MB 190 2.3-16v

[MAH77]

How do they compare to a mid 80s air cooled 911? I’ve read a bunch of articles on them, but looking for actual driving impressions.

Thanks,
Milan

[LakeCleElum]

My MB 190 is a 1.9 8V. 1960 SL. It's a SLUG compared to my long hoods......

[klaus]

Originally Posted by MAH77

How do they compare to a mid 80s air cooled 911? I’ve read a bunch of articles on them, but looking for actual driving impressions.

Thanks,
Milan

Have you ever driven a E30 M3? Because not only were they competitors on the track, but they have some similarities in the driving experience, most notable the engine. I view the 190E as a more refined E30 M3, a little more comfortable, a bit less buzzy, and maybe missing a tick of the driving feel.

When compared to a 80's 911 the driving experience of the 190 is going to be very different. Nothing has the 911 steering feel, and there is a bit more heft in the 190. The 190 will feel a bit more like a modern car, but both are fully analog and very engaging to drive.

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

My MB 190 is a 1.9 8V. 1960 SL. It's a SLUG compared to my long hoods......

Yes, the 190E 1.9 is a slug. But that is like saying a 924 with the original Audi motor is slug when someone asks about driving a 944 Turbo.

[racer]

imho, the 190E 2.3-16 feels more like a 944 than a 911. 170ish hp.. 2900lbs..

[epbrown]

Originally Posted by racer

imho, the 190E 2.3-16 feels more like a 944 than a 911. 170ish hp.. 2900lbs..

This I'd agree with. I've had a 911SC and a 944, and for a year or two I was seriously shopping for and researching the E30 M3 and the 2.3-16. The Mercedes was actually the front-runner for me, as every M3 I found in the area had been modded (usually poorly) and I wanted original, and prices were starting to climb while the 16-valve 190E weren't on people's radar yet.

I've often said my 944 was my favorite Porsche, and I found the character of both sedans to be similar - fun, practical and nice handling, despite not being all that powerful. The 2.3-16v was a bit more comfortable than the M3, though it didn't look or handle as sporty. A lot of people recommended getting the 2.6L Sportline instead, as the 2.3-16v was considered finicky and shops familiar with them rare.

In the end, I never found an example of either car nice enough to buy and eventually ended up with a Z3 coupe.

[VincentVega]

I havent driven one in years but remember a weird shifter and not much power below ~3-4k. Shifter could have been just worn out but IIRC it was a little vague and long throws. Was it a dogleg box? Its been a while. Always a customer car so I never pushed them. Dont see them here anymore, would like to drive one a bit more aggressively now. Good luck,

[Tobra]

Dogleg shifter like a 901. Sort of like an M3, only it feels heavier, more Mercedes, if that makes sense. Cosworth head, US spec had a lower redline, and was available with a slushbox, both of which make baby Jesus cry. VERY competent chassis.

[nota]

wonder how hard a M-B newer 4 compressor swap would be to do
sure would wake up both the 190sl or the 2.3v16

my dad had a 190sl that broke it's rear axle
how that gutless wonder did break it is a mystery
he quickly went back to 356's

[racer]

The US 2.3-16 was rated around 167hp.. the Euro version had 185hp which made it, on paper, much closer to the 193-200hp E30M3

Indeed, the 190e-2.6 was the better car for the US (more tq, less peaky hp)

My folks considered in 1986 ordering a 190e 2.3-16 or a (then available) stick shift 300e (same $$ and same performance). In the end they went with neither. Our neighbor had a new 928S4 coming his way, so they bought his 1984 928S instead!)

[wildthing]

Closest I've driven is a regular 190E back in the early 90s. And back then I haven't driven a 911.

So can't really help you. I have been looking at them lately just for fun. But because they depreciate more than a 911, the 3rd or 4th owner probably thought they could afford maintaining it. I've seen some examples on craigslist that command a hefty premium, but I was looking for a driver, and those were pretty beat up.

[javadog]

They were pretty well-built but nowhere near as sporting as an E30 M3.

The Benz will feel like a diesel taxi compared to an 80s 911.

[speeder]

They are neat cars and have some collector value if they are nice but I can't speak to the driving experience. Probably sporty but not super quick.

[speeder]

Originally Posted by LakeCleElum

My MB 190 is a 1.9 8V. 1960 SL. It's a SLUG compared to my long hoods......

That would be a non-sequitur in this discussion, Bob. Nothing in common between a 1960 190SL and a late-'80s Cosworth motor w201.