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Mercedes-Benz Ponton W120 Sedan (facelift 1959) 180 Dc (48 Hp)
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz Ponton:
The Mercedes-Benz "Ponton" series is a range of sedans / saloon car models from Mercedes-Benz, introduced starting in 1953, and subsequently nicknamed 'Ponton' , referring to its ponton styling, a prominent styling trend that unified the previously articulated hood, body, fenders and runnings boards into a singular, often slab-sided envelope. At the time, Mercedes itself did not refer to any of its cars using the nickname.
Mercedes stretched the 'Ponton' saloons into a range that became the automaker's dominant production models until 1959....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W120 Sedan (facelift 1959) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz Ponton (W120 Sedan (facelift 1959)). With 108 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1210 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 36 s). The top speed reaches 110 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.
180 Dc (48 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Very modest performance, primarily designed for durability and fuel efficiency rather than speed. Acceleration is leisurely.
Fuel Economy
Excellent fuel economy for its time, making it a cost-effective long-distance cruiser and a practical choice.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional build quality and durability, typical of Mercedes-Benz of the era.
- • Comfortable and spacious interior for its time, ideal for long journeys.
- • Classic Mercedes-Benz styling and heritage, highly desirable among collectors.
- • Remarkable fuel economy from diesel variants, making them very practical.
- • Smooth ride quality, absorbing road imperfections well.
Cons:
- • Leisurely performance, especially with diesel engines, which can feel very slow by modern standards.
- • Outdated safety features by modern standards (e.g., drum brakes, no airbags).
- • Maintenance can be costly due to age and scarcity of specific parts.
- • Steering can feel vague and heavy compared to modern cars.
- • Higher fuel consumption for petrol variants compared to the diesels.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W121 Sedan (facelift 1959): June, 1959 - August, 1961).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Ponton |
| Generation: | W120 Sedan (facelift 1959) |
| Modification (Engine): | 180 Dc (48 Hp) |
| Start of production: | June, 1961 |
| End of production: | October, 1962 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 48 Hp @ 3800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 24.1 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 108 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 621 IV / 621.914 More details about the engine OM 621 IV / 621.914 |
| Engine displacement: | 1988 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Precombustion chamber injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 87 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 83.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 21:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 7.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 36 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 36 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 110 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 25.2 kg/Hp, 39.7 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 11.2 kg/Nm, 89.3 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 34.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1210 |
| Max. weight: | 1660 |
| Max load: | 450 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 56 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4500 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1740 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1560 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2650 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1440 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1485 mm |
| 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 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
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