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Mercedes-Benz SL R107, facelift 1985 420 SL CAT V8 (204 Hp) Automatic
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)
R107, facelift 1985 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (R107, facelift 1985). With 304 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1600 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 9 s). The top speed reaches 205 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
420 SL CAT V8 (204 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A strong V8 option, providing robust torque and smooth acceleration, though slightly less potent than the 500 SL due to its catalytic converter.
Fuel Economy
Improved over the 500 SL, but still a V8 with moderate fuel consumption, especially for a classic car.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Timeless, elegant styling and iconic design.
- • Robust build quality and durable engineering.
- • Comfortable and refined ride quality.
- • Strong V8 engine options for effortless cruising.
- • Increasing classic car appeal and value.
- • Excellent parts availability for a classic.
Cons:
- • High fuel consumption, especially for V8 models.
- • Maintenance and restoration can be expensive.
- • Lacks modern safety features and technology.
- • Rust can be an issue if not properly maintained.
- • Automatic transmissions can feel dated compared to modern units.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(W113: July, 1963 - January, 1967).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | R107, facelift 1985 |
| Modification (Engine): | 420 SL CAT V8 (204 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | July, 1985 |
| End of production: | August, 1989 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 204 Hp @ 5200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 48.6 Hp/l [105mm more] |
| Torque: | 304 Nm @ 3600 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 116 E 42 / 116.964 More details about the engine M 116 E 42 / 116.964 |
| Engine displacement: | 4196 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | SOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 8 l |
| Coolant: | 12.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Longitudinal |
| Cylinder Bore: | 92 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 78.9 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 15.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.9 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 9 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 9 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 205 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.8 kg/Hp, 127.5 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 190 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 8.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1600 |
| Max. weight: | 2020 |
| Max load: | 420 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 85 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4390 mm mm [105mm more] |
| Width: | 1790 mm mm [30mm more] |
| Height: | 1307 mm mm [13mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2455 mm mm [55mm more] |
| Front track: | 1465 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1466 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 | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | Front wheel tires: 205/65 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | Front wheel rims: 7J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Threaded twist beam |
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