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Mercedes-Benz SL Coupe (W198) 300 SL (215 Hp)
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 (W198) Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (Coupe (W198)). With 275 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 10 s). The top speed reaches 260 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.
300 SL (215 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 300 SL's 215 Hp engine was revolutionary for its time, delivering exhilarating performance with a top speed of 260 km/h and 0-100 km/h in just 10 seconds, making it one of the fastest production cars of its era.
Fuel Economy
Achieving 9.5 l/100 km, the 300 SL offered surprisingly respectable fuel economy for a high-performance sports car of the 1950s, especially considering its advanced direct fuel injection system.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and timeless 'Gullwing' design
- • Groundbreaking direct fuel injection technology for its era
- • Exceptional performance and top speed for a 1950s production car
- • Significant racing heritage and pedigree
- • Extremely high collector value and investment potential
- • Engaging and pure driving experience
Cons:
- • Lacks modern safety features (airbags, ABS, etc.)
- • High acquisition and maintenance costs due to rarity and classic status
- • Parts can be scarce and expensive
- • Not practical for daily driving
- • Challenging handling characteristics at the limit due to swing-axle rear suspension
- • Limited interior space and comfort compared to modern vehicles
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R231, facelift 2016: April, 2016 - July, 2018).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | Coupe (W198) |
| Modification (Engine): | 300 SL (215 Hp) |
| Start of production: | August, 1954 |
| End of production: | May, 1957 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 215 Hp @ 5800 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 71.8 Hp/l [111mm less] |
| Torque: | 275 Nm @ 4600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 198.980 More details about the engine M 198.980 |
| Engine displacement: | 2996 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | Inline |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Direct injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 15 l |
| Coolant: | 15.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 85 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 88 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.55:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 9.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 10 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 10 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 260 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6 kg/Hp, 166 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.7 kg/Nm, 212.4 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 9.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1295 |
| Max. weight: | 1515 |
| Max load: | 220 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 100 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4520 mm mm [111mm less] |
| Width: | 1790 mm mm [87mm less] |
| Height: | 1300 mm mm [15mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm [185mm less] |
| Front track: | 1385 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1435 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 130 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 11.5 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 | 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 |
| Tires size | 165/90 R 15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5 K x 15 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
What’s the best feature of the Mercedes-Benz SL? Tell us in the comments!