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Mercedes-Benz Ponton W180 I Sedan 220 a (85 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)
W180 I Sedan Overview:
Mercedes-Benz Ponton (W180 I Sedan). With 157 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1280 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 19 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.
220 a (85 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
For its time, the 85 Hp M 180 II / 180.921 engine provided smooth and adequate performance, prioritizing comfortable cruising over outright speed. The 19-second 0-100 km/h acceleration was respectable for a luxury sedan of the mid-1950s.
Fuel Economy
A combined fuel consumption of 9.8 l/100 km (approximately 24 MPG US) was quite reasonable for a 2.2-liter, 6-cylinder luxury car of this vintage, especially considering its weight and carburettor fuel system.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Elegant and iconic 'Ponton' styling with timeless appeal.
- • Smooth and relatively powerful 6-cylinder engine for its era.
- • High-quality build and comfortable ride, characteristic of Mercedes-Benz.
- • Significant historical value and collector's item potential.
- • Spacious interior for a car of its generation.
Cons:
- • Lacks modern safety features entirely.
- • Performance is modest by contemporary standards.
- • Maintenance and restoration can be costly due to age and parts availability.
- • Drum brakes offer limited stopping power compared to modern systems.
- • Fuel efficiency, while good for its time, is not comparable to modern vehicles.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W120 Sedan (facelift 1959): June, 1961 - October, 1962).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Ponton |
| Generation: | W180 I Sedan |
| Modification (Engine): | 220 a (85 Hp) |
| Start of production: | March, 1954 |
| End of production: | April, 1956 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 85 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 38.7 Hp/l [215mm more] |
| Torque: | 157 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 180 II / 180.921 More details about the engine M 180 II / 180.921 |
| 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: | 7.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 19 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 19 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 150 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 15.1 kg/Hp, 66.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.2 kg/Nm, 122.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 18.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1280 |
| Max. weight: | 1730 |
| Max load: | 450 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4715 mm mm [215mm more] |
| Width: | 1740 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1560 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2820 mm mm [170mm more] |
| 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 |
| 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 |
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz Ponton. How does it handle on the road?