I've driven a 1990 260E and a 1995 316i, both manual. The Mercedes had a really smooth ride, good power delivery and much more space, but the BMW is more fun, felt very stable with its good handling and steering feedback, and is obviously stingier with fuel. Besides a lowly 105 hp, 8-valver carrying much more weight than a regular 1.6 car should, other downsides are cramp rear space and the tendency of its chassis to hit large humps. Back to the Benz, if I'm not mistaken, it's V6 is still carbureted, so expect a rather large gas bill.