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Mercedes-Benz Ponton W128 Cabriolet 220 SE (120 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)
W128 Cabriolet Overview:
Mercedes-Benz Ponton (W128 Cabriolet). With 189 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1410 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 15 s). The top speed reaches 165 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
220 SE (120 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The optimal blend of power and driver engagement, delivering the strongest acceleration and top speed potential in the lineup with a traditional manual transmission.
Fuel Economy
Achieves excellent fuel economy for its performance level, making it the most efficient high-output option for the W128 SE, balancing power with practicality.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant design and classic Mercedes-Benz styling
- • Smooth and refined inline-six engine for its era
- • High build quality and luxurious interior appointments
- • Excellent collectibility and appreciating classic car value
- • Open-top driving experience with a spacious cabin
Cons:
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection
- • High maintenance costs and difficulty sourcing specific parts
- • Fuel consumption is high by modern standards
- • Performance is modest compared to contemporary vehicles
- • Hydrak transmission can be complex and costly to maintain
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W121 Sedan: August, 1958 - July, 1959).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Ponton |
| Generation: | W128 Cabriolet |
| Modification (Engine): | 220 SE (120 Hp) |
| Start of production: | August, 1959 |
| End of production: | November, 1960 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Cabriolet |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 120 Hp @ 4800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 54.7 Hp/l [215mm more] |
| Torque: | 189 Nm @ 3900 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 127 III / 127.983 More details about the engine M 127 III / 127.983 |
| Engine displacement: | 2195 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 80.01 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.7:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.7 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 15 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 15 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 165 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.8 kg/Hp, 85.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.5 kg/Nm, 134 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 14.3 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1410 |
| Max. weight: | 1810 |
| Max load: | 400 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 62 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4700 mm mm [215mm more] |
| Width: | 1790 mm mm [50mm more] |
| Height: | 1530 mm mm [30mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2700 mm mm [50mm more] |
| Front track: | 1430 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1470 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 |
What’s the best feature of the Mercedes-Benz Ponton? Tell us in the comments!