Mercedes-Benz Fintail W111 220 b (95 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)
W111 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz Fintail (W111). With 169 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1320 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 16 s). The top speed reaches 150 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 W111 predates modern Euro NCAP testing by several decades. However, it was a pioneer in passive safety for its time, featuring a patented crumple zone design and a padded dashboard, significantly advanced for the late 1950s and early 1960s.
220 b (95 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers modest performance, suitable for relaxed driving rather than brisk acceleration. The automatic transmission further smooths out the power delivery.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is on the higher side given its power output, reflecting the older automatic transmission technology.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Pioneering safety features for its time (crumple zones).
- • Elegant and distinctive 'Fintail' styling.
- • Spacious and luxurious interior comfort.
- • Robust and durable engineering.
- • Smooth and refined ride quality.
Cons:
- • Performance can feel leisurely by modern standards (especially lower trims).
- • Fuel economy is not competitive with modern vehicles.
- • Maintenance and parts for a classic can be expensive.
- • Lack of modern safety features and driver aids.
- • Rust can be an issue if not properly maintained.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W110: July, 1966 - February, 1968).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Fintail |
| Generation: | W111 |
| Modification (Engine): | 220 b (95 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | May, 1959 |
| End of production: | August, 1965 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 95 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 43.3 Hp/l [145mm more] |
| Torque: | 169 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 180 IV / 180.940 More details about the engine M 180 IV / 180.940 |
| Engine displacement: | 2195 |
| 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: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 16 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 16 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 13.9 kg/Hp, 72 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.8 kg/Nm, 128 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 15.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1320 |
| Max. weight: | 1835 |
| Max load: | 515 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4875 mm mm [145mm more] |
| Width: | 1795 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1510 mm mm [15mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2750 mm mm [50mm more] |
| Front track: | 1470 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 | Trailing arm |











Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the Mercedes-Benz Fintail rank in your book?