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Mercedes-Benz Fintail Universal (W110) 230 (120 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz Fintail:
Mercedes-Benz Fintail is a nickname for saloon cars of the W110, W111, and W112 series produced by Mercedes from 1959 to 1968. These replaced the Ponton-series saloon cars introduced in 1953.
These series' modest tailfin-era styling reflected the US-led trend. In Mercedes terminology, the short rear fins were designated Peilstege , parking aids which marked the end of the car for aid in backing....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Universal (W110) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz Fintail (Universal (W110)). With 178 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1485 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 170 km/h. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
230 (120 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most powerful option, offering respectable acceleration and highway cruising capabilities for a 1960s estate. The automatic transmission adds to driving comfort.
Fuel Economy
Higher fuel consumption compared to the diesel variants, but acceptable for its performance class in the era.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic Fintail styling with classic Mercedes-Benz appeal
- • Exceptional build quality and durability, especially the diesel engines
- • Highly practical and spacious station wagon body style
- • Comfortable ride quality for its era
- • Strong classic car market appeal and growing collector interest
- • Reliable and relatively simple mechanicals for maintenance
Cons:
- • Very modest performance, especially with diesel engines
- • Lack of modern safety features (common for its age)
- • Steering can be vague and heavy by modern standards
- • Parts availability for specific Universal body components can be challenging
- • Rust can be a significant issue if not properly maintained
- • Fuel consumption of petrol engines can be high compared to modern cars
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Universal (W110): 1965 - 1965).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Fintail |
| Generation: | Universal (W110) |
| Modification (Engine): | 230 (120 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1966 |
| End of production: | 1968 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 120 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 52 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 178 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 180 X / 180.949 More details about the engine M 180 X / 180.949 |
| Engine displacement: | 2306 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 81.99 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Maximum speed: | 170 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.3 kg/Nm, 119.9 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1485 |
| Max. weight: | 2140 |
| Max load: | 655 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4740 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1795 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1530 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1482 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1485 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 | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Wheel rims size | 5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Air suspension, Trailing arm |
If you could change one thing about the Mercedes-Benz Fintail, what would it be?