Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR Coupe (W196S) 3.0 (310 Hp)
People\'s Opinion
N/A / 5
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR:
The Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR is a two-seat sports racing car that took part in the 1955 World Sportscar Championship before a catastrophic crash and fire at Le Mans later that year ended its domination prematurely. The car was designated "SL-R" , which was later condensed to "SLR". Technically, the W 196 S is based on the W 196 R, but has a slightly different engine, displacing 3 litres.
Just as the W 196 R Formula One racer's M 196 R engine, the 300 SLR's M 196 S engine is a direct-injected 3-litre straight-eight engine ; its rated power is 302 PS....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Coupe (W196S) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR (Coupe (W196S)). With 311 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1117 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 284 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
Performance Verdict
This 3.0L M 196 S inline-8 engine was a masterpiece of engineering for its time, delivering an astonishing 310 Hp. Its direct injection and DOHC setup provided incredible power and responsiveness, making it a dominant force on the track and one of the fastest cars of its era.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a primary concern for this race-bred machine. With a consumption of 30 l/100 km, it is exceptionally thirsty, reflecting its high-performance nature and the technology of the mid-1950s.
Best Use Case:
Historic Racing / Collector / Exhibition
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Unparalleled historical significance and rarity
- • Groundbreaking engineering and performance for its era
- • Stunning, iconic design ('Uhlenhaut Coupe')
- • Exceptional collector's item with immense value
- • Direct lineage to Formula 1 winning technology
Cons:
- • Extremely high fuel consumption (30 l/100 km)
- • No modern safety features whatsoever
- • Impractical for road use; designed for racing
- • Astronomical acquisition and maintenance costs
- • Limited comfort and refinement due to race-bred nature
Specifications:
| General: |
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
|---|
| Model: | 300 SLR |
|---|
| Generation: | Coupe (W196S) |
|---|
| Modification (Engine): | 3.0 (310 Hp) |
|---|
| Start of production: | 1955 |
|---|
| End of production: | 1955 |
|---|
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
|---|
| Body type: | Coupe |
|---|
| Seats: | 2 |
|---|
| Doors: | 2 |
|---|
| Engine: |
| Power: | 310 Hp @ 7400 rpm. |
|---|
| Power per litre: | 104 Hp/l |
|---|
| Torque: | 311 Nm @ 5950 rpm. |
|---|
| Engine Model/Code: | M 196 S |
|---|
| Engine displacement: | 2982 |
|---|
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
|---|
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
|---|
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
|---|
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
|---|
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
|---|
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
|---|
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
|---|
| Cylinder Bore: | 78 mm |
|---|
| Piston Stroke: | 78 mm |
|---|
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
|---|
| Maximum engine speed: | 7800 rpm. |
|---|
| Performance: |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
|---|
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 30 l/100 km |
|---|
| Maximum speed: | 284 km/h |
|---|
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 3.6 kg/Hp, 277.5 Hp/tonne |
|---|
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.6 kg/Nm, 278.4 Nm/tonne |
|---|
| Space: |
| Kerb Weight: | 1117 |
|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 155 l |
|---|
| Size: |
| Length: | 4350 mm |
|---|
| Width: | 1750 mm |
|---|
| Height: | 1210 mm |
|---|
| Wheelbase: | 2370 mm |
|---|
| Front track: | 1330 mm |
|---|
| Rear (Back) track: | 1380 mm |
|---|
| Powertrain: |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
|---|
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
|---|
| Number of gears | 5 |
|---|
| Transmission type | Manual |
|---|
| Front brakes | Drum, 350 mm |
|---|
| Rear brakes | Drum, 275 mm |
|---|
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
|---|
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 175/95 R16 |
|---|
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 16 |
|---|
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
|---|
Is the Mercedes-Benz 300 SLR the king of its class? Share your thoughts.