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Mercedes-Benz SL W113 280 SL (170 Hp) Manual 4-speed
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz SL:
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand touring sports car manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 1954. The designation "SL" derives from the German term "Sport-Leicht", which translates to "Sport Light" in English.
Initially, the first 300 SL was a racing sports car built in 1952 with no intention of developing a street version. In 1954, an American importer Max Hoffman suggested the street version of 300 SL for the wealthy performance car enthusiasts in the United States where the market for the personal luxury car was booming after the Second World War....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W113 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (W113). With 240 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 good (0–100 km/h in 9 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
As a vehicle from the 1960s, the W113 was designed to safety standards of its era, which are significantly different from modern requirements. It was not tested by Euro NCAP.
280 SL (170 Hp) Manual 4-speed Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Combines the powerful 170 Hp engine with a traditional 4-speed manual, offering strong acceleration and a direct driving feel.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is similar to other 280 SL variants, reflecting its higher power output.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and timeless 'Pagoda' design
- • Robust build quality and engineering
- • Comfortable and refined touring experience
- • Strong investment potential as a classic
- • Engaging driving dynamics for its era
Cons:
- • High maintenance costs typical of classic cars
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Fuel consumption can be high by modern standards
- • Parts availability can be challenging/expensive
- • Performance is modest compared to modern sports cars
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R230, facelift 2006: February, 2006 - February, 2008).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | W113 |
| Modification (Engine): | 280 SL (170 Hp) Manual 4-speed |
| Start of production: | January, 1968 |
| End of production: | March, 1971 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 170 Hp @ 5750 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 61.2 Hp/l [247mm less] |
| Torque: | 240 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 130.983 More details about the engine M 130.983 |
| 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 oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 12.9 l |
| 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: | 11.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8 kg/Hp, 125 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.7 kg/Nm, 176.5 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1360 |
| Max. weight: | 1715 |
| Max load: | 355 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 340 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1200 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 82 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 715 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4285 mm mm [247mm less] |
| Width: | 1760 mm mm [67mm less] |
| Height: | 1320 mm mm [22mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm [160mm less] |
| Front track: | 1484 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1485 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 125 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.4 m [above average] |
| 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 | Disc [above average] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Tires size | 185 HR 14 |
| Wheel rims size | 6 J x 14 HB |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
What’s the best feature of the Mercedes-Benz SL? Tell us in the comments!