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Mercedes-Benz Ponton W120 Sedan 180 a (65 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 127 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1065 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 21 s). The top speed reaches 135 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 a (65 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers a respectable balance of power for its era, suitable for relaxed cruising and general road use.
Fuel Economy
Average fuel consumption for a mid-century petrol sedan, requiring regular stops on longer journeys.
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(W120 Sedan (facelift 1959): July, 1959 - August, 1961).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Ponton |
| Generation: | W120 Sedan |
| Modification (Engine): | 180 a (65 Hp) |
| Start of production: | June, 1957 |
| End of production: | July, 1959 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 65 Hp @ 4500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 34.3 Hp/l [15mm less] |
| Torque: | 127 Nm @ 2200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 121 B IV / 121.923 More details about the engine M 121 B IV / 121.923 |
| Engine displacement: | 1897 |
| Number of cylinders: | 4 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Coolant: | 9 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 85 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 83.6 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 6.8:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 21 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 21 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 135 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 16.4 kg/Hp, 61 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 8.4 kg/Nm, 119.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 20 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1065 |
| Max. weight: | 1615 |
| Max load: | 550 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 56 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4485 mm mm [15mm less] |
| Width: | 1740 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1560 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2650 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| 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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