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Mercedes-Benz Ponton W120 Sedan (facelift 1959) 180 Db (43 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 101 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 Db (43 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Extremely leisurely acceleration, suitable only for drivers prioritizing maximum fuel efficiency above all else. Very slow.
Fuel Economy
Outstanding fuel economy, representing the pinnacle of diesel efficiency for its era, making it highly economical to run.
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- • Outdated safety features by modern standards (e.g., drum brakes, no airbags).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(W128 Coupe: July, 1958 - August, 1959).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Ponton |
| Generation: | W120 Sedan (facelift 1959) |
| Modification (Engine): | 180 Db (43 Hp) |
| Start of production: | July, 1959 |
| End of production: | August, 1961 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 43 Hp @ 3500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 24.3 Hp/l [200mm less] |
| Torque: | 101 Nm @ 2000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | OM 636 VII / 636.930 More details about the engine OM 636 VII / 636.930 |
| Engine displacement: | 1767 |
| 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: | OHV |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 75 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 100 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 19:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.8 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: | 28.1 kg/Hp, 35.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 12 kg/Nm, 83.5 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 [200mm less] |
| Width: | 1740 mm [50mm less] |
| Height: | 1560 mm [30mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2650 mm [50mm less] |
| Front track: | 1430 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1475 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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