Let's go back to 1979, the year of the second oil crisis.... and a time when you could still order a BMW or Mercedes-Benz saloon in bright yellow... Anyone not too concerned about fuel prices would be spoilt for choice in the market for executive saloons. In sharp contrast to today, that market would not be merely dominated by the premium German "Big Three" but more mainstream brands would also play their part. Around 30,000 Dutch guilders (approximately €13,500 then and €34,000 in today's money) would give you the choice of saloon or hatchback body style, four to six cylinder engines, and cars with an outright focus on comfort versus cars at the more dynamic end of the spectrum. Which of these six would you choose?
Option #1: Audi 100Avant GL-5E
Its style is bordering on the unpretentious. It looks very much like a big version of the contemporary VW Passat. Yet, you get a very advanced five-cylinder injection engine, which makes this the fastest car here by a stretch. And you get the typical five-cylinder soundtrack as a bonus! In 1979 Audi was not quite on equal footing as premium brand to BMW/Mercedes but it was trying hard!
Option #2: Renault 30 TS
Another practical five-door. Not quite as eccentric as the other French car in this selection, but arguably styled with more panache than the Audi. Double round headlights and these cool four-slot alloy wheels are the giveaways that this is the six-cylinder R30 and not the four-cylinder R20. True to its "grande routière" character, driving comfort is priority number one.
Option #3: Mercedes-Benz 230 E
A fair bit more expensive than all the other cars and still only with a fairly lethargic four-cylinder and basic body-coloured steel wheels. By far the slowest car in this company, but then again Mercedes-Benz durability and quality never came cheap. And you drive like a king. It proved a lot more long-lived than all its rivals, perhaps with the Volvo 240 as the only exception.
Option #4: BMW 520
The good times that even a simple 520 offered six cylinders is long behind us, but in this E12-generation 5-series a 520 still meant a silken smooth six-pot. Not outright quick but the handling is generally considered a league above all others. To my eyes, its design with the typical "shark nose" and strong wedge shape has aged more gracefully than rivals'.
Option #5: Citroën CX 2400 Pallas
By far the most eccentric car here. Razor sharp styling, by French mastermind Robert Opron, in combination with extraordinarily sumptuous driving comfort thanks to the innovative hydropneumatic suspension. The volcano grey with cream leather interior make a stunning combination. Let-down is the simple four-cylinder. But then this car was never designed for speedy corners.
Option #6: Volvo 244 GL
In 1979 the basic shape - going back to the 1966 Volvo 144 - was already outdated, but Volvos in the 200-series remained very popular. The robust looks and solid build quality give the car a near-classless appeal: anyone could be seen in a Volvo. The stodgy driving dynamics and slow four-cylinder are deeply unremarkable. The six-cylinder Volvo 264 would be too expensive in this company.
Which one would you choose?
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