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Mercedes-Benz SL W113 230 SL (150 Hp) Manual 4-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)
W113 Overview:
Mercedes-Benz SL (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 11.1 s). The top speed reaches 200 km/h. A two-seater convertible designed for open-top driving pleasure. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.
As a vehicle from the 1960s, the W113 was designed to safety standards of its era, which are significantly different from modern requirements. It was not tested by Euro NCAP.
230 SL (150 Hp) Manual 4-speed Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The entry-level 230 SL with a 4-speed manual offers adequate performance for its time, though it's the slowest accelerating variant.
Fuel Economy
Boasts the best fuel economy across the W113 range, making it the most efficient option for a classic roadster.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and timeless 'Pagoda' design
- • Robust build quality and engineering
- • Comfortable and refined touring experience
- • Strong investment potential as a classic
- • Engaging driving dynamics for its era
Cons:
- • High maintenance costs typical of classic cars
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Fuel consumption can be high by modern standards
- • Parts availability can be challenging/expensive
- • Performance is modest compared to modern sports cars
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(R230, facelift 2006: January, 2006 - February, 2008).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model: | SL |
| Generation: | W113 |
| Modification (Engine): | 230 SL (150 Hp) Manual 4-speed |
| Start of production: | July, 1963 |
| End of production: | January, 1967 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Roadster |
| Seats: | 2 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 150 Hp @ 5500 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 65 Hp/l [247mm less] |
| Torque: | 196 Nm @ 4200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | M 127.981 More details about the engine M 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: | 11.1 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 11.1 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: | 10.5 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1295 |
| Max. weight: | 1650 |
| Max load: | 355 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 340 l |
| Permitted trailer load with brakes (12%): | 1200 kg |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 65 l |
| Permitted trailer load without brakes: | 685 kg |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4285 mm mm [247mm less] |
| Width: | 1760 mm mm [67mm less] |
| Height: | 1320 mm mm [22mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2400 mm mm [160mm less] |
| Front track: | 1486 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1487 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 125 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 10.4 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 | Disc [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Cone worm with recirculation balls |
| Tires size | 185 HR 14 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5 J x 14 H |
| Front suspension | Coil spring, Double wishbone, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
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