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Mercedes-Benz SL Roadster (W198 II) 300 SL (215 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)
Roadster (W198 II) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (Roadster (W198 II)). With 275 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1330 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 s). The top speed reaches 250 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
300 SL (215 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 3.0L M 198.980 inline-six engine delivered exceptional performance for its era, with 215 Hp enabling a top speed of 250 km/h and a 0-100 km/h sprint in just 10 seconds, making it one of the fastest cars of its day.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption of 12.5 l/100 km (approximately 18.8 MPG US) was typical for a high-performance sports car of the late 1950s and early 1960s, reflecting its focus on power over efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and timeless design
- • Exceptional performance for its era
- • High collector's value and investment potential
- • Superb build quality and engineering
- • Engaging driving experience
Cons:
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • High maintenance costs typical of classic luxury cars
- • Fuel consumption is high by modern standards
- • Limited practicality (2-seater, small luggage)
- • Expensive to acquire
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R129: March, 1989 - June, 1993).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | Roadster (W198 II) |
| Modification (Engine): | 300 SL (215 Hp) |
| Start of production: | May, 1957 |
| End of production: | February, 1963 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 215 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71.8 Hp/l [100mm more] |
| Torque: | 275 Nm @ 4600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 198.980 More details about the engine M 198.980 |
| Engine displacement: | 2996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 15 l |
| Coolant: | 15.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 85 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.55:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 250 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.2 kg/Hp, 161.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.8 kg/Nm, 206.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1330 |
| Max. weight: | 1660 |
| Max load: | 330 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 100 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4570 mm mm [100mm more] |
| Width: | 1790 mm mm [22mm less] |
| Height: | 1300 mm mm [3mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm [115mm less] |
| Front track: | 1398 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1448 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 130 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.5 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 | 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 |
| Tires size | 165/90 R 15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Independent coil spring |
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