I owned a 1972 Mercedes 220D when I was in school. Dang thing took three minutes to start - in WARM weather. In colder weather, the glow plug took about 5 minutes to show any signs of life, even after I bought a new 80lb. battery for the thing.
On the highway, it took about 10 minutes to hit 80 mph. BUT, once it reached 80, it cruised like a dream, and you could take any exit or turn without even slowing down. It was a tank, but it gripped the pavement and steered better than any other car I've ever owned.

