When I think of posh interiors, and solid build quality, I regularly think about the Humber Super Snipe Imperial, but hardly anyone does any content on them, I'd like to see them included into tests more often
The Silver Shadow was also the entry level car for Rolls Royce! Shadow, Wraith, Corniche, Carmargue and then Phantom, so a Shadow was very low down. The W123 didn't have that many models above it as did the Shadow
@@DoggiestyIe Let's remember that the Camargue wasn't introduced until 1975, a decade after the SS debuted. What did the Wraith and Phantom of that era look like? In the mid 70s, I believe it was just the SS, Corniche, and Camargue in production.
@@daweigo6851 In Germany it was the most sold car in 1980, and if you took the barebone Diesel (and it was barebone, no AC no hyd. Steering no electric Windows etc) it was not that expensive…
Yes, he was really stretching it a bit and I guess in reality he had to make content based on what was available at the time and sure he would far rather have had a W116 to compare it with.
I owned 4 W123s. Best and most reliable cars we ever had. All were high mileage. Crashed 2, destroyed the engine on one when i over tightened the water pump bolt and gave the other too a friend when we left Australia. 3 were 5 cylinder diesels which makes the engine immortal.
Why don't you compare with an S class!? W116 450SEL 6,9 would be a more appropriate comparison. My hobby car is a W126 - and I can only dream of a W100 600 :D
He owns a W123 200 so he's probably a bit biased in that regard. Not saying that they aren't great cars, but to say it's the best in the world is stretching it a bit.
Interesting, in 1980 with my father, we went to Zürich to test drive the last new Silver Shadow to be sold in Switzerland. By the end, my father bought the 280 TE with 7 seats and drove it for 500’000 kms, before he gave it away, not because of the technology (it would have done another 500’ kms), but because of the rust as a result of often very salty roads in Switzerland. Later, my first car was a used 250T and today a Silver Spirit II, the Geneva Motor Show car of 1990
Have just sold my Cloud 1 after 26 years . Kept my 89 Turbo RL & owned 20 Mercs during the last 64 years. I'm a Turbo RL fan for fun . But for a daily driver a Merc C124. Practical Class.
If I'm going to have a Bentley or Rolls it's going to be one of the last years of the Bentley Brooklands. I have owned 3 W123s: 280CE Coupe, 300TD 4-speed wagon and turbodiesel sedan. Loved them all.
The 1981 Mercedes-Benz 240D I owned was slow, but was also the best handling and most rugged car I've owned. I just wish my model had one of the larger engine options.
Two totally different cars. I worked for Rolls Royce for 12 years and still involved with Rolls Royce. I also worked for Mercedes Benz for many more years. I own a Silver Cloud III and a selection of Mercedes vehicles. I love them all. Great Video thanks for posting.
I think I would love the Rolls Royce initially with its sense of occasion and quality materials UNTIL the bills started coming in. Between 6mpg -15mpg and stratospheric maintenance and parts prices I know I would end up hating that car. If ever you consider a Shadow just ask when it had 2 things: 1, its last FULL hydraulic service (don't be fobbed off with "it's all been checked during its last service" rubbish) - trust me it won't have. 2, These cars require a 24,000 mile service, as well as the usual 6,000 miles and 12,000 miles services. Again, these aren't cheap so if it hasn't had a 24,000 mile service in the last 24,000 miles walk away. If the owners skipped on them then what else have they skipped on!! I recently looked at a lovely Gold Corniche with a cream hood - it looked absolutely beautiful but a little checking revealed it hadn't received either a Full Hydraulic or a 24,000 mile service since 1996. So I walked away! These things can be fantastic if previous owners have looked after them properly. If in any doubt, regardless what bull the seller gives you, walk away. These cars have the potential to bankrupt you!!
The Mercedes W100, - launched in 1963 -, clearly demonstrated that the brand, with its superior innovation, build quality, engineering and timeless design, was way ahead of the RR. Forget about RR
True, the W100 was certainly the best car in the world for a time - but the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was over all a more modern and better car when it was new. Having said that, for sheer presence and technical fascination, the W100 is almost in a league of its own.
❤both are lovely. I owned a silver shadow for many years and also owned a silver spirit. Both absolutely amazing vehicles. Also had several Mercedes, again gorgeous cars , got two on the drive at the moment ❤❤❤❤
In Australia we had the option of Hydraulic Self Leveling Suspension on Saloons as well as Station Wagons. Gives the car a more firm ride. As you state they just keep on going on.
Which is the best? Clearly: you are! I like your fascination with the two hardly comparable cars. And I love your accent, which is probably typical of the UK. It's fun to watch and listen to your comparison. Thank you very much!
Excellent comparison! I have owned an S3 Bentley (so a RR Cloud III with different grille), and numerous Benzes (every S-Klasse series from 1955 to 1992 plus a W124, W124, and W201). While the Bentley was impressive in size and excessive in luxury, the Benzes won every time on reliability and driving pleasure. Unfortunately, from about the mid-90s, Mercedes started to lose the plot with over-computerisation and cheaper materials; the brand is now just another unreliable bling-mobile.
I just happened on your Channel, and love your reviews! Rolls Royce in the US is still somewhat pompous and stuffy, but i would still pick it over the Mercedes. Damn my neighbors who may think i'm stuck up! We've not had Citroen here for many years. Old classic ones are rare and expensive.
I sold my W123 250 for a W126 420SEC. What a wonderful car that was. Left the 123 for dead. I now have a 1993 W124 E320 in Colombia, and that is a far superior car than the 123.
Interestingly enough, making a car lower does NOT make it easier to get into and out of. Us older folks prefer to not drop into our seats and then have to climb out. It is easier to slide directly over into the vehicle seat and exit the same way. Or even climb up slightly to get in and step down to get out. Which is why I much prefer SUVs over sedans.
I owned a C123 230, W123 240D, w124 200d r107 280sl and a w126 380se. All these cars were very reliable. And parts are still readily available from Mercedes-Benz. The RR is a beautiful car. But for most of us not a real practical car. The modern Mercedes-Benz is a different type of beast. It misses the simplicity and are very Hi Tec. I miss the old days of Mercedes-Benz. However, I guess all other manufacturers are also going more tech.
The W123 is indeed a bullet-proof wonder-car with excellent engineering, fit & finish standards and an unpretentious simplicity which is laudable. Mercedes Benz did simplicity and true quality better than anyone else. W123 ran from November 1975 to January 1986. Running affordability is a huge factor as well, an attribute never associated with any Roller. The Silver Shadow against which you're comparing it is a Silver Shadow I - 1965 - 1977. It would have been more on point to use a Shadow II, a revision which incorporated many significant improvements.
The Silver Shadow is a beautiful car. Excellent. However, the W123 comes from a time when MB was tops. It was built like a tank and with proper maintenance will last forever.
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They don't last forever. Someone ran into the back of mine at a traffic light.
they're both fantastic but i'd pick the Shadow as its presence and opulence is unrivalled really although from a technical point of view the Merc is probably the superior car
I would say they are both the best in their respective classes and culture. If I had to pick one though, the Benz is hard to fault. I did a quick search and in the US, a 1985 300 Turbo Diesel would cost around $90K in today's dollars. Imagine if Mercedes would actually be willing to produce an E Class without all the bullshit tech. Would it actually sell or has society just gone "all in" on cheaper, more tech, and plastic? I wish at least some manufacturer had the guts to do so (maybe Ineos...at least for effort).
The Mercedes is the best built and the most reliable and I think it is a great car BUT there is something about the Silver Shadow. Driving a Rolls gives you that sense of occasion and puts a big smile on your face when you drive one and I wouldn't get that feeling in the Mercedes. For me the Rolls wins and I can put my Suzuki Cappuccino in the boot!!
Bought a second hand W123: 230E Automatic with Tempomat. One of the best cars I’ve ever had. Unfortunately its underbody was rotted through from too much winter salt on German roads in its previous life … 😢
I reckon the Shadow was the only really attractive Rolls Royce as a design. But there were still very high rent cars to run, and suffered steep depreciation. The Mercedes come from that glory era for the company when they were still making some of the most reliable and durable cars ever made, and the metallurgy was at a pinnacle not improved on since. I am not really sure that they are usefully comparable. The sensible Merc and the extravagant Royce! No doubt that by now both will be expensive to repair, but a good Royce will cost a lot more to service than a good W123, not least because the Mercedes will certainly be reliable and less prone to breaking down. All old cars break down more than when they were new. Rubber seal harden and leak, stone chips corrode and any mechanical device will eventually wear out with use and sometimes only with time in that they degrade ... I would say that the Mercedes stands a chance of being considered the best car in the world. The Royce, less so. The Royce does have a class, presence and finnesse that bests the Mercedes though. I would prefer a Volvo 164, which is left field, but they were extra-ordinarily fine. But it will never be widely recognised as the best in the world ...
Loved it. I would also like to see the comparison of a Shadow versus the Jaguar XJ6 and and or especially the 1996 X300, as originally the first 1968 XJ6 was the considered the best contender for the 1965 Shadow at that time. I had one of the first XJ6 in the early 70's and now have a 1996 XJ6 as apposed to the Shadow which I have always wanted, but avoided because of maintenance and fuel economy. I have never avoided a luxury car for fuel economy except for the Shadow which I know is probably the poorest car in fuel economy.
Something from the same era I would use to judge...Top Trumps, the Rolls would certainly be a great car or card to have, and in many catagories would indeed trump the Merc, but the Merc is the type of car or Card that you want to reveal when its your call and your opponent has just given the biggest of tells that they have a great car in their hand like a Rolls royce, and lose to a little used catagory like MPG. Its the same here for me, as working class I would make the sensible choice of a 123 in some form, the Rolls Royce was for the upper classes or those who earnt their money from working on TV, Bruce Forsyth, Jimmy Tarbuck had them to turn up at the golf club. Yes the Rolls is a head turner, Ark at EE with is Rolls Royce, he must be doing well or look at that flash Harry, but if you know, you Know, and if you know, you know its the Merc all day and every day. Love the 123, but torn between that and a W126 or the SLC of the time. I have a couple of Mercs perhaps it is time to give the 123 another go.
I own a W126 and a Silver Spirit. The Mercedes is definitely the better car but the Rolls Royce is the one people want to look at when they are side by side
I enjoyed the video and analysis. The cars here are mismatched. Only the highest spec C123 in terms of engine could be a match of sorts, however, today I'd pick the 123 as something I could take anywhere and I'd pick a Coupe.
14:10 look at the wipers. The Rolls wipers are cheap little kiddy things that wiped really badly AND stopped for a second on each swipe at each end. Just ultra dreadful. the Merc has large tough really smooth wipers that went from left to right with no pause at all. The Rolls was typically British, namely embarrassingly bad. We were always just good at marketing and BS.... and people certainly bought into that!
Even to this day looking at a Silver Shadow makes one aware one’s looking at something very elegant, very special . It’s also a very pleasing looker. Despite the W123’s technical and safety excellence and solid build, emotionally the Shadow must pip the W123 at the finish line
I had a couple of W 123's and the better 124's , but for the test a comparison with the Rolls a 350 SEL would be more appropriate . Good format anyway. Enjoyed. Regards for Central America with a W124 E 230 from 1985! Saludos
I test drove a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow from 1970. It took a 16th of a mile to bring it up to speed, and an additional 16th of a mile to bring it to a stop. MPG is a killer. I live in California, gas/ petrol is at a relative premium here. The biggest detraction for the Rolls, is its 8 MPG (U.S.). Like you, I think both the Mercedes W123 and Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a draw as to being the best. Frankly, if you did a cut and splice (Mercedes' engineering/ maintenance, durability and fuel economy with the wafting luxury of a Rolls-Royce) you'd be on to a real winner!!!
It seems that Mercedes bosses made sensible decisions with the workforce getting on with their job. Success, it's what we should of been doing and then perhaps things wouldn't of ended up in such a mess.
Yes the XJ12 was a nice car but the XJ6 with the more practical straight was just as nice. I still have a 1996 XJ6 today because it gives me many of the traditional interior features of the RR shadow, which I have always wanted but could not afford to maintain. However if one thought a RR shadow was a complicated car then consider this. How complicated is a modern Bentley Contenential or a RR Seraph V12 with Turbochargers? I would have been happy with a RR shadow with a straight 6 and it would have been more practical and halved the the MPG consumption. I had a Humber Super Snipe series 4 in the 80's with just a 3ltr straigt 6 and it was glorious. The balance of Simplicity in a luxury car is what makes it more practical and more dependable.
Of course the W123. Not this particular version, because the 200 carburetor was weak and thirsty. And the lower end of the model range (although I like the full wooden panels). Why? I am driving a 1983 300D, also weak with its 88 HP. It is now 41 years, has 250.000 km on it and has not a single welding or plastic in or on it. Pristine condition. And you just sit in, start, drive. No questions. Regular oil changes and some "love" here and there are required though. My biggest mishap in the last 20 years was a snapped belt that drives the cooler fan and the water pump. And, as you might guess nowadays, I made it to the next petrol station and asked for a belt. They were only laughing at me. I could haven stocked-up my fridge with what they had available, but it were the 2010s and no, no belt available. We made it home anyway, because they had stockings...
A W116 280 SEL (185 hp dohc six) or 350 SEL (200 hp V8) would surely be the appropriate comparison to the RR Silver Shadow (172 hp up to 1976, therafter 190 hp). Not the more mundane W123, which I do appreciate but which is something else altogether. And I do like the styling of the Silver Shadow, esp in series 2 guise.
I remember in the 1960's and 70's the only two diesel cars you could get were the London Taxi and a Mercedes. I have recently dumped a series of newish computerised cars because a series of incompetent garages failed to diagnose the series of computerised faults, and an electric car because of its 35 mile range. I bought myself a 1983 W123 the same colour as in this video. I don't have to tell you which car is the best in the world, it's obvious. You and I can afford to buy and run the Mercedes, not so the Roller.
No contest the 123 hands down A diesal 123 will literally go forever with service A rolls especially this era are shite I like the look of the corniche But i would never buy one But a diesel 123 i would buy tomorrow if it wasnt rotting And maybe even if it was i would probably still buy it forvthe engine
Rolls Royce Vs Syrian taxi !! They were everywhere in the Middle East used as Taxi’s . Still a great car though. I sort of guess why you’d use a very much everyday car compared to a Rolls Royce,but spec is no comparison.
I'm agree, not the most innovative or beautiful or iconic, but the best saloon in the 70s and 80s. The true Mercedes was the W123, W124 and the 190, for Rolls-Royce was the Silver Shadow and Spirit.
I had the 2.8 TE seven seater with all the extras including air co and cruise. Wish I still had it My W204 220 Sport Estate 15:20 is just not the same.
Maybe an unfair comparison. The W123 was not the luxury merc. The S class would have been a better comparison. However, that era of Merc was extremely well engineered. Much better than the latest range.
I have a Silver Shadow and a late Mercedes CLK (not a W123). For quality, craftmanship and ride, I'd take the Rolls any day. Sublimely comfortable and way easier to drive hands-down. As for the "best", that is a matter of opinion based on one's own selection criteria. The Merc is cheaper to maintain and run, but I'd sell the Merc before the Rolls.
I would give it to the W123, an amazing car and an engineering led example of a great design. I love Shadows though and they are hugely appealing but for me, compromised in the driving dynamics. Certainly improved in Series 2 cars, they prefer to take like at their own pace. I would argue the Jaguar XJ12/Daimler Double Six is a better car than the Rolls. It matches it for interior style but it has a much more useable combination of ride, performance and handling than the Rolls. I am probably biased as I own a Double Six but driving it back to back with my friends Rolls, for me, the Daimler is a much much better car. I still love Shadows though and this was an interesting comparison.
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I'd take the W123 every time. Good luck finding a red one though.
Joe, you really need to drive a six cylinder W123. If you dare! We all know you love your 200, but straight-6 takes it to another level. The 250 is smooth, nice and very "Mercedes", where as the 280e is surprisingly quick and sporty at high revs.
In the end, a Rolls-Royce built with Mercedes-Benz quality would probably be the best, at least the most recognizable. The Mercedes-Benz with no disrespect intended looks like any other Mercedes-Benz whilst the Rolls-Royce is distinctive. It is interesting to note that your insurance sponsor wants less money for the Rolls-Royce than the Mercedes-Benz. But, as you say, Joe, it's up to the prospective buyer to decide, and both cars provide luxury transportation for the lucky owner.
My Dad had a 6.9, bought new in 1979. A fantastic car at the time - solid, roomy, comfortable, incredible handling and smoothness (thanks to the advanced hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension) and FAST. Like a bank vault on steroids. When my Dad was out of town, I sometimes took it out for solo nighttime spins. What. A. Car.
W123 or Silver Shadow, which gets YOUR vote?
Volvo 240 GLT
Mercedes
Which one did you take home?...
W123
When I think of posh interiors, and solid build quality, I regularly think about the Humber Super Snipe Imperial, but hardly anyone does any content on them, I'd like to see them included into tests more often
The fact that the “entry” Mercedes is even in the same conversation as the RR means it wins
The above reply says everything about how good the mercedes is today and was in period.
The Silver Shadow was also the entry level car for Rolls Royce! Shadow, Wraith, Corniche, Carmargue and then Phantom, so a Shadow was very low down. The W123 didn't have that many models above it as did the Shadow
@@DoggiestyIe Let's remember that the Camargue wasn't introduced until 1975, a decade after the SS debuted. What did the Wraith and Phantom of that era look like? In the mid 70s, I believe it was just the SS, Corniche, and Camargue in production.
Being a car for everyone was a feature of the W123. Not being a car for everyone was a feature of the Silver Shadow.
The Mercedes was out of reach for the bulk of car buyers thou
@@daweigo6851 In Germany it was the most sold car in 1980, and if you took the barebone Diesel (and it was barebone, no AC no hyd. Steering no electric Windows etc) it was not that expensive…
@@markusweber7445 Very expensive in Finland. You could buy 350 V8 Chevrolet Caprice for price of base 200D
That's very clever comment!
@@markusweber7445 Depends on what "that" means. Even the 200 was a rather expensive car.
"Silver Shadow" is just such a cool name. It sounds so good rolling off the tongue. So badass and mysterious.
For everyday practicality the Mercedes, when you want to feel special the Rolls. Both great cars in their own way.
Surely the W116 would have been more of a similar match?
Agreed, or compare the W123 against a series 2 XJ6 or XJ12 (of similar age, 1975).
Yes, he was really stretching it a bit and I guess in reality he had to make content based on what was available at the time and sure he would far rather have had a W116 to compare it with.
Content had to be made, so yeah… He threw a 200 turtle speed midsized Merc in the same video as a V8 Rolls.
I agree, but to see a 'lesser' Mercedes-Benz still proving itself against a Rolls-Royce...shows a lot about the W123. 👏🏻🗿
@@Roddy_Zeh 10 year newer design.
I owned 4 W123s. Best and most reliable cars we ever had. All were high mileage. Crashed 2, destroyed the engine on one when i over tightened the water pump bolt and gave the other too a friend when we left Australia. 3 were 5 cylinder diesels which makes the engine immortal.
Why don't you compare with an S class!? W116 450SEL 6,9 would be a more appropriate comparison. My hobby car is a W126 - and I can only dream of a W100 600 :D
The automatic gearbox on the w126 ISA complete and utter piece of crap.
@@andrewallen9993 Well have a nice day spewing nonsense 😂😂😂
He owns a W123 200 so he's probably a bit biased in that regard. Not saying that they aren't great cars, but to say it's the best in the world is stretching it a bit.
@@JunkerOnDrums How many did you change on your 2240D? i did it 4 times before selling the car.
@@andrewallen9993 GET LOST!
Interesting, in 1980 with my father, we went to Zürich to test drive the last new Silver Shadow to be sold in Switzerland. By the end, my father bought the 280 TE with 7 seats and drove it for 500’000 kms, before he gave it away, not because of the technology (it would have done another 500’ kms), but because of the rust as a result of often very salty roads in Switzerland. Later, my first car was a used 250T and today a Silver Spirit II, the Geneva Motor Show car of 1990
Have just sold my Cloud 1 after 26 years . Kept my 89 Turbo RL & owned 20 Mercs during the last 64 years. I'm a Turbo RL fan for fun . But for a daily driver a Merc C124. Practical Class.
If I'm going to have a Bentley or Rolls it's going to be one of the last years of the Bentley Brooklands. I have owned 3 W123s: 280CE Coupe, 300TD 4-speed wagon and turbodiesel sedan. Loved them all.
I am pleased to say I have owned both. A 1984 240D and a mark one silver shadow.
I love these classic comparisons
you are a moron. he chose the wrong merc. BOTH Of you have NO DAMNED CLUE.
I know you were so proud of that "as simple... as 123" line. Kudos.
Had that one in my pocket for months! -Joe
The 123 for me. More practical in my opinion and not too thirsty.
The 1981 Mercedes-Benz 240D I owned was slow, but was also the best handling and most rugged car I've owned. I just wish my model had one of the larger engine options.
Peugeot 504 possibly not as refined but more popular in Africa and still used to this day.
If I had done this comparison I would personally pick the Peugeot 504 vs Cadillac. But I guess that Mercedes and Rolls Royce are more widely renown.
Nuffield said.
...as are old Mercs.
Agreed i mean aswell the 404s very popular in africa aswell
Very true, I lived in Africa and my parents had a 504, and a 404 before that. The 403 was a legend in its time.
Two totally different cars. I worked for Rolls Royce for 12 years and still involved with Rolls Royce. I also worked for Mercedes Benz for many more years. I own a Silver Cloud III and a selection of Mercedes vehicles. I love them all. Great Video thanks for posting.
I run a w123 280ce, great cars. 24 mpg cruise at 90 all day if you want and looks great.
I think I would love the Rolls Royce initially with its sense of occasion and quality materials UNTIL the bills started coming in. Between 6mpg -15mpg and stratospheric maintenance and parts prices I know I would end up hating that car. If ever you consider a Shadow just ask when it had 2 things: 1, its last FULL hydraulic service (don't be fobbed off with "it's all been checked during its last service" rubbish) - trust me it won't have. 2, These cars require a 24,000 mile service, as well as the usual 6,000 miles and 12,000 miles services. Again, these aren't cheap so if it hasn't had a 24,000 mile service in the last 24,000 miles walk away. If the owners skipped on them then what else have they skipped on!! I recently looked at a lovely Gold Corniche with a cream hood - it looked absolutely beautiful but a little checking revealed it hadn't received either a Full Hydraulic or a 24,000 mile service since 1996. So I walked away! These things can be fantastic if previous owners have looked after them properly. If in any doubt, regardless what bull the seller gives you, walk away. These cars have the potential to bankrupt you!!
Servicing the brakes on a RR cost my buddy 5 times my entire 10 year maintenance cost on my ancient 1936 Oldsmobile including brakes.
The Mercedes W100, - launched in 1963 -, clearly demonstrated that the brand, with its superior innovation, build quality, engineering and timeless design, was way ahead of the RR. Forget about RR
THAT was the Merc the idiot should have compared his SS with.
True, the W100 was certainly the best car in the world for a time - but the Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow was over all a more modern and better car when it was new. Having said that, for sheer presence and technical fascination, the W100 is almost in a league of its own.
❤both are lovely. I owned a silver shadow for many years and also owned a silver spirit. Both absolutely amazing vehicles. Also had several Mercedes, again gorgeous cars , got two on the drive at the moment ❤❤❤❤
Good man! Which do you prefer, Simon?
@ClassicsWorldUK the silver shadow for me. They are just something else
W123 all day long. RR is great but not for the likes of me. I had a W123 230 TE What a truly great car. Wish I still had it .
My vote goes to a car with the quality of the W123 and the luxury of the Silver Shadow: the Toyota Century
Good answer.
Aww, but no prestige or presence
Give me a break 😂
Now, as for its aesthetics...😬
Sure right 😂
We had the Mercedes in our family and my father regretted selling it. The W123 is to us the best car ever made.
I remember as a kid, when outside of the UK, almost every taxi was a W123. I liked the vault like solidity of the things.
In Australia we had the option of Hydraulic Self Leveling Suspension on Saloons as well as Station Wagons. Gives the car a more firm ride. As you state they just keep on going on.
Which is the best? Clearly: you are! I like your fascination with the two hardly comparable cars. And I love your accent, which is probably typical of the UK. It's fun to watch and listen to your comparison. Thank you very much!
Thanks! 😃
Excellent comparison!
I have owned an S3 Bentley (so a RR Cloud III with different grille), and numerous Benzes (every S-Klasse series from 1955 to 1992 plus a W124, W124, and W201).
While the Bentley was impressive in size and excessive in luxury, the Benzes won every time on reliability and driving pleasure.
Unfortunately, from about the mid-90s, Mercedes started to lose the plot with over-computerisation and cheaper materials; the brand is now just another unreliable bling-mobile.
I just happened on your Channel, and love your reviews! Rolls Royce in the US is still somewhat pompous and stuffy, but i would still pick it over the Mercedes. Damn my neighbors who may think i'm stuck up! We've not had Citroen here for many years. Old classic ones are rare and expensive.
Always fabulous, engaging posts from you 👏
Yeah, great enthusiasm…..and knowledge…..from Joe.
Apples and oranges... and I don't mean the colors of these cars. Better comparison would be a W126 V8.
I sold my W123 250 for a W126 420SEC. What a wonderful car that was. Left the 123 for dead. I now have a 1993 W124 E320 in Colombia, and that is a far superior car than the 123.
Interestingly enough, making a car lower does NOT make it easier to get into and out of. Us older folks prefer to not drop into our seats and then have to climb out. It is easier to slide directly over into the vehicle seat and exit the same way. Or even climb up slightly to get in and step down to get out. Which is why I much prefer SUVs over sedans.
Agreed. Something like a P4 is the perfect slide-height.
I've owned a couple of 123's. A '79 wagon and a '85 sedan. Both diesels. Fabulous cars. I ran bio in them and made my own fuel.
I owned a C123 230, W123 240D, w124 200d r107 280sl and a w126 380se. All these cars were very reliable. And parts are still readily available from Mercedes-Benz. The RR is a beautiful car. But for most of us not a real practical car. The modern Mercedes-Benz is a different type of beast. It misses the simplicity and are very Hi Tec. I miss the old days of Mercedes-Benz. However, I guess all other manufacturers are also going more tech.
Merc 123. I’d love one. The RR would be fun for a day but not an ‘every day’ classic.
The W123 is indeed a bullet-proof wonder-car with excellent engineering, fit & finish standards and an unpretentious simplicity which is laudable. Mercedes Benz did simplicity and true quality better than anyone else. W123 ran from November 1975 to January 1986. Running affordability is a huge factor as well, an attribute never associated with any Roller. The Silver Shadow against which you're comparing it is a Silver Shadow I - 1965 - 1977. It would have been more on point to use a Shadow II, a revision which incorporated many significant improvements.
Let's go with the Rolls Royce
Love a Shad. I will buy one soon and keep it. Will see me out, instead of a load of disposable EVs
The Silver Shadow is a beautiful car. Excellent. However, the W123 comes from a time when MB was tops. It was built like a tank and with proper maintenance will last forever.
They don't last forever. Someone ran into the back of mine at a traffic light.
they're both fantastic but i'd pick the Shadow as its presence and opulence is unrivalled really although from a technical point of view the Merc is probably the superior car
I have driven and owned both of these beauties and have to choose The Mercedes 123 Estate. Just a pure undenied driving experience.
I would say they are both the best in their respective classes and culture. If I had to pick one though, the Benz is hard to fault. I did a quick search and in the US, a 1985 300 Turbo Diesel would cost around $90K in today's dollars. Imagine if Mercedes would actually be willing to produce an E Class without all the bullshit tech. Would it actually sell or has society just gone "all in" on cheaper, more tech, and plastic? I wish at least some manufacturer had the guts to do so (maybe Ineos...at least for effort).
The Mercedes is the best built and the most reliable and I think it is a great car BUT there is something about the Silver Shadow. Driving a Rolls gives you that sense of occasion and puts a big smile on your face when you drive one and I wouldn't get that feeling in the Mercedes. For me the Rolls wins and I can put my Suzuki Cappuccino in the boot!!
If u have the means and storage space they make a great pair to own
Bought a second hand W123: 230E Automatic with Tempomat. One of the best cars I’ve ever had. Unfortunately its underbody was rotted through from too much winter salt on German roads in its previous life … 😢
I reckon the Shadow was the only really attractive Rolls Royce as a design. But there were still very high rent cars to run, and suffered steep depreciation.
The Mercedes come from that glory era for the company when they were still making some of the most reliable and durable cars ever made, and the metallurgy was at a pinnacle not improved on since. I am not really sure that they are usefully comparable. The sensible Merc and the extravagant Royce!
No doubt that by now both will be expensive to repair, but a good Royce will cost a lot more to service than a good W123, not least because the Mercedes will certainly be reliable and less prone to breaking down. All old cars break down more than when they were new. Rubber seal harden and leak, stone chips corrode and any mechanical device will eventually wear out with use and sometimes only with time in that they degrade ...
I would say that the Mercedes stands a chance of being considered the best car in the world. The Royce, less so. The Royce does have a class, presence and finnesse that bests the Mercedes though.
I would prefer a Volvo 164, which is left field, but they were extra-ordinarily fine. But it will never be widely recognised as the best in the world ...
W123 all day
Loved it. I would also like to see the comparison of a Shadow versus the Jaguar XJ6 and and or especially the 1996 X300, as originally the first 1968 XJ6 was the considered the best contender for the 1965 Shadow at that time. I had one of the first XJ6 in the early 70's and now have a 1996 XJ6 as apposed to the Shadow which I have always wanted, but avoided because of maintenance and fuel economy. I have never avoided a luxury car for fuel economy except for the Shadow which I know is probably the poorest car in fuel economy.
Something from the same era I would use to judge...Top Trumps, the Rolls would certainly be a great car or card to have, and in many catagories would indeed trump the Merc, but the Merc is the type of car or Card that you want to reveal when its your call and your opponent has just given the biggest of tells that they have a great car in their hand like a Rolls royce, and lose to a little used catagory like MPG. Its the same here for me, as working class I would make the sensible choice of a 123 in some form, the Rolls Royce was for the upper classes or those who earnt their money from working on TV, Bruce Forsyth, Jimmy Tarbuck had them to turn up at the golf club. Yes the Rolls is a head turner, Ark at EE with is Rolls Royce, he must be doing well or look at that flash Harry, but if you know, you Know, and if you know, you know its the Merc all day and every day. Love the 123, but torn between that and a W126 or the SLC of the time. I have a couple of Mercs perhaps it is time to give the 123 another go.
I own a W126 and a Silver Spirit. The Mercedes is definitely the better car but the Rolls Royce is the one people want to look at when they are side by side
I enjoyed the video and analysis. The cars here are mismatched. Only the highest spec C123 in terms of engine could be a match of sorts, however, today I'd pick the 123 as something I could take anywhere and I'd pick a Coupe.
None of them is the best car in the world in my opinion. But the W123 simply is the better car.
Wasn’t it a shame, that Citroen couldn’t fight back. The would have won.
W123 😍😍😍😍😍
14:10 look at the wipers. The Rolls wipers are cheap little kiddy things that wiped really badly AND stopped for a second on each swipe at each end. Just ultra dreadful. the Merc has large tough really smooth wipers that went from left to right with no pause at all. The Rolls was typically British, namely embarrassingly bad. We were always just good at marketing and BS.... and people certainly bought into that!
Great video11111
Even to this day looking at a Silver Shadow makes one aware one’s looking at something very elegant, very special . It’s also a very pleasing looker. Despite the W123’s technical and safety excellence and solid build, emotionally the Shadow must pip the W123 at the finish line
German engineering wins Hands Down
honestly kind of a shame you couldn't get a w116 to face off against the rolls, the w116 is such an underappreciated car these days
I had a couple of W 123's and the better 124's , but for the test a comparison with the Rolls a 350 SEL would be more appropriate . Good format anyway. Enjoyed. Regards for Central America with a W124 E 230 from 1985! Saludos
I test drove a Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow from 1970. It took a 16th of a mile to bring it up to speed, and an additional 16th of a mile to bring it to a stop. MPG is a killer. I live in California, gas/ petrol is at a relative premium here. The biggest detraction for the Rolls, is its 8 MPG (U.S.). Like you, I think both the Mercedes W123 and Rolls-Royce Silver Shadow is a draw as to being the best. Frankly, if you did a cut and splice (Mercedes' engineering/ maintenance, durability and fuel economy with the wafting luxury of a Rolls-Royce) you'd be on to a real winner!!!
It seems that Mercedes bosses made sensible decisions with the workforce getting on with their job. Success, it's what we should of been doing and then perhaps things wouldn't of ended up in such a mess.
Best car in the world is the Jaguar XJ12 / Daimler Double Six!
Shame the build quality was so poor.
@jjefferyworboys8138 but when they worked, I don't think there's anything to match them! Easily the prettiest car as well!
Don't tell JLR. They don't want to know.
Yes the XJ12 was a nice car but the XJ6 with the more practical straight was just as nice. I still have a 1996 XJ6 today because it gives me many of the traditional interior features of the RR shadow, which I have always wanted but could not afford to maintain. However if one thought a RR shadow was a complicated car then consider this. How complicated is a modern Bentley Contenential or a RR Seraph V12 with Turbochargers? I would have been happy with a RR shadow with a straight 6 and it would have been more practical and halved the the MPG consumption. I had a Humber Super Snipe series 4 in the 80's with just a 3ltr straigt 6 and it was glorious. The balance of Simplicity in a luxury car is what makes it more practical and more dependable.
Iain Tyrrell made a great video about the Vanden Plas version.
One doesn't need deep pockets to own a W123, that basically answers the question.
Of course the W123. Not this particular version, because the 200 carburetor was weak and thirsty. And the lower end of the model range (although I like the full wooden panels). Why? I am driving a 1983 300D, also weak with its 88 HP. It is now 41 years, has 250.000 km on it and has not a single welding or plastic in or on it. Pristine condition. And you just sit in, start, drive. No questions. Regular oil changes and some "love" here and there are required though. My biggest mishap in the last 20 years was a snapped belt that drives the cooler fan and the water pump. And, as you might guess nowadays, I made it to the next petrol station and asked for a belt. They were only laughing at me. I could haven stocked-up my fridge with what they had available, but it were the 2010s and no, no belt available. We made it home anyway, because they had stockings...
A W116 280 SEL (185 hp dohc six) or 350 SEL (200 hp V8) would surely be the appropriate comparison to the RR Silver Shadow (172 hp up to 1976, therafter 190 hp). Not the more mundane W123, which I do appreciate but which is something else altogether. And I do like the styling of the Silver Shadow, esp in series 2 guise.
The Rolls Royce had the best crumple zone:
The other vehicle.
For a comparison you would have had to choose the Mercedes Pullman. That was a competitor to the Silver Shadow.
Holy crap that W123 is MINT ❤
W123😊
affordability translates to vote for merc
I buy a new 300 D in 1979.Fantastic car, but huge rust problems.
The diesel W124s did not offer similar performance. They were enormously slow.
I remember in the 1960's and 70's the only two diesel cars you could get were the London Taxi and a Mercedes. I have recently dumped a series of newish computerised cars because a series of incompetent garages failed to diagnose the series of computerised faults, and an electric car because of its 35 mile range. I bought myself a 1983 W123 the same colour as in this video. I don't have to tell you which car is the best in the world, it's obvious. You and I can afford to buy and run the Mercedes, not so the Roller.
No contest the 123 hands down
A diesal 123 will literally go forever with service
A rolls especially this era are shite
I like the look of the corniche
But i would never buy one
But a diesel 123 i would buy tomorrow if it wasnt rotting
And maybe even if it was i would probably still buy it forvthe engine
Rolls Royce Vs Syrian taxi !!
They were everywhere in the Middle East used as Taxi’s .
Still a great car though.
I sort of guess why you’d use a very much everyday car compared to a Rolls Royce,but spec is no comparison.
I'm agree, not the most innovative or beautiful or iconic, but the best saloon in the 70s and 80s. The true Mercedes was the W123, W124 and the 190, for Rolls-Royce was the Silver Shadow and Spirit.
I had the 2.8 TE seven seater with all the extras including air co and cruise. Wish I still had it My W204 220 Sport Estate 15:20 is just not the same.
Maybe an unfair comparison. The W123 was not the luxury merc. The S class would have been a better comparison. However, that era of Merc was extremely well engineered. Much better than the latest range.
Fiat 124 Special
I have a Silver Shadow and a late Mercedes CLK (not a W123). For quality, craftmanship and ride, I'd take the Rolls any day. Sublimely comfortable and way easier to drive hands-down. As for the "best", that is a matter of opinion based on one's own selection criteria. The Merc is cheaper to maintain and run, but I'd sell the Merc before the Rolls.
W123. 👍🏻😃👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
I would give it to the W123, an amazing car and an engineering led example of a great design. I love Shadows though and they are hugely appealing but for me, compromised in the driving dynamics. Certainly improved in Series 2 cars, they prefer to take like at their own pace. I would argue the Jaguar XJ12/Daimler Double Six is a better car than the Rolls. It matches it for interior style but it has a much more useable combination of ride, performance and handling than the Rolls. I am probably biased as I own a Double Six but driving it back to back with my friends Rolls, for me, the Daimler is a much much better car. I still love Shadows though and this was an interesting comparison.
I'd take the W123 every time. Good luck finding a red one though.
There's no ''Best car in the world'' because everyone define it differently.
Joe, you really need to drive a six cylinder W123. If you dare! We all know you love your 200, but straight-6 takes it to another level. The 250 is smooth, nice and very "Mercedes", where as the 280e is surprisingly quick and sporty at high revs.
I'd love to! Know one I can borrow or, *ahem* borrow the engine from?
Sorry. I'm in Sweden and knows no one who has one any more.
These old straight-six are to thirsty for using the W 123 as a daily driver today. 230E is probably the most fuel-effective petrol variant.
Have you driven the 5 cylinder 300D?
In the end, a Rolls-Royce built with Mercedes-Benz quality would probably be the best, at least the most recognizable. The Mercedes-Benz with no disrespect intended looks like any other Mercedes-Benz whilst the Rolls-Royce is distinctive. It is interesting to note that your insurance sponsor wants less money for the Rolls-Royce than the Mercedes-Benz. But, as you say, Joe, it's up to the prospective buyer to decide, and both cars provide luxury transportation for the lucky owner.
I have a Bentley Turbo R. I remember your road trip👍
How does my car differ, in any important way, from this Rolls?
The Turbo R feels subtly newer inside and handles with that bit more composure - with enough space and money, you could justify owning both!
Mercedes 600, is infinitely more innovative than Rolls Royce and has better build quality.
THIS was the best car in the world.
The Mercedes looks more. Modern😮
We'd agree, but to be fair to the Rolls, there's nearly 10 years of design progress from one to the other!
Because it simply is.
Look at the steering wheel.
(1920s look in the RR versus a look as if it would have an airbag already.)
That W123 is so beautiful - even next to that stunner of a rolls.
ive had a 1968 rolls for years , i guted it some years a go . in side and out now a a1 car ,, have lots of old jags and a steam engine and organ
Best car in the world 450 SEL 6.9
600 Pullman.
@@jjefferyworboys8138 Yes the Mercedes 600 is what I consider truly the Best Car in the World.
My Dad had a 6.9, bought new in 1979. A fantastic car at the time - solid, roomy, comfortable, incredible handling and smoothness (thanks to the advanced hydropneumatic self-levelling suspension) and FAST. Like a bank vault on steroids. When my Dad was out of town, I sometimes took it out for solo nighttime spins. What. A. Car.
The w123 was the last of the good looking mercedes for me
as the great Budd Sidewinder said - you only compare a Hattori Hanzō sword ever made, not made, to another Hattori Hanzō sword
The 123 looks like chavs idea of class. The Rolls is class.
The Merc is durable, the Roller is luxury.
The W123, for being more democratic than the Silver Shadow