Mercedes-Benz Ponton W180 II Coupe 220 S (100 Hp)


Overall Rating

8.1 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 II Coupe Overview:

Mercedes-Benz Ponton (W180 II Coupe). With 162 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 17 s). The top speed reaches 160 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.

220 S (100 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Delivers a smooth and adequate driving experience with 100 Hp, suitable for comfortable cruising. While slightly less powerful than the 106 Hp variant, the difference in real-world acceleration is minimal.

Fuel Economy

Achieves a slightly better fuel economy of 10.7 l/100 km, making it a marginally more efficient choice for its class and period.

Best Use Case: Everyday classic driving and enthusiast ownership, offering a balanced blend of power and efficiency for its time.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Timeless and elegant 'Ponton' styling
  • • Robust and smooth inline-six engine
  • • High-quality interior materials and craftsmanship for its era
  • • Comfortable ride ideal for long journeys
  • • Significant historical and collector's value
  • • Good visibility from the cabin

Cons:

  • • Performance is modest by modern standards (e.g., drum brakes)
  • • Lack of modern safety features (no airbags, ABS, etc.)
  • • Fuel consumption is high compared to contemporary vehicles
  • • Maintenance and parts can be expensive for a classic car
  • • Hydrak system can be complex to maintain
  • • Steering can feel vague by modern standards

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W120 Sedan: October, 1953 - September, 1955).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:Ponton
Generation:W180 II Coupe
Modification (Engine):220 S (100 Hp)
Start of production:October, 1956
End of production:August, 1957
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:5
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:100 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:45.6 Hp/l [240mm more]
Torque:162 Nm @ 3500 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 180 III / 180.924 More details about the engine M 180 III / 180.924
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 oil capacity:11.9 l
Coolant:11.4 l
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:10.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:17 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:17 sec
Maximum speed:160 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:13.5 kg/Hp, 74.1 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:8.3 kg/Nm, 120 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:16.2 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1350
Max. weight:1790
Max load:440
Fuel tank capacity:64 l
Size:
Length:4700 mm mm [240mm more]
Width:1790 mm mm [50mm more]
Height:1530 mm mm [30mm less]
Wheelbase:2700 mm mm [50mm more]
Front track:1430 mm
Rear (Back) track:1470 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDrum [bad for performance and cooling.]
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Front suspensionDouble wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

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