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Mercedes-Benz /8 W114, facelift 1973 280 E (185 Hp) Automatic
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz /8:
The Mercedes-Benz W114 and W115 are ranges of front-engine, rear-drive, five-passenger executive cars and coupés introduced by Mercedes-Benz in 1968 to succeed its W110 models introduced in 1961. Featuring squared-off modern three-box styling by Paul Bracq, they were manufactured until model year 1976, when the W123 was released.
W114/W115s were distinguished in the marketplace by nameplates relating to their engine displacement. W114 models featured six-cylinder engines and were marketed as the 230. 6, 250, and 280. W115 models featured four-cylinder engines and were marketed as the 200, 220, 230. 4, and 240, with diesel models carrying a D designation, as distinct from gasoline/petrol models....(Read more on Wikipedia)
W114, facelift 1973 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz /8 (W114, facelift 1973). With 238 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1455 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 10.8 s). The top speed reaches 195 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.
280 E (185 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A powerful option delivering strong acceleration for its time, making it a capable highway cruiser even with the automatic gearbox.
Fuel Economy
Remarkably, fuel consumption is similar to less powerful engines, indicating good efficiency for its output in the 1970s context.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Exceptional build quality and durability for its era
- • Comfortable and refined ride quality
- • Classic, elegant styling with timeless appeal
- • Strong engine options, especially the 280 E
- • Good parts availability for a classic Mercedes
- • Prestigious brand image and solid investment potential
Cons:
- • Fuel consumption can be high by modern standards
- • Safety features are basic compared to modern cars
- • Maintenance costs for older components can add up
- • Rust can be an issue if not properly cared for over decades
- • Automatic transmissions can feel sluggish compared to modern units
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W114: April, 1972 - August, 1973).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | /8 |
| Generation: | W114, facelift 1973 |
| Modification (Engine): | 280 E (185 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | August, 1973 |
| End of production: | September, 1976 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 185 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 67.4 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 238 Nm @ 4500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 110 E 28 / 110.981 More details about the engine M 110 E 28 / 110.981 |
| Engine displacement: | 2746 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 86 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 78.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 12.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10.8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10.8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 195 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.9 kg/Hp, 127.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.1 kg/Nm, 163.6 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 10.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1455 |
| Max. weight: | 1975 |
| Max load: | 520 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 580 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1200 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 78 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 750 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4680 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1770 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1440 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2750 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1448 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1440 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 170 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11 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 | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 6J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm, Coil spring |
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