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Mercedes-Benz SL R107, facelift 1985 300 SL CAT (180 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz SL:
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand touring sports car manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 1954. The designation "SL" derives from the German term "Sport-Leicht", which translates to "Sport Light" in English.
Initially, the first 300 SL was a racing sports car built in 1952 with no intention of developing a street version. In 1954, an American importer Max Hoffman suggested the street version of 300 SL for the wealthy performance car enthusiasts in the United States where the market for the personal luxury car was booming after the Second World War....(Read more on Wikipedia)
R107, facelift 1985 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (R107, facelift 1985). With 250 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1510 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 9.8 s). The top speed reaches 195 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
300 SL CAT (180 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Equipped with a catalytic converter, this version offers slightly reduced power but maintains smooth delivery, ideal for relaxed automatic cruising.
Fuel Economy
Similar to the non-CAT 300 SL, offering reasonable economy for its class, with the automatic transmission potentially impacting it slightly.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant styling and iconic design.
- • Robust build quality and durable engineering.
- • Comfortable and refined ride quality.
- • Strong V8 engine options for effortless cruising.
- • Increasing classic car appeal and value.
- • Excellent parts availability for a classic.
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 models.
- • Maintenance and restoration can be expensive.
- • Lacks modern safety features and technology.
- • Rust can be an issue if not properly maintained.
- • Automatic transmissions can feel dated compared to modern units.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R107: May, 1974 - August, 1985).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | R107, facelift 1985 |
| Modification (Engine): | 300 SL CAT (180 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | May, 1985 |
| End of production: | August, 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 180 Hp @ 5700 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 60.8 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 250 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 103 E 30 / 103.982 More details about the engine M 103 E 30 / 103.982 |
| Engine displacement: | 2962 |
| 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 oil capacity: | 6 l |
| Coolant: | 8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 88.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.25 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 14.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.8 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 195 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.4 kg/Hp, 119.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6 kg/Nm, 165.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1510 |
| Max. weight: | 1930 |
| Max load: | 420 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 85 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4390 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1790 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1305 mm mm [5mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2460 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1465 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1466 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 | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
Does the Mercedes-Benz SL live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!