Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 E 2.6 CAT (160 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

0 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine N/A / 5
Not Rated
Value N/A / 5
Not Rated
Performance N/A / 5
Not Rated
Comfort N/A / 5
Not Rated
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz 190:

The Mercedes-Benz W201 is the internal designation for the Mercedes 190 series sedans, a range of front-engine, rear drive, five passenger, four-door sedans manufactured over a single generation, from 1982 to 1993 as the company's first compact class automobile.
Designed by Bruno Sacco, head of styling at Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999, the W201 debuted at the 1982 Paris Motor Show. Manufactured in both Bremen and Sindelfingen, Germany, production reached 1,879,629 over its eleven-year model life....(Read more on Wikipedia)

W201 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201). With 220 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1360 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.2 s). The top speed reaches 207 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
The Mercedes-Benz W201 predates Euro NCAP testing, which began in 1997. While not officially rated, its robust build quality for its era provided a good level of passive safety compared to contemporaries.

E 2.6 CAT (160 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 8 stars

Performance Verdict

Combines the powerful 2.6L engine with a smooth automatic, providing effortless acceleration and refined cruising.

Fuel Economy

Similar to the manual, but the automatic transmission will slightly increase fuel consumption.

Best Use Case: Refined Executive Cruiser / Comfortable Highway Driving

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional build quality and durability, often outlasting modern cars.
  • • Timeless, understated design that ages gracefully.
  • • Comfortable ride and refined driving experience for its class.
  • • Highly reliable engines, especially the diesel variants.
  • • Good handling and chassis dynamics, particularly in sportier trims.
  • • Increasing classic status and appreciation among enthusiasts.

Cons:

  • • Rust can be a significant issue on neglected examples, especially in wheel arches and jacking points.
  • • Parts can be expensive, and specialized knowledge may be required for repairs.
  • • Base models offer modest performance, feeling slow by modern standards.
  • • Lacks modern safety features (e.g., airbags, ABS standard on later models) due to its age.
  • • Interior plastics and trim can degrade or become brittle over time.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W201, facelift 1988: 1990 - 1993).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:190
Generation:W201
Modification (Engine):E 2.6 CAT (160 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:April, 1986
End of production:August, 1988
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Sedan
Seats:5
Doors:4
Engine:
Power:160 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:61.6 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:220 Nm @ 4600 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 103.E26 More details about the engine M 103.E26
Engine displacement:2597
Number of cylinders:6
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Engine oil capacity:6 l
Coolant:9 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:82.9 mm mm
Piston Stroke:80.2 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.2:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:12.4 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:8.2 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.2 sec
Maximum speed:207 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:8.5 kg/Hp, 117.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.2 kg/Nm, 161.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.7 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1360
Max. weight:1790
Max load:430
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:410 l
Fuel tank capacity:55 l
Size:
Length:4450 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1690 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1375 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2665 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1440 mm
Rear (Back) track:1420 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size185/65 R15
Wheel rims size7J x 15
Front suspensionWishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionIndependent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer

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