Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet 280 SE (160 Hp) Automatic


Overall Rating

8.6 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.8 / 5
Value 4.2 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz W111:

The Mercedes-Benz W111 is a line of full-sized luxury cars produced by Mercedes-Benz between 1959 and 1971, including four-door saloons and two-door coupés and cabriolets. The saloons’ bodywork featured distinctive pointed tailfins that gave the models their Heckflosse nickname — German for "fintail".
Introduced with a 2. 2-litre inline 6-cylinder engine, the W111 spawned a pair of bracketing variants in 1961: downscale entry-level inline 4-cylinder engined vehicles sharing the W111 chassis and bodies, designated the W110; and the high-end W112, a luxury saloon built on the W111 chassis with its body but exclusive features, elaborate appointments, and the Mercedes-Benz 300d Adenauer's fuel-injected 3-litre "big block" M189 six-cylinder engine – at the time the company's largest....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Cabriolet Overview:

Mercedes-Benz W111 (Cabriolet). With 240 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1590 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 11.2 s). The top speed reaches 185 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. 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 classic vehicle from the 1960s, the Mercedes-Benz W111 Cabriolet predates modern crash testing standards like Euro NCAP. Its safety features are limited to the technology available at the time, focusing on robust construction rather than advanced passive or active safety systems.

280 SE (160 Hp) Automatic Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Combines the strong 160 Hp inline-six with the convenience of an automatic, providing refined and effortless acceleration for a luxury experience.

Fuel Economy

Acceptable fuel consumption for its power and automatic convenience, making it a practical yet potent choice.

Best Use Case: Highway cruising, luxury touring, for drivers seeking strong performance with maximum comfort and ease of use.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Iconic and elegant 'Fintail' design
  • • Luxurious and comfortable interior
  • • Exceptional build quality and craftsmanship
  • • Smooth and refined ride quality
  • • Powerful V8 engine option (3.5 V8)
  • • Strong collector appeal and appreciating value

Cons:

  • • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 models
  • • Lack of modern safety features
  • • Maintenance and parts can be expensive for a classic
  • • Not as agile or sporty as some contemporaries
  • • Potential for rust if not well-maintained

Specifications:

Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(Cabriolet: August, 1969 - July, 1971).

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:W111
Generation:Cabriolet
Modification (Engine):280 SE (160 Hp) Automatic
Start of production:May, 1969
End of production:May, 1971
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Cabriolet
Seats:5
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:160 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:57.6 Hp/l [Same length.]
Torque:240 Nm @ 4250 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 130 E 28 / 130.980 More details about the engine M 130 E 28 / 130.980
Engine displacement:2778
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 layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:86.5 mm mm
Piston Stroke:78.8 mm mm
Compression ratio:9.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:12.3 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:11.2 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:11.2 sec
Maximum speed:185 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:9.9 kg/Hp, 100.6 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:6.6 kg/Nm, 150.9 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:10.6 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1590
Max. weight:2060
Max load:470
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:530 l
Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%):1200 kg
Fuel tank capacity:82 l
Permitted trailer load without brakes:750 kg
Size:
Length:4905 mm mm [Same length.]
Width:1845 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1435 mm mm [Same height.]
Wheelbase:2750 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1482 mm
Rear (Back) track:1485 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):11.7 m [above average]
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesDisc [above average]
Rear brakesDisc [above average]
Steering typeCone worm with recirculation balls
Front suspensionDouble wishbone
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

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