for a noob close friend of mine 280SL or 190SL

[ds58]

he just started liking classic cars

and wants to buy one...i have asked him to look at the 280 sl pagoda and he likes it but then looked at the 190sl and he likes that one more

i tried to tell him its a harder car to drive and more 50s, and a pagoda is a better choice

I'm not sure about parts and running costs and other aspects of the 190sl...i know a bit more on the pagoda but I'm more of a w111 lover and have had a few

he has driven my 3.5 (30km) and he loved it but i explained that good 3.5 coupes are hard to find and its a bit more that what he is willing to spend

so please help me in trying to help him choose a classic car

what do u guys recommend and why, he is a lawyer (in his 20s) so he liked to know why and reasoning hahah

i still say the 280 sl pagoda is the best for him

its a weekend and more winter car as we are in Dubai and its HOT

thanks guys

[thelews]

I have both a 190 SL and 250 SL.  The 250 SL is an easier drive and more technologically sophisticated car.  The 190 SL is more vintage, better looking and classier in most people's eyes.

If he thinks a good 111 3.5 coupe is too expensive, he won't find a decent 190 SL for the same price.  A good, well sorted, 190 SL is $75-100K  or more.  You can find nice, drivable 113s for $30-40k with great ones for $60-70k.  So there is a big price difference.  Tell him to get the 113 and be on the hunt for a 190 SL.  Maybe he'll get lucky.

[RickM]

I worked with two people who restored/owned 190s back in the mid 80's. Their biggest complaint was that the car was (as they put it) "dog slow".

They are definitely reminiscent of the 300 era though.

I'm also curious about parts availability as compared to the 113.

[thelews]

I worked with two people who restored/owned 190s back in the mid 80's. Their biggest complaint was that the car was (as they put it) "dog slow".

They are definitely reminiscent of the 300 era though.

I'm also curious about parts availability as compared to the 113.

Then they weren't tuned well.  A well tuned, well running 190 SL (105 hp / 2500 lb 0 -60 / 13 sec)) is not significantly slower than a 113 (170 hp / 3000 lb 0 - 60 / 10 sec auto), which is not exactly a neck snapper either.

Parts are readily available from MB and other vendors.