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Mercedes-Benz Fintail W112 300 SE (160 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)
W112 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz Fintail (W112). With 251 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1530 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 10.9 s). The top speed reaches 200 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 W112 Fintail predates modern Euro NCAP safety testing standards. While robust for its era, it lacks contemporary safety features like airbags and advanced driver-assistance systems.
300 SE (160 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Delivers solid, refined performance, closely matching the 170 Hp variant in acceleration despite a slight power reduction.
Fuel Economy
Similar to its more powerful sibling, fuel economy is characteristic of a large 1960s luxury engine, prioritizing power over efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional ride comfort due to standard air suspension.
- • High-quality build and luxurious interior materials.
- • Powerful and refined M189 inline-six engine for its time.
- • Distinctive classic 'Fintail' styling.
- • Strong historical significance and collector appeal.
Cons:
- • Complex air suspension system can be costly to maintain/repair.
- • Fuel economy is poor by modern standards.
- • Lack of modern safety features.
- • Parts availability and specialist maintenance can be challenging.
- • Higher purchase and running costs compared to lesser W111 models.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Universal (W110): 1966 - 1968).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Fintail |
| Generation: | W112 |
| Modification (Engine): | 300 SE (160 Hp) |
| Start of production: | April, 1961 |
| End of production: | January, 1964 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 160 Hp @ 5000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 53.4 Hp/l [135mm more] |
| Torque: | 251 Nm @ 3800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 189 I / 189.984 More details about the engine M 189 I / 189.984 |
| Engine displacement: | 2996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 85 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 9.6 kg/Hp, 104.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 164.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1530 |
| Max. weight: | 2010 |
| Max load: | 480 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4875 mm mm [135mm more] |
| Width: | 1795 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1455 mm mm [75mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2750 mm mm [50mm more] |
| Front track: | 1482 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1490 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 | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer, Air suspension |
| Rear suspension | Air suspension, Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm |
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