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Mercedes-Benz Ponton W180 II Sedan 220 S (106 Hp) Hydrak
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)
W180 II Sedan Overview:
Mercedes-Benz Ponton (W180 II Sedan). With 172 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1340 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 17 s). The top speed reaches 160 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.
220 S (106 Hp) Hydrak Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers respectable performance for a luxury sedan of its time, with the 106 Hp 2.2L inline-six providing smooth acceleration. The Hydrak system offers a unique semi-automatic driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption of 10.9 l/100 km (approx. 21.6 MPG) is typical for a large six-cylinder luxury car of the late 1950s, not particularly economical by modern standards but acceptable for its class.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Elegant and timeless 'Ponton' design.
- • Smooth and refined inline-six engine.
- • Comfortable and spacious interior for its time.
- • Strong build quality and engineering.
- • Historical significance and collector appeal.
Cons:
- • Lack of modern safety features.
- • Fuel economy is high by modern standards.
- • Maintenance and parts can be costly for a classic car.
- • Performance is modest compared to contemporary vehicles.
- • Hydrak system can be complex to maintain.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W128 Sedan: April, 1958 - August, 1959).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | Ponton |
| Generation: | W180 II Sedan |
| Modification (Engine): | 220 S (106 Hp) Hydrak |
| Start of production: | August, 1957 |
| End of production: | August, 1959 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 106 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 48.3 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 172 Nm @ 3500 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 180 III / 180.924 More details about the engine M 180 III / 180.924 |
| Engine displacement: | 2195 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 11.9 l |
| Coolant: | 11.4 l |
| 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: | 10.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 17 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 17 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 160 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 12.6 kg/Hp, 79.1 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 7.8 kg/Nm, 128.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 16.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1340 |
| Max. weight: | 1790 |
| Max load: | 450 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 64 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4750 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1740 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1560 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 2820 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| 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 |
| Gearbox type | Hydrak |
| 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!