300SEL vs 420SEL

[Joshua Penix]

Am torn between purchasing a 1991 420SEL or a 1990 300SEL. Both are
in very nice condition. The 300 has 120k miles, the 420 has 135k.

I've driven them both, and liked the low-end oomph of the 420, but
found that the 300 had plenty of get-up-and go, and liked to perform
best in the higher RPMs.

The dealer with the 300 gave me an earful about how its in-line 6
cylinder engine is one of best made and how I should take into
consideration its lower maintenance costs when compared to the V8 in
the 420.

Curious as to what others' experiences have been with these two
engines. Will I miss the V8? Or will I be rewarded with low
maintenance costs on the 6 cylinder?

Any particular maintenance issues I should know about for either of
these engines, or for the late-model W126 bodies?

Also, how do the 300 and 420 compare feature-wise? Nothing stood out
as missing on the 300 during my test drive, but I didn't get much time
to compare.

Thanks for any input...

--Josh

[Walden Han]

Hello Josh,

From time to time i drive my fathers 1991 420sel when i need an extra leg
room comfortable Sedan for road trips or whatever. I tell you, for a V8
that only is rated at 191+ HP it is amazing on the highway. Acceleration
is not bad too. And surprisingly its not that bad on gas. But the
smoothness and quiet ride for a car back in 1991, it still beats many
sedans made today except the newer S classes.

I cant see a 300 having the same feel as the 420. Once you go V8 its hard
to go back. Right now i just sold my 1993 Acura legend (which is also
rated at 193 HP V6 but does not feel anything as good as the 420sel V8)
and looking to buy either E500, E420 (1994) or the classic 560sec
(1989-1990) and completely hook the 560 up....still havent decided but
got some great info from this NG so far.

I would go for the 1991 420sel and i am sure it is at a very reasonable
price too.

take care...good luck...

[AMG280]

The 300SEL is very underpowered for its size. And the maintenance costs are no
different than the 420's v-8. My 420 seems sluggish sometimes , so I really
cant imagine what the six feels like. I have that same engine in our other 300E
and that is a good match, but also a much smaller car. for a luxury car, you
want low end oomph, you dont want to have to keep revving the car out to go
anywhere.

[Satish Tummala]

Buy the 420. Simple. Maintenance is almost identical. Plus, the in-line 6
has valve guide/seals problems.

Satish

[Finchclan]

I have recently purchased a 420se 1990.
The V8 is effortless and cuises at 70mph with such low revs that the fuel
accconomy is surprisingly low.

A great buy.
I would be intersted in any comments you have had regarding th 420 and any
faults or qwerks. So please forward via emal any comments you recieve.

Also let me know how you car is performing.

Regards

Finc...@aol.com