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Mercedes-Benz Ponton W120 Sedan (facelift 1959) 180 c (68 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz Ponton:
The Mercedes-Benz "Ponton" series is a range of sedans / saloon car models from Mercedes-Benz, introduced starting in 1953, and subsequently nicknamed 'Ponton' , referring to its ponton styling, a prominent styling trend that unified the previously articulated hood, body, fenders and runnings boards into a singular, often slab-sided envelope. At the time, Mercedes itself did not refer to any of its cars using the nickname.
Mercedes stretched the 'Ponton' saloons into a range that became the automaker's dominant production models until 1959....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W120 Sedan (facelift 1959) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz Ponton (W120 Sedan (facelift 1959)). With 145 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1065 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 21 s). The top speed reaches 135 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.
180 c (68 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers adequate performance for daily driving in its era, though not particularly sprightly. Suitable for comfortable cruising.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is typical for a carburetted petrol engine of its size and period, not exceptional but acceptable.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional build quality and durability, typical of Mercedes-Benz of the era.
- • Comfortable and spacious interior for its time, ideal for long journeys.
- • Classic Mercedes-Benz styling and heritage, highly desirable among collectors.
- • Remarkable fuel economy from diesel variants, making them very practical.
- • Smooth ride quality, absorbing road imperfections well.
Cons:
- • Leisurely performance, especially with diesel engines, which can feel very slow by modern standards.
- • Outdated safety features by modern standards (e.g., drum brakes, no airbags).
- • Maintenance can be costly due to age and scarcity of specific parts.
- • Steering can feel vague and heavy compared to modern cars.
- • Higher fuel consumption for petrol variants compared to the diesels.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W121 Sedan (facelift 1959): June, 1959 - September, 1961).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Ponton |
| Generation: | W120 Sedan (facelift 1959) |
| Modification (Engine): | 180 c (68 Hp) |
| Start of production: | June, 1961 |
| End of production: | October, 1962 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 68 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 35.8 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 145 Nm @ 2500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 121 B VIII / 121.927 More details about the engine M 121 B VIII / 121.927 |
| Engine displacement: | 1897 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| 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: | 85 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 83.6 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 21 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 21 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 135 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.7 kg/Hp, 63.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.3 kg/Nm, 136.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 20 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1065 |
| Max. weight: | 1615 |
| Max load: | 550 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 56 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4500 mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1740 mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1560 mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2650 mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1440 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 | Drum [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 Ponton rank in your book?