Braking, handling(no dive/squat despite no air springs/hydraulics), and acceleration were super top notch for the day. 108ft braking is astonishing for something on such pedestrian tires.
Still own one of those in station wagon form. Had both phase 1 and 2 cars in 320 4matic. The phase 2 is a much better car than the first ones. BUT they both (as all MB products of the mid 90' to mid 2000) rust like they want to commit suicide and return to the Earth as quickly as possible... Saddly a very bad period from the quality point of view for Mercedes.