Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster (W121) 190 SL (105 Hp)
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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)
Roadster (W121) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (Roadster (W121)). With 142 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1140 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. The top speed reaches 173 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 3 makes it ideal for daily use.
Performance Verdict
The 1.9L M 121 B II engine provided respectable performance for its era, offering a smooth power delivery suitable for comfortable touring rather than outright speed. Its 105 Hp allowed for pleasant cruising and a top speed of 173 km/h.
Fuel Economy
With a combined fuel consumption of 8.6 l/100 km, the 190 SL offered relatively good economy for a 1950s sports car, making it a practical choice for longer drives and leisure.
Best Use Case:
Leisure / Touring
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and timeless design
- • Excellent Mercedes-Benz build quality and craftsmanship
- • Enjoyable and refined driving experience for its era
- • Strong classic car investment potential
- • Significant historical and cultural importance
Cons:
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection
- • Performance is modest by contemporary standards
- • High maintenance and restoration costs for classic parts
- • Potential for rust and age-related issues
- • Absence of modern amenities and conveniences
Specifications:
| General: |
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
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| Model: | SL |
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| Generation: | Roadster (W121) |
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| Modification (Engine): | 190 SL (105 Hp) |
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| Start of production: | 1955 |
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| End of production: | 1963 |
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| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
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| Body type: | Roadster |
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| Seats: | 3 |
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| Doors: | 2 |
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| Engine: |
| Power: | 105 Hp @ 5700 rpm. |
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| Power per litre: | 55.4 Hp/l |
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| Torque: | 142 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
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| Engine Model/Code: | M 121 B II |
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| Engine displacement: | 1897 |
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| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
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| Engine configuration: | Inline |
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| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
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| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
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| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
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| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
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| Coolant: | 10 l |
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| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
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| Cylinder Bore: | 85 mm mm |
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| Piston Stroke: | 83.6 mm mm |
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| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
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| Maximum engine speed: | 6000 rpm. |
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| Performance: |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
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| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.6 l/100 km |
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| Maximum speed: | 173 km/h |
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| Weight-to-power ratio: | 10.9 kg/Hp, 92.1 Hp/tonne |
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| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8 kg/Nm, 124.6 Nm/tonne |
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| Space: |
| Kerb Weight: | 1140 |
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| Max. weight: | 1400 |
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| Max load: | 260 |
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| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
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| Size: |
| Length: | 4220 mm mm |
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| Width: | 1740 mm mm |
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| Height: | 1320 mm mm |
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| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm |
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| Front track: | 1430 mm |
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| Rear (Back) track: | 1470 mm |
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| Ride height (ground clearance): | 155 mm |
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| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11 m |
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| Powertrain: |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
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| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
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| Number of gears | 4 |
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| Transmission type | Manual |
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| Front brakes | Drum |
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| Rear brakes | Drum |
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| Wheel rims size | 13 |
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| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
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| Rear suspension | dependent spring suspension |
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The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Mercedes-Benz SL!