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Mercedes-Benz Fintail Universal (W111) 230 S (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 (W111) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz Fintail (Universal (W111)). With 178 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1520 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 S (120 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 120 Hp 2.3L inline-six provided adequate power for comfortable cruising, especially with the automatic transmission, though acceleration was leisurely by modern standards. Top speed of 170 km/h was respectable.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption of 11.5 l/100 km (approx. 20.4 MPG US) was typical for a large six-cylinder engine of the 1960s, considered moderate for its class and performance.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and elegant 'Fintail' styling
- • Robust Mercedes-Benz build quality and engineering
- • Spacious and comfortable interior, especially for a station wagon
- • Smooth and reliable inline-six engine
- • Historical significance as a luxury estate car
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features (e.g., airbags, ABS)
- • Performance is modest compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Parts availability can be challenging and costly for specific components
- • Steering can feel vague compared to modern systems
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Universal (W110): 1965 - 1965).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Fintail |
| Generation: | Universal (W111) |
| Modification (Engine): | 230 S (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 [145mm more] |
| Torque: | 178 Nm @ 4000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 180 VIII / 180.947 More details about the engine M 180 VIII / 180.947 |
| 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: | 82 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.5 l/100 km |
| Maximum speed: | 170 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.7 kg/Hp, 78.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.5 kg/Nm, 117.1 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1520 |
| Max. weight: | 2170 |
| Max load: | 650 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4885 mm mm [145mm more] |
| Width: | 1795 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1530 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2750 mm mm [50mm more] |
| 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 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element, Trailing arm |
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