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Mercedes-Benz SL R107 280 SL (185 Hp)
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 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (R107). With 240 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1500 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 10.1 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercedes-Benz R107 was produced before Euro NCAP testing began (1997) and therefore has no official rating. Safety features are rudimentary by modern standards, lacking airbags, ABS (early models), or advanced driver-assistance systems.
280 SL (185 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The most powerful 6-cylinder option, offering lively performance and a more agile feel than the heavier V8s.
Fuel Economy
Better fuel economy than the V8 models, making it a more practical choice for some enthusiasts.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and timeless design with strong road presence
- • Robust and powerful V8 engines offer smooth performance
- • Exceptional build quality and durability for its era
- • Comfortable and refined ride, ideal for long-distance cruising
- • Strong classic car market value and collectibility
- • Distinctive and appealing exhaust note from the V8s
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, especially for the larger V8 models
- • Lack of modern safety features (e.g., airbags, ABS on early models)
- • Maintenance and parts can be expensive for a classic Mercedes
- • Heavy steering at low speeds without power assistance (early models)
- • Limited practicality with only two seats and modest trunk space
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Roadster (W198 II): May, 1957 - February, 1963).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | R107 |
| Modification (Engine): | 280 SL (185 Hp) |
| Start of production: | May, 1974 |
| End of production: | August, 1985 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 185 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 67.4 Hp/l [180mm less] |
| Torque: | 240 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 110.982 More details about the engine M 110.982 |
| Engine displacement: | 2746 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6 l |
| Coolant: | 12 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 78.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 17.7 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.1 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.1 kg/Hp, 123.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.3 kg/Nm, 160 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1500 |
| Max. weight: | 1920 |
| Max load: | 420 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 261 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1500 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 90 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4390 mm mm [180mm less] |
| Width: | 1790 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1300 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2460 mm mm [60mm more] |
| Front track: | 1452 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1440 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.34 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs, 278 mm [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc, 279 mm [above average] |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 195/75 R14 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 6.5J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Transverse stabilizer, Trailing arm, Coil spring |
Does the Mercedes-Benz SL live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!