Mercedes-Benz SLC C107 380 SLC V8 (218 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.9 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 3.8 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz SLC:

The Mercedes-Benz R107 and C107 are sports cars which were produced by Mercedes-Benz from 1971 until 1989, being the second longest single series ever produced by the automaker after the G-Class. They were sold under the SL and SLC model names in a variety of names indicating the displacement of the engines.
The R107/SL was a two-seat convertible with a detachable roof. During its production run, the R107 was the only roadster offered by Mercedes-Benz, as it replaced the W113 SL-Class in 1971 and was replaced by the R129 SL-Class in 1989. The C107/SLC was a four-seat car with a fixed roof and an optional sliding steel sunroof. It replaced the W111 Coupé in 1971 and was in turn replaced by the C126 S-class coupé in 1981....(Read more on Wikipedia)

C107 Overview:

Mercedes-Benz SLC (C107). With 299 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1560 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 9 s). The top speed reaches 215 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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
As a vehicle from the 1970s and early 1980s, the Mercedes-Benz C107 SLC was designed to safety standards of its era, which are significantly less stringent than modern Euro NCAP requirements. It lacks advanced safety features like airbags (initially), ABS (early models), and sophisticated crumple zones common in contemporary vehicles. No Euro NCAP rating exists for this generation.

380 SLC V8 (218 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

The 3.8L V8 offers a good blend of power and refinement, likely a more modern engine design (M116.960) for its time, providing strong, smooth acceleration.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy for the 3.8L V8 would likely be an improvement over the 3.5L and 4.5L, possibly around 12-13 l/100 km, reflecting engineering advancements.

Best Use Case: Balanced grand touring, offering good power with potentially improved efficiency.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Timeless, elegant styling and classic Mercedes-Benz prestige.
  • • Robust and powerful V8 engine options for effortless cruising.
  • • Exceptional ride comfort and build quality for its era.
  • • Distinctive long-wheelbase coupe design.
  • • Increasing collectibility and classic car appeal.

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption, especially with the larger V8s.
  • • Maintenance and parts can be expensive for a classic Mercedes.
  • • Safety features are rudimentary by modern standards.
  • • Automatic transmissions can feel dated and slow.
  • • Prone to rust in certain areas if not well-maintained.

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(C107: February, 1976 - March, 1980).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:SLC
Generation:C107
Modification (Engine):380 SLC V8 (218 Hp)
Start of production:February, 1980
End of production:September, 1981
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:5
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:218 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:57.1 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:299 Nm @ 4000 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 116 E 38 / 116.960 More details about the engine M 116 E 38 / 116.960
Engine displacement:3818
Number of cylinders:8
Engine configuration:V-engine
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Multi-port manifold injection
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:SOHC
Engine oil capacity:8 l
Coolant:12.5 l
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:92 mm mm
Piston Stroke:71.8 mm mm
Compression ratio:9:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - urban:19 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:11.1 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:9.0 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:9.0 sec
Maximum speed:215 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:7.2 kg/Hp, 139.7 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:5.2 kg/Nm, 191.7 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:8.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1560
Max. weight:2050
Max load:490
Fuel tank capacity:90 l
Size:
Length:4750 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1790 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1330 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2820 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1452 mm
Rear (Back) track:1440 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires size205/70 R14
Wheel rims size6.5J x 14
Front suspensionDouble wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionTransverse stabilizer, Trailing arm

Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Mercedes-Benz SLC?