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Mercedes-Benz Fintail W111 230 S (120 Hp)
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 179 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1350 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 12.5 s). The top speed reaches 175 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.
230 S (120 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most dynamic performer in the W111 range, offering brisk acceleration and a more engaging driving experience with the manual transmission.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is acceptable for its class and performance, though slightly higher than the 220 SEb variants.
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(Universal (W110): July, 1963 - 1965).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Fintail |
| Generation: | W111 |
| Modification (Engine): | 230 S (120 Hp) |
| Start of production: | July, 1965 |
| End of production: | January, 1968 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 120 Hp @ 5400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 52 Hp/l [135mm more] |
| Torque: | 179 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: | 11.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 12.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 12.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 175 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.3 kg/Hp, 88.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.5 kg/Nm, 132.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 11.9 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1350 |
| Max. weight: | 1850 |
| Max load: | 500 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4875 mm mm [135mm more] |
| Width: | 1795 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1500 mm mm [30mm less] |
| 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 | Manual |
| 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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