and using hemp since the beginning of time. There were no laws against the use of hemp in the US until Federal laws were passed in 1937. Henry Ford envisioned his cars running on alcohol derived from hemp. Ford’s Model T, introduced in 1908, could run just as well on alcohol fuels as on traditional gasoline. The driver could easily switch from one fuel to the other simply by turning a brass knob to the right of the steering column, this turned a screw in the carburetor, allowing either more or less fuel to enter the engine and mix with air. CO2 gas is beneficial and necessary for life as all plants feed off it and we and the animals feed off the plants. We don't need their precious Afghanistan dirt to make lithium batteries, because we don't need to meet a Net Zero Carbon requirement!!! Carbon is not a dangerous greenhouse gas! -- Agenda 2030 is meant to consolidate more wealth and power into the hands of existing Powers That Be.
We drove the Tesla between London and the Cotswolds for several days/ several hundred miles. As skeptical as some were, we supercharged while getting coffee at a services station. 150 miles in 15 minutes. If it can change Martin's mind, it truly must be amazing!
@@NewVsOld I think the issue is charging the car at peoples homes. Not practical if you live in a terrace street and can't park outside. Many houses have multiple vehicles so that will just exaserbate the issue. It's probably still quite easy to get on a charging point at services while we are still feeling the effects of Covid but it won't be when things return to 'normal'. I've seen people waiting for charging points to become free at motorway services on a number of occassions. Don't get me wrong, I'm not entirely 'anti'.....I think the tech' is clever and the performance is unquestionable. I personally wouldn't be able to rely on a vehicle that has a limited range and could potentially leave me stranded for hours...
@@matthewgee7945 true, but very slowly indeed. I saw a comparison from one reviewer here in Australia about the Hyundai Ikona and from the same level of battery charge percentage, the difference between simply plugging it in to a 240 volt outlet, and a properly installed high capacity charger was something like 18 hours extra for the standard plug. That's fine if you use the car infrequently, but it's not a real solution if it's your main daily driver.
I just recently rode in a Tesla 2 days ago when my friend called an Uber it was very uncomfortable to get in and out of and very little leg room even though I was riding upfront 😬 .I was disappointed to be honest the car was bland and boring I honestly don't get the hype I'd rather drive an old Benz anytime more comfortable all around.
The Tesla won't, the batteries won't hold up, the computer will not allow enough recharges. I have a friend who is fed up with the money it costs to replace the electronic computers.
Let’s time machine forward 30 years. Two “men of a certain age” are looking fondly at a 2014 Leaf and an iMiev. “Man 1: Ah they don’t make cars like they used to. Man 2: No. you could drive these. They had proper steering. That iMiev in particular. Not like these self drive things these days. Man 1: Aye. They’d almost none of this modern technology in them. You could refurbish the batteries in them. Proper cars. Man 2: And the range these days. You never have to stop to charge. They just charge as they drive along. Where’s the fun in that? Man 1: I miss range anxiety, I do. Man 2: do you remember Tesla’s ludicrous mode? Man 1: Seems pretty ludicrous now, looking back. Man 2: It does. I miss cars like these. Proper cars. Cars nowadays...
If tesla was a swedish car financed by IKEA I would not be surprised. Not exciting at all. Boring Boring Boring. I will stick with the old cars till legally I can. PS: I don't like silence. Will have plenty of silence when I will be dead! Soooo let's Rock those V8's
240's and other classic models are already being converted to full electric cars. They hope also in the near future converting some to hydrogen fuelcell electric cars. the 240 will stil live when small nuclear fusion reactors will be available.
Don't miss episode 3 - th-cam.com/video/2NGOHDXTV_w/w-d-xo.html
and episode 1 - th-cam.com/video/qYSsSeBCS1U/w-d-xo.html
Please like, subscribe & contribute towards the next episode if you can (links in description). It genuinely helps us produce more episodes!
The 240 is a great and iconic car, but the diesel 123 is in a class of its own for build quality and engine longevity.
Fools, Thee W123 is the best car ever.
I must say, I love this car, the one I have now is a 240D from 1978 with 189.000 km, I'm 22 and I never wanted a sofisticate modern car just like everyone at my age wants, it's that kind of elegant car that gets you from A to B, never dies and attracts a lot of attention.
I have the 1983 240D manual 4sp only 92k on clock not only do I love it but my 10yo grandson has told his mother it's his when I'm deid!
As an auld engineer , electric cars are the work of the devil. ... up there with wind turbines.
Warms my heart to hear a young fellow appreciate these cars.
Had a 240 sedan. Thrilled it passed to the ex wife at divorce. The 123 was F 1 in comparison. Working my way backwards to a 123. Have a 126 with 520,000 miles. Basic proper maintenance, runs beautifully.
Proper motors they are. Ever driven a 240 turbo?
Agree, I have a w126 420se and a great car to own and drive, can't wait for spring time to start driving again.
Huh, I’ll be honest, you are the first person I’ve ever heard who didn’t like the 240. Why is that?
Sir Boomsalot w123 is equally if not even more cherished around the world. Both seem just as good to be honest
For me Mercedes ended in the mid 1980s and Volvo ended with the 740. And I have no use for the Tesla or anything remotely like it.
One could argue the 940/960 was the last 'Real" RWD volvo. The fwd variants had good engines, but numb handling even compared to the older cars.
I can vouch for the undestructibility of the W123. Hit one head on (well slightly to drivers side of the front to be exact) in a Nissan Micra about 20 years ago. I was fine, bruised and extremely shaken. If I had a passenger they would have lost their legs. Micra was totalled - front and rear windscreens shattered, very little of the passenger side left, oil and glass all over the road and into the field that it spun into. W123 had a bent bumper and a very small amount of smoke out of the radiator. The old boy driving it was equally as unaffected. The police (once we both passed the breathe test) were quite amusing.
Mercedes W123 is very great car. I like your selection.
I have a 1981 Mercedes 240d and it is the best car I ever have owned.
Great to hear these guys speak with knowledge and experience about the past.. and of course the future of motoring!
Wow. WOW. My first car back in 1988 when I was 17 was an immaculate P Reg (1976) metallic brown (well, sort of metallic) Volvo 240 saloon, (not a fancy face lift estate like this one). My dad got it for me for next to nothing thinking that I could not be anything but utterly safe in it. And he was right. I loved that car more than my baby brother. It was beautiful!
But...Quentin Willson (does he ever age?) is talking absolute salesman's guff about the range of those Teslas. Anyway, give me a 1976 Volvo 240 any day. You're all welcome to the future. Have at it!
Too Funny Guys !!, great to see you having fun, lovely to see Quentin in such a relaxed mode . . . Loving the series Martin, thanks again !!
Oh I loved my 245. Had to sell it eventually as the care it needed to get it back to reliable and economical daily running was just beyond me at that time. I wish I could have hung on to The Tank and slowly done the work needed. Maybe one day I shall get another. And oh, I'm 55 and far from being a hipster.
I miss my 1989 300E dearly. Built like a tank. I really hope I will have another some day.
chris jones yeah some might be safer, however many are cheaper, lower build quality, and less safe, even SUVs are rolling over and breaking apart all over the place though. But yeah, key word “some”
Gotta admit the crumple zones are pretty impressive especially for the Volvo 240
Excellent, more please. Brilliant format. I was slow in finding your new platform , we need to get a lot more people viewing it, they won't be disappointed!!
Very pleased you enjoyed them! As we have no sponsors, future episodes are funded by viewer contributions via the links in the description above. If we can raise enough, we’ll surely produce more.
Wow, I have missed Quentin Wilson on tv! I love this show.
I keep coming back to this show! So informative and the right format! I've donated some £ - hopefully, you'll make some more?
Love this! Great to see Quentin too!
Thanks for your kind words!
Who said the merc were slow!!! They were not in their time!
I just found your channel and love it. You and Edd with the MGB and Fiat was great. I have had my 72 Harvest Gold B for 40 years and would never get rid of it as long as I can drive! I was really looking forward to this episode as I did own a 79 300D that I also loved, but was a little disappointed that it was cut short to focus on the Tesla. Better luck next time?
More please Martin , loving this so much
Thanks so much for the kind words. We're working hard to crowdfund additional episodes (links in the description above). We'll do everything we can to bring you more!
Glad I found this channel, and I am subscribed. But please review sound recording levels for future, as the volume needed almost max just to hear normally. Thanks.
The early Model S' may be collectible, but not the 3's. They're great engineering exercises and have a place in the modern garage. That said, we have got an old W114 for weekends and the rest of my cars are gas guzzling manuals(996, 986, P1800, W114, AW11). I'll be the last hold out when the oil runs dry.
Just found this YT Channel and I A M enjoying every episode !
Thank You, from Dallas, Texas, USA.
Much appreciated!
I had owned a 80’s model Mercedes-Benz 123 Model 300D Turbo Diesel, classic white with tan M-B Tex interior and full Zebrano wood.
Best vehicle I’ve ever owned, even over the M220 C280 Elegance model and Rover 75 Connoisseur !
I have owned quite a few VOLVOS (11) to include a 1969 240 wagon with a std transmission and a later 240 wagon, bullet proof. I was a factory field rep for M-B of No America during their finest years.. I left when Chrysler sucked them in and destroyed the "Best Engineered Car In The World" and the company. Merecedes Benz best was the NON turbo 300 and the Plain Jane 240. Simply outstanding. And the best of those two would be the wagons built in Bremen.
Tesla, never. Excellent video.
I'm no speed demon, but the 240 and non turbo 300 are just plain too underpowered for me. The 300 turbo keeps up in traffic, accelerates faster than a 7 speed bicycle, and can go uphill at speeds exceeding 30 mph, all while keeping the same standard of reliability.
I own a Mercedes 300TD wagon from 1984 with well over 300,000 miles and it still goes, I run biodiesel in it, the OM series diesel engines were the best ones built
2 classic old pro-consumer decently safe cars, awesome video
Decently safe? They’re road going battle tanks compared to what’s out there these days
Great venture
Went Tesla dies W123 will go for another 100 years… 300d is just timeless
Great new channel, stuff your Top Gear, sooner watch stuff like this 👍🏻👍🏻
I guess it is what about the cars that "drives" you. I like the feel. I had a Amazon for 5 years, and I loved it in normal traffic. It brought a smile to my face, Tesla's don't. Maybe a Polestar might be the answer....
always difficult to compare old/new technologies, keep all 3
Love the proposition here guys... quality and knowledgeable presentation with an astute perspective from kosher presenters/motoring journalists as opposed to rabid “yooufs” and wannabe TH-camrs. You may however need to substitute the needless “drag races” and offer up a little more background on cars in terms of ownership experience such as spares availability / viable fixes to known faults ( eg. Triumph Stag overheating fixed with proper fan / K series engine easily fixed with proper head gasket, etc).
I love the comparison to the Tesla. Makes complete sense that an electric car like the Tesla would be simpler and longer lasting than the conventional cars trying to go green. You’ve convinced me to get a Model 3!
Let me know if you’d like a referral link so you get 1000 free miles!
except, a Tesla isn't green. Walking is green, driving a car that devastates pristine landscapes is not - whether it's electric or combustion.
The Toyota Prius/Prius Prime seem like the modern equivalent of the Volvo and Merc. They're reliable (taxi companies love them), depreciate slowly, have strong parts support and reasonably spacious interiors. They're also incredibly cheap to fuel. They appeal to pragmatists who don't need speed (but are still quick enough for any speed limit).
As much as I like the Teslas, they have parts availability issues. The Volvo and Mercedes I also like, but compared to modern vehicles like my minivan, they use too much fuel and are harder to find parts for due to age.
The Prius does have all those things. Sadly, it lacks any semblance of character or feel, which the W123 and Volvo do have. We haven't heard of parts availability issues on Teslas but we know quality control is remains a bit spotty.
@@NewVsOld, I agree that the Prius lacks solid-feeling character, but it still has some character with its open-feeling interior and distinctive aero shape. While it's not the same category of vehicle, I think its buyers have a similar mindset.
For parts, it's a little hard to tell whether it's Tesla or the shop's fault, but TFL's Tesla took months to repair because the parts took a long time to arrive: www.tflcar.com/2019/07/the-tesla-is-finally-back-so-why-did-it-take-3-months-to-fix-it-thrifty-3-ep-16/
This article also talks about issues with parts availability, as well as a lack of qualified technicians:
www.sfgate.com/cars/article/tesla-repair-wait-time-complaints-electric-car-13796037.php
Rich Rebuilds also has parts issues because Tesla refuses to sell him parts for a vehicle with a salvage title.
I´ve driven both models, and they are hard to compare, `cause they are quite different. Although, there might be very much similarities, in the way of thinking the design and functions. Absolutely great motors both of them, though. And your show is most entertaining and informative, keep up the good work, hope you all the best! I`d really like to see Triumph 2000 mk1 and Rover P6 in your forthcoming show.
We do have a Triumph planned in a future episode, which we are trying to raise funds for! Thanks for the kind words!
I had 3 w123, 2 240d and 1 300d. Very slow but indestructibles...
One of the 240 had already 2.400.000 km and still ridding like a new car. Never let me down.
The best choice, on diesel options, is the 300 diesel with 5 speed. The turbo is quicker, but not realible...
From Portugal
Best car ever. I drive a W123 and it always starts. No electrical issues.
Ive had my model 3 for 2 years now. Biggest purchase of my life after my home. Best decision of my life. I still make excuses to go for a drive only to get behind the wheel of my car.
It took living with it to covert us from ultra skeptical to genuine fans of the Tesla. Do you have rooftop solar to charge it?
You sound like me. I have owned quite a few cars over the years and this is the only one where I cannot think of any downside. In addition you do not have to have anything to do with car dealers since you buy direct from Tesla
... but then, the same is true for me driving my Jeep :-) So liking a car is by far not a solid criterium
Enjoyed that, cheers 👍🏻
Glad to hear it!
Nothing like the sound of a turbo 300d, mustang 5.0 or a mgb.
Or a Triumph GT6!
Hey good morning to you from Los Angeles CA... I love electric cars they save the environment so my 1977 240d 4speed can have more time to live and "roll some more coal"!
Try using pumped biodiesel in that bad boy. It'll run better and the planet will be happier...win win!
@@NewVsOld ahh jees you called my bluff. I secretly already do , I only claim to hate the environment for the street cred. I admit I was peer pressured lol.
I just wanted to be cool and have someone that's on the TH-cam notice me so I could lie and say you were my friend ! Dangit
That was just getting interesting. Why STOP there?
Martin Buckley in a Tesla? Well I never! Love the reaction
Great Venture 👍
What a Classic Car...
I have a 1972 Jaguar xj6 and a Mercedes w110 200d as well as a w123 240d. The W123 is broken, bad electrics and automatic gearboxes. The w123 isn't a patch on the jag and heckflosse.
@@PontoneerW105 Mine has no rust. Of course I live in Johannesburg South Africa. The Australian made ones however rust dramatically more than those made in South Africa or Germany.
Thats a smokey 300D is that normal ?
Tesla cannot compete with W123.
Great Stuff
Saying this with absolute honesty, I was always under the assumption that teslas were disposable.
QUESTION is will thus Tesla still running on the road after 30 years? and still going without any steering free play, since you are comparing it with over 30 years cars?
Nice video. Interesting subject, good videography, clever writing. Keep it up. Hope to see more about the Tesla. I was surprised that the video ended!
A drag race! Lol
We're glad you get us! :)
The Volvo has always been a hipster's car.....we just didn't call them hipsters.
No way will that Tesla last more than a few years, the electronics will all fail. No way any electric car will last 40 or 50 years like a gas car just from the batteries alone, which will take many times the value of the car to replace once they crap out in 5-10 years time.
40 years? Perhaps you're right in that it would be cost prohibitive to replace motors/ inverters and batteries to keep an early 21st century Tesla on the road. Or perhaps they'll be collectible then too?
Regardless, early indications suggest they may do a million miles of driving mileage which makes a compelling case for a high mileage daily driver. Think about the savings and fun over all those miles (if not decades)!
@@NewVsOld It's plastic crap none of the Tesla junk will be collectible, ever. Only modern exotics with low production will be collectible and even then few will be running, the electronics will all have failed and not be repairable as the computer parts will be as obsolete as finding parts for a 1970s computer.
Meanwhile, I’m paying 20% more on my gas and electricity bills to subsidise the wealthy so they can enjoy nice electric cars.
The fuel capacity doesn't change. Batteries have been known to hold less charge over time
True! But engines do wear & lose compression as well, don't they?
I doubt about Tesla's 1 million miles. After just 2-3 years paint is peeling off and rust is taking place of it. Maybe later Tesla will solve quality issues, but for now Mercedes Benz W123.
Tesla, silent and violent. Gimme the merc anyway.
Interesting, but I’ll stick with my ‘84 300TD, thank you just the same.
I thought the W140 was the last Merc built without worries about the cost.
Call me a hipster, but I'll take the Volvo. I'd even settle for the Mercedes. I just don't like Teslas, though. It's not the electric motor that concerns me, It's the company itself. They've just done everything in their power to make me disinterested. But then again I guess I'm not their target demographic.
I hate the way they look inside, the bland surfaces, the sticking out screens. To me they look cheap and tacky. But the drive-train and the batteries are miles better than the rest and I think the only reason why every car manufacture is making electric cars today. They simple could not afford to let Tesla steal the market from under them. But Oh do I hate the bland buttonless interiors.
As I've said many times before: I don't like the hype around EV's, particularly since I live a stones throw from a Tesla factory. They're all cool and that, but they're still far from clean or green (better than ICE cars, but much much worse than a good old diesel bus or a train). It really depends on what you use your car for: The first argument for EV's is always - and this show is no different - how quick they are. That was never a criterium for a car unless you're a race driver. Almost all countries have speed limits around 120km/h / 65mph and it doesn't matter much whether it takes you 8 seconds or 2 seconds to finally drive behind a Prius going 10 below speed limit in the speed lane.
I give EV's the maintenance and cheaper fuel. In California we have rotating black outs and only 10% of the millions of vehicles are EV's. If I listen to Tesla fanboys, we'll all be driving Tesla's next year and the overtaxed grid supposedly can handle that (yeah, that's why we have blackouts on hot days). After the last 3 week wildifre power shutdown I had to evacuate my neighbor because he has 2 Teslas and couldn't get out because both were empty from driving for 2 weeks(and no, their solar was useless since most solar installations are grid dependent). Gasoline in a jerry can does have a portability advantage.
For me, I'll get an electric offroad vehicle when we can have 1000 miles range - minimum. I go on a lot of overlanding trips and some are around 1000 miles without a gas station or power grid. That's why my Jeep has 44 gallons of fuel tanks (for metric people: that's 166 liters of gasoline), which gives me a 600 to 800 miles range in most terrain. On some trips I bring extra jerry cans.
That said, if you're the average suburban going to work commuter a EV is a great car for you. Cheaper, more reliable and lasts forever if you don't mind the ugliness (yes, I don't think Teslas look good - I thought the Volvo 240, 860 and 850 looked good). The other thing I don't like about Teslas is that they're constantly sending information back to Tesla. I'm not a fan of being monitored every step I go, but of course for someone in the UK that's not a problem - if they don't monitor you by network, the millions of cameras will. For me: nope, I'll never have a vehicle tied into any kind of wireless network.
The 600 will take the title for the most advance but the W123 is the all round best Mercedes .
Advanced for its time - absolutely. Reliable or dependable 40 years later? Perhaps the W123 wins that one?
NewVsOld the W123 and thank you for the video . I enjoyed and shared with a friend
One more thing, I can refuel a 240D in less than 5 minutes.
Comments: section is talking about the w123
Me: Quentin hasn't aged since 1996 o_O
We'll tell him you said that!
Interesting episode but W123 is the last over-engineered Benz? :) Not even close - R129? W124? The latter of which (a Black/Black 1993 280E) we run as our daily. It's ex-Japan, has just hit 90k km (over 30k 100% reliable km in our possession) has a decent spec (factory air, cruise, electric seats etc) all of which works perfectly & it runs like a hot knife through butter with plenty of power on tap when needed. Everyone who has ever ridden in it comments on how smooth & comfortable it is. It's a pleasure to be in, a pleasure to drive. Fuel? We can manage around 9.5lt/100km on a good run, less of course if you are heavy footed in traffic - considering the "0" depreciation & low running costs (parts readily available & most maintenance jobs I can do myself) it's just an utterly superb car to own & we love having it tucked away in the garage ready to fulfil our "fave teenage cars" fantasy whenever needed. I can't imagine ever wanting to part with it or needing "more" car.............but there may come a time when that has to happen, in which case I'm very happy Elon Musk is doing his thing, although modern manufacturing & materials will never recreate those classic interiors (the feel, the smell), which is the biggest shame. :( It would be interesting to see you do an episode on late R129's & W124's (24v engines onwards) compared to their modern fossil fuel counterparts as I believe (as I'm sure others will) that both models still easily hold their own against modern cars, hence why both are so incredibly popular & why so many are still on the road. Cheers!
123 was a rot box how many do you see now. A lads dad had one when I was at secondary school in Colne in the mid 80s an 82 x reg in cream. It was the only decent competition for my Dads Cotswold yellow 1979 Daimler sov 4.2. Only problem was neither the lad or his dad were car minded.
I think my 1982 300D has around 600K miles I think. Never any big costs for repairs. I thought tesla batteries only last about 12 years? Then gotta spend like 10K for a new battery, plus the range starts to go down after the 30-40% life, so at 6 years you only get a range of like 200 miles.
Tesla maybe a interesting car but will the drive train last. I look forward to seeing what happens and if we will ever get over the issue of the majority of our housing stock not having off street parking
Electric cars are the future. Fact. But QW needs to be more honest about range. Also life is a case of you gotta pay to play.
Very few things are just about cost. Character has a lot of say in the choices that humans make.
Lastly QW needs to come back when that Tesla is as old as that Benz and let's see how it fares then.
Np pixel errors of softwarebugs ect in the W123 or the Volvo240. And while an (to me unnerving) amount of Teslas reached their x00 000 miles/kilometers needing either several motors or the battery pack replaced those old cars did not need their engines or fuel tanks replaced for that.
Electric cars are the future. Interesting statement. Go and google the process of recycling li ion batteries, please.
Electric cars are no doubt the future and for the mass market that's fine but for car enthusiasts they are merely appliances and that's exactly what Tesla make them as. Taycans are already starting to outsell Model S's even though they're more expensive than the Tesla, Porsche are still making cars that have a soul and are lovely to look at inside and out. Tesla's look like a Japanese middle of the road saloon like a Mazda 6, Tesla need to up their aesthetic and driving involvement game as although their tech is still the best the traditional manufacturers have caught up enough that folk will still buy a technically inferior electric Jag/Merc/BMW/Audi over a a Tesla due to looks/perceived quality/heritage/badge/dealer network/fear of change.
Martin really did share some of your views. The Tesla has converted him...somewhat!
I don't mind insights from bean counters and marketing if they can make the vehicle better in terms of affordability and user feedback. With these inputs, engineers can then create a no-compromises car for every budget
I prefer the w123
The Tesla is so quiet, one shudders at actually having to hear the mrs. Been thinking about getting a Spanish taxi though, be something to leave the kid.
Volvo is a living, reliable legend. But you'll choose Mercedes if you want to look tich!
Great entertaining fun, 1000 times better than top ****
Thanks for the high praise! Help us get the word out there!
Try taking a bend in a Tesla. . You'd be better off in a W123. .
If anyone things that a production electric car is going to last at least 200k miles you know nothing about electronics. Unless you literally make gold wires, it is going to oxidize away and become unreliable after 15 years. There is a reason that spacecraft cost billions to make, and that is because they are basically made of gold.
The cheapest Tesla vehicle, will cost between $44,990 and $70,990, which is more than most can afford. -- Today, cars from the 60's can be fixed and parts can be bought for them. -- Will a 2021 Tesla be useful and collectable in 2081? -- The old cars from the 60's have charm and are relatively simple where the average man can do basic maintenance on them, where as the Tesla has no charm, and it's components would probably not be rebuildable, but require replacement.
According to UN Agenda 2030 we will be driving electric cars by 2030, with net zero carbon emissions. But instead of plugging into the power grid and compliance with Agenda 2030, we should grow hemp. -- Hemp has been used for textiles, rope, fuel, sails, machine oil, paper, various medicines, etc, etc and etc. Men have been growing and using hemp since the beginning of time. There were no laws against the use of hemp in the US until Federal laws were passed in 1937. Henry Ford envisioned his cars running on alcohol derived from hemp. Ford’s Model T, introduced in 1908, could run just as well on alcohol fuels as on traditional gasoline. The driver could easily switch from one fuel to the other simply by turning a brass knob to the right of the steering column, this turned a screw in the carburetor, allowing either more or less fuel to enter the engine and mix with air.
CO2 gas is beneficial and necessary for life as all plants feed off it and we and the animals feed off the plants. We don't need their precious Afghanistan dirt to make lithium batteries, because we don't need to meet a Net Zero Carbon requirement!!! Carbon is not a dangerous greenhouse gas! -- Agenda 2030 is meant to consolidate more wealth and power into the hands of existing Powers That Be.
Don’t go wrong! Tesla with no moving parts are famous for unreliability, just google it. Buy a Toyota if you want reliable. Great utube channel.
Most impractical interior ever in the Tesla. Pity the charging infrastructure isn't in place for electric vehicles yet.......
We drove the Tesla between London and the Cotswolds for several days/ several hundred miles. As skeptical as some were, we supercharged while getting coffee at a services station. 150 miles in 15 minutes. If it can change Martin's mind, it truly must be amazing!
@@NewVsOld I think the issue is charging the car at peoples homes. Not practical if you live in a terrace street and can't park outside. Many houses have multiple vehicles so that will just exaserbate the issue. It's probably still quite easy to get on a charging point at services while we are still feeling the effects of Covid but it won't be when things return to 'normal'. I've seen people waiting for charging points to become free at motorway services on a number of occassions. Don't get me wrong, I'm not entirely 'anti'.....I think the tech' is clever and the performance is unquestionable. I personally wouldn't be able to rely on a vehicle that has a limited range and could potentially leave me stranded for hours...
It's a leap for sure. We'd suggest living with one for a few days if you can somehow manage it. It may just have you saying "Fuggin' hell" too!
you can charge an EV at any place you can plug a 3 pin plug in.
@@matthewgee7945 true, but very slowly indeed. I saw a comparison from one reviewer here in Australia about the Hyundai Ikona and from the same level of battery charge percentage, the difference between simply plugging it in to a 240 volt outlet, and a properly installed high capacity charger was something like 18 hours extra for the standard plug.
That's fine if you use the car infrequently, but it's not a real solution if it's your main daily driver.
I just recently rode in a Tesla 2 days ago when my friend called an Uber it was very uncomfortable to get in and out of and very little leg room even though I was riding upfront 😬 .I was disappointed to be honest the car was bland and boring I honestly don't get the hype I'd rather drive an old Benz anytime more comfortable all around.
You can put your Tesla where the sun does not shine
I'll keep driving my w123 diesel .
Maybe when I can't drive anymore I'll think of a self driving Tesla.
Yeah they can keep those 4 wheel microwave ovens. I'll still take those two classics, esp the W123 in diesel form.
Like comparing a Rolex to the time on your iphone
I have the w123 ,
The Tesla won't, the batteries won't hold up, the computer will not allow enough recharges. I have a friend who is fed up with the money it costs to replace the electronic computers.
Telsa doesn't do good in cold weather conditions
Let’s time machine forward 30 years. Two “men of a certain age” are looking fondly at a 2014 Leaf and an iMiev.
“Man 1: Ah they don’t make cars like they used to.
Man 2: No. you could drive these. They had proper steering. That iMiev in particular. Not like these self drive things these days.
Man 1: Aye. They’d almost none of this modern technology in them. You could refurbish the batteries in them. Proper cars.
Man 2: And the range these days. You never have to stop to charge. They just charge as they drive along. Where’s the fun in that?
Man 1: I miss range anxiety, I do.
Man 2: do you remember Tesla’s ludicrous mode?
Man 1: Seems pretty ludicrous now, looking back.
Man 2: It does. I miss cars like these. Proper cars. Cars nowadays...
Drive the Tesla in 40 years, then compare!
If tesla was a swedish car financed by IKEA I would not be surprised. Not exciting at all. Boring Boring Boring. I will stick with the old cars till legally I can.
PS: I don't like silence. Will have plenty of silence when I will be dead! Soooo let's Rock those V8's
Tesla 300 miles per charge, 100 of them spent looking for a charger or wondering if you can make it to the next one, and 100 less in winter.
That was not our experience when we had the car. It was remarkably easy to own, use and lots of fun to drive!
Sorry guys, but the W124 is as good as an W123 or even better...
That’s the first time we’ve heard that one!
Once the electrics get buggered up, you'll be left with an expensive piece of scrap metal and plastic.
I'll be looking to swap some tesla tech into my 240 when they start poppin up in boneyards.
240's and other classic models are already being converted to full electric cars.
They hope also in the near future converting some to hydrogen fuelcell electric cars.
the 240 will stil live when small nuclear fusion reactors will be available.
Tesla is everything wrong in the world wrapped up in an alleged eco friendly car who’s maker spends its profits on firing rockets into space 😂😂
Electric will definitely merge with classic....an prove performance into the next age.....hybrid is good too....😝performance of the turtle...!!..