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Mercedes-Benz Ponton W128 Cabriolet 220 SE (115 Hp) Hydrak
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)
W128 Cabriolet Overview:
Mercedes-Benz Ponton (W128 Cabriolet). With 186 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1430 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 15 s). The top speed reaches 160 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
220 SE (115 Hp) Hydrak Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers a smooth, albeit less spirited, driving experience with the convenience of the Hydrak system, suitable for relaxed motoring where ease of use is prioritized.
Fuel Economy
The Hydrak system, combined with the 115 Hp output, results in the highest fuel consumption for the SE models, though still reasonable for its class.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant design and classic Mercedes-Benz styling
- • Smooth and refined inline-six engine for its era
- • High build quality and luxurious interior appointments
- • Excellent collectibility and appreciating classic car value
- • Open-top driving experience with a spacious cabin
Cons:
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection
- • High maintenance costs and difficulty sourcing specific parts
- • Fuel consumption is high by modern standards
- • Performance is modest compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Hydrak transmission can be complex and costly to maintain
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W180 II Cabriolet: July, 1956 - August, 1957).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Ponton |
| Generation: | W128 Cabriolet |
| Modification (Engine): | 220 SE (115 Hp) Hydrak |
| Start of production: | July, 1958 |
| End of production: | August, 1959 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 115 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 52.4 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 186 Nm @ 3800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 127 I / 127.980 More details about the engine M 127 I / 127.980 |
| Engine displacement: | 2195 |
| 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: | 80 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 15 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 160 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.4 kg/Hp, 80.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.7 kg/Nm, 130.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1430 |
| Max. weight: | 1830 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4700 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1790 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1530 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1430 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1470 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 |
| Gearbox type | Hydrak |
| 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 |
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