Pagoda vs W111/2 Driving Experience

[SSAS]

Afternoon All,
                  I have long had an aspirational goal to own and drive a Pagoda. I have never driven one but think they are aesthetically beautiful.
 Unfortunately the prices presently are beyond my reach. I have a 300 SE Coupe and the air suspension ride is sublime.
I would love to hear from anyone who does own a W111/2 Coupe and a Pagoda that can tell me what the different driving characteristics each have and whether the pursuit should be maintained and will be worth it in the end.

Is it a must have the Pair of them or is it be Happy with either one?

[Shvegel]

Too bad you don't live near me.  You could drive mine.

[SEB]

I do not know the characteristic of the W112 with the airsuspention, but I think I can tell you the difference between the W111 and W113. I have both mentioned by you cars a 250 SL and 250 SE Coupe Automatic.  Both cars are from March 1967.
The Coupe has the Big Chrome package, so it looks like the W112. I was thinking that due to the fact, that both cars have similar technique also the driving characteristic should be similar. But it's not like that.
When you drive the W111 with automatic, you get the impression, that you are cruising. You have the big grill with the Mercedes star, the car is quieter more comfortable. And you have a lot of space inside, so also other feeling, than in the Pagoda
The Pagoda is more sportive, louder, smaller. The opposite of the W111. You feel the direct contact with the road.

Even the best epic description will not convey these impressions. So you have to try.

[stickandrudderman]

Completely different driving experiences, even though the two cars share a lot of components.
The 111/112 gives a much more luxurious feel that doesn't encourage sporty driving, rather it envelopes you like a nice cosy duvet whilst transporting you to your destination.
The 113 experience is much more sporty due to the lighter weight and shorter wheelbase; however it is still not a "sports car" and offers a very refined driving experience superior to any modern car.
It goes without saying that in all cases the car must be properly set up and in good condition on order to be compared.
Half the battle is finding one that drives the way it should.

[Pawel66]

The Pagoda: feels light, swift, quick, very direct, very responsive. Not a sports car today, not a sports car those days, but responsive enough to feel it is a roadster. Even today, however, you may win some starts from traffic lights with average+ todays cars.

[wwheeler]

I have a w111 automatic and have driven w113 automatics from time to time. Yes, hard to believe there could be much of a difference, but there is. I would say what has been said here is very accurate. It is as much a psychological effect as it is a mechanical difference. It just feels "wrong" to sport around town in the W111 where as the W113 begs to be driven in a sporty manner. 

[SSAS]

Thank you all very much. 
Looks like I need to keep saving and hope Pagodaflation doesn't beat me

[thelews]

I had a 300SE Sedan. Can't compare.  Pagoda much shorter wheelbase and not air suspension.  Nice ride, built like a tank, not harsh, very tight.  The second generation of the boulevard cruiser, much more refined than the first.

[DaveB]

W113 have become expensive in Australia. Maybe look out for a good LHD 230, that would give you the experience without (quite) the price tag. I wouldn't know where to start looking though, MB clubs I guess.

[SSAS]

G'day DaveB,
              Have you seen some of the prices of LHD Pagodas in Australia- You need to sell a Kidney for some of the asking prices

[DaveB]

G'day DaveB,
              Have you seen some of the prices of LHD Pagodas in Australia- You need to sell a Kidney for some of the asking prices

Too bad. No, I hadn't looked into it, just assumed they'd be significantly cheaper.