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Mercedes-Benz SL Coupe (W113) 230 SL (150 Hp) Manual 5-speed
Overall Rating
Mercedes-Benz SL:
The Mercedes-Benz SL-Class is a grand touring sports car manufactured by Mercedes-Benz since 1954. The designation "SL" derives from the German term "Sport-Leicht", which translates to "Sport Light" in English.
Initially, the first 300 SL was a racing sports car built in 1952 with no intention of developing a street version. In 1954, an American importer Max Hoffman suggested the street version of 300 SL for the wealthy performance car enthusiasts in the United States where the market for the personal luxury car was booming after the Second World War....(Read more on Wikipedia)
Coupe (W113) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (Coupe (W113)). With 196 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1295 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 9.7 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
230 SL (150 Hp) Manual 5-speed Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The original Pagoda engine, offering 150 Hp. When paired with the 5-speed manual, it provides a surprisingly lively and enjoyable driving experience, especially for its age.
Fuel Economy
The most fuel-efficient manual option in the W113 lineup, making it a good choice for those conscious of running costs.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless and elegant 'Pagoda' design.
- • Robust and reliable engineering for its era.
- • Comfortable and refined ride quality.
- • Strong classic car investment potential.
- • Engaging driving experience, especially with manual transmissions.
Cons:
- • Lack of modern safety features.
- • Maintenance and parts can be expensive.
- • Fuel economy is poor by modern standards.
- • Performance is modest compared to contemporary sports cars.
- • Rust can be a significant issue if not properly maintained.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R232: October, 2021 - ).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | Coupe (W113) |
| Modification (Engine): | 230 SL (150 Hp) Manual 5-speed |
| Start of production: | September, 1965 |
| End of production: | January, 1967 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 65 Hp/l [420mm less] |
| Torque: | 196 Nm @ 4200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 127 II / 127.981 More details about the engine M 127 II / 127.981 |
| Engine displacement: | 2306 |
| 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 oil capacity: | 5.5 l |
| Coolant: | 10.8 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 82 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 72.8 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 10.2 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 200 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 8.6 kg/Hp, 115.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 6.6 kg/Nm, 151.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1295 |
| Max. weight: | 1650 |
| Max load: | 355 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 340 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4285 mm mm [420mm less] |
| Width: | 1760 mm mm [155mm less] |
| Height: | 1290 mm mm [63mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm [300mm less] |
| Front track: | 1486 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1487 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 139 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Trailing arm |
Does the Mercedes-Benz SL live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!