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Mercedes-Benz Ponton W120 Sedan 180 (52 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 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz Ponton (W120 Sedan). With 112 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1150 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 31 s). The top speed reaches 125 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 (52 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Adequate performance for daily driving in its era, a noticeable step up from the diesel variants.
Fuel Economy
Improved fuel efficiency compared to the 180 'a', offering a good compromise between power and running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and elegant classic design
- • Legendary Mercedes-Benz build quality and durability
- • Comfortable and spacious interior for its era
- • Generally reliable with proper maintenance
- • Diesel variants offer exceptional fuel economy
Cons:
- • Very slow acceleration by modern standards, especially diesels
- • Lacks any modern safety features (no airbags, ABS, etc.)
- • Drum brakes offer limited stopping power
- • Parts can be expensive and difficult to source
- • Petrol engines have relatively high fuel consumption
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W128 Coupe: August, 1959 - November, 1960).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Ponton |
| Generation: | W120 Sedan |
| Modification (Engine): | 180 (52 Hp) |
| Start of production: | July, 1953 |
| End of production: | June, 1957 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 52 Hp @ 4000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 29.4 Hp/l [240mm less] |
| Torque: | 112 Nm @ 1800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 136 VII / 136.925 More details about the engine M 136 VII / 136.925 |
| Engine displacement: | 1767 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 75 mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 100 mm |
| Compression ratio: | 6.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 8.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 31 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 31 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 125 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 22.1 kg/Hp, 45.2 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 10.3 kg/Nm, 97.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 29.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1150 |
| Max. weight: | 1600 |
| Max load: | 450 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 56 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4460 mm [240mm less] |
| Width: | 1740 mm [50mm less] |
| Height: | 1560 mm [30mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2650 mm [50mm less] |
| Front track: | 1420 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1460 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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