I have to come to the rescue of the early eighties 300d. I own one of these fantastic vehicles, and if you know what you're doing, you can make these things perform prodigious feats.
My own vehicle is a mild example. Don't get me wrong, it's no go-kart, and the handling is definitely the worst part. However, the car is virtually unflappable - as in, I can do WHATEVER I want to the poor thing and it eats it up with pride. Each part is made to withstand a nuclear blast, and you can really feel that at the limit. Oversteer is progressive and manageable, and actually a whole lot of fun.
My motor has 13 degree advanced injection timing, and this changed the characteristics completely. What was once a whimpy sounding, very tame and quiet motor became a pissed-off snorting beast. That mod alone returned at least 20hp (seat of pants). Furthermore, I increased the fueling via the ALDA (which can be ajusted in seconds) and increased the boost by adjusting the wastegate spring. The free-flow intake is on the way, and the straight pipe exhaust will be installed after that. As for right now, it's very fun to drive and it makes an fairly impressive amount of power. I figure I'm getting to 60mph in about 12 - 13 seconds.
However, there are people that are taking these cars to an obsene level. in Finland, they create "super-turbos". A super turbo has to make at least 100hp per litre. With a 3 litre motor, that's a lot of power and torque. They're propelling these 4000+ lb cars to the quarter mile in the 12's and 13's without fail. And longevity is maintained.
To quote one of the super turbo builders:
"These engines are still mechanically controlled, no electronics.
The secret of these power figures is is huge intercooler and turbo + new elements in the pump to ensure the proper amout of fuel for 425 Hp output.
Otherwise the engines are standard, bearings etc.
Transmission is either reinforced mechanical or automatic.
Super-turbos ( as they are called here in Finland ) in W124 chassis do have aircon as well."
check:
http://www.mercedesshop.com/shopforum/showthread.php3?t=104635&highlight=markkuFurthermore, with the Bilstein HD shocks and shortened, stiffer springs, they can be made to handle too.
In a nutshell - just like other types of high-revving diesels, these cars can be made to fly with the right expertise. Moderate tuning returns a fun ride, and serious tuning returns an outrageous ride.
My favorite part about the mercedes is just how rock-solid it is. If they are maintained, they'll run for 2 million km. Best highway vehicle I've ever owned.
If it's a daily driver with highway driving planned - it's the mercedes.
If it's city squirting and autocrossing, it's the rabbit.
-gratefuljoe
1984 300d on BioD
GTD rabbit building soon
Topic: Volvo diesel vs Mercedes (Read 12996 times)
