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Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 E 2.3 CAT (132 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz 190:
Mercedes-Benz has sold a number of automobiles with the "190" model name:....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W201 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201). With 198 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. It has moderate fuel consumption (~11.3 l/100km). Weighing only 1090 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 10.7 s). The top speed reaches 192 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.
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 2.3 CAT (132 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A smooth and capable automatic, offering good power and refinement for comfortable daily driving with cleaner emissions.
Fuel Economy
Good balance of power and efficiency for an automatic petrol with a catalytic converter.
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: July, 1988 - June, 1993).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | 190 |
| Generation: | W201 |
| Modification (Engine): | E 2.3 CAT (132 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | March, 1983 |
| End of production: | August, 1988 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 132 Hp @ 5100 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 57.4 Hp/l [10mm less] |
| Torque: | 198 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 102 E 23 / 102.965 More details about the engine M 102 E 23 / 102.965 |
| Engine displacement: | 2299 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 8.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 95.5 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.25 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 11.3 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 192 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.3 kg/Hp, 121.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.5 kg/Nm, 181.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1090 |
| Max. weight: | 1690 |
| Max load: | 600 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 410 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4420 mm [10mm less] |
| Width: | 1678 mm [28mm less] |
| Height: | 1390 mm [29mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2665 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1437 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1418 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 6J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Independent multi-link spring suspension with stabilizer |
What’s the best feature of the Mercedes-Benz 190? Tell us in the comments!