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Mercedes-Benz Ponton W120 Sedan 180 D (40 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 101 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1200 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 39 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 D (40 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Even more sedate than the 43 Hp variant, strictly for unhurried journeys and relaxed driving.
Fuel Economy
Outstanding fuel economy, making it ideal for cost-conscious owners and extended range.
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(W180 II Sedan: March, 1956 - August, 1957).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Ponton |
| Generation: | W120 Sedan |
| Modification (Engine): | 180 D (40 Hp) |
| Start of production: | October, 1953 |
| End of production: | September, 1955 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 40 Hp @ 3200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 22.6 Hp/l [255mm 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 oil capacity: | 4 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 75 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 100 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 19:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Diesel |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 6.3 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 39 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 39 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 110 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 30 kg/Hp, 33.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 11.9 kg/Nm, 84.2 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 37.1 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1200 |
| Max. weight: | 1650 |
| Max load: | 450 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 56 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4460 mm mm [255mm less] |
| Width: | 1740 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1560 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2650 mm mm [170mm less] |
| Front track: | 1420 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1450 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 |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the Mercedes-Benz Ponton!