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Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 E 2.3-16 CAT (170 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz 190:
The Mercedes-Benz W201 is the internal designation for the Mercedes 190 series sedans, a range of front-engine, rear drive, five passenger, four-door sedans manufactured over a single generation, from 1982 to 1993 as the company's first compact class automobile.
Designed by Bruno Sacco, head of styling at Mercedes-Benz from 1975 to 1999, the W201 debuted at the 1982 Paris Motor Show. Manufactured in both Bremen and Sindelfingen, Germany, production reached 1,879,629 over its eleven-year model life....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W201 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz 190 (W201). With 220 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1260 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8.5 s). The top speed reaches 220 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The Mercedes-Benz W201 predates Euro NCAP testing, which began in 1997. While not officially rated, its robust build quality for its era provided a good level of passive safety compared to contemporaries.
E 2.3-16 CAT (170 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A slightly detuned Cosworth engine with a catalytic converter, still offering strong performance with cleaner emissions.
Fuel Economy
Good balance of performance and environmental consideration, with acceptable fuel economy for its class.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional build quality and durability, often outlasting modern cars.
- • Timeless, understated design that ages gracefully.
- • Comfortable ride and refined driving experience for its class.
- • Highly reliable engines, especially the diesel variants.
- • Good handling and chassis dynamics, particularly in sportier trims.
- • Increasing classic status and appreciation among enthusiasts.
Cons:
- • Rust can be a significant issue on neglected examples, especially in wheel arches and jacking points.
- • Parts can be expensive, and specialized knowledge may be required for repairs.
- • Base models offer modest performance, feeling slow by modern standards.
- • Lacks modern safety features (e.g., airbags, ABS standard on later models) due to its age.
- • Interior plastics and trim can degrade or become brittle over time.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W201, facelift 1988: March, 1989 - August, 1993).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | 190 |
| Generation: | W201 |
| Modification (Engine): | E 2.3-16 CAT (170 Hp) |
| Start of production: | September, 1985 |
| End of production: | June, 1988 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 73.9 Hp/l [18mm less] |
| Torque: | 220 Nm @ 4750 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 102 E 23/2 / 102.983 More details about the engine M 102 E 23/2 / 102.983 |
| Engine displacement: | 2299 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| 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: | 5 l |
| Coolant: | 8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 95.5 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.25 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.5 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8.5 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8.5 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 220 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.4 kg/Hp, 134.9 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.7 kg/Nm, 174.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1260 |
| Max. weight: | 1770 |
| Max load: | 510 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 410 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 70 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4430 mm mm [18mm less] |
| Width: | 1706 mm mm [16mm more] |
| Height: | 1361 mm mm [14mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2665 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1445 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1429 mm |
| 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 [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 205/55 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Hydro-pneumatic element, Independent multi-link suspension |
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz 190. How does it handle on the road?