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Mercedes-Benz 190 W201 E 2.6 CAT (160 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. With a weight of 1360 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 9.2 s). The top speed reaches 212 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 2.6 CAT (160 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The largest and most powerful non-Cosworth petrol engine, offering strong, smooth acceleration and excellent highway cruising.
Fuel Economy
Higher fuel consumption expected due to its larger displacement and power, but still reasonable 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: 1990 - 1993).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | 190 |
| Generation: | W201 |
| Modification (Engine): | E 2.6 CAT (160 Hp) |
| Start of production: | April, 1986 |
| End of production: | August, 1988 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 160 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 61.6 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 220 Nm @ 4600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 103.E26 More details about the engine M 103.E26 |
| Engine displacement: | 2597 |
| 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 |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82.9 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 80.2 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.2:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 8.2 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.2 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.2 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 212 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.5 kg/Hp, 117.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.2 kg/Nm, 161.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.7 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1360 |
| Max. weight: | 1790 |
| Max load: | 430 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 410 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 55 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4450 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1690 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1375 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2665 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1440 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1420 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 | Disc |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 185/65 R15 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Behind the wheel of the Mercedes-Benz 190. How does it handle on the road?