Mercedes-Benz W136 Cabriolet A 170 S (52 Hp)


Overall Rating

4.6 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 2.5 / 5
Value N/A / 5
Not Rated
Performance 2.0 / 5
Comfort N/A / 5
Not Rated
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

Mercedes-Benz W136:

The Mercedes-Benz W136 was Mercedes-Benz's main line of inline-four cylinder motorcars from the mid-1930s into the 1950s. The model 170 V made its public debut as successor to the W15 Typ 170 in February 1936. Between 1936 and 1939 it was Mercedes' top selling model.
Between 1936 and 1942 over 75,000 were built making it by far the most popular Mercedes-Benz model up till that point.
Enough of the W136's tooling survived Allied bombing during World War II for it to serve as the foundation upon which the company could rebuild. By 1947 the model 170 V had resumed its place as Mercedes' top-seller, a position it held until 1953....(Read more on Wikipedia)

Cabriolet A Overview:

Mercedes-Benz W136 (Cabriolet A). With 112 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Weighing only 1270 kg, it’s quite light. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. Acceleration is relatively slow (0–100 km/h in 32 s). The top speed reaches 120 km/h. A convertible car with a retractable roof, offering open-air driving experiences. Seating for 2 makes it ideal for daily use.

170 S (52 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 3 stars

Performance Verdict

The 52 Hp M 136 III engine provides leisurely performance, with a 0-100 km/h time of 32 seconds. While adequate for post-war touring, it offers minimal acceleration and top speed by modern standards, best suited for relaxed cruising.

Fuel Economy

Fuel consumption of 9.7 l/100 km (approximately 24.2 MPG US) is relatively high for an engine of this output, even considering the technology of the late 1940s. It reflects the less efficient carburettor system and vehicle weight.

Best Use Case: Leisurely touring, classic car rallies, scenic drives.

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Exceptional classic car appeal and historical significance.
  • • Elegant and timeless design, especially the Cabriolet A body style.
  • • Mercedes-Benz heritage and build quality for its era.
  • • Unique driving experience, a true collector's item.

Cons:

  • • Very limited performance by modern automotive standards.
  • • Lacks any modern safety features or crash protection.
  • • High maintenance costs and difficulty sourcing original parts.
  • • Poor fuel economy for its power output.
  • • Requires specialized knowledge for repairs and upkeep.

Specifications:

General:
Brand:Mercedes-Benz
Model:W136
Generation:Cabriolet A
Modification (Engine):170 S (52 Hp)
Start of production:May, 1949
End of production:November, 1951
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Cabriolet
Seats:2
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:52 Hp @ 4000 rpm.
Power per litre:29.4 Hp/l
Torque:112 Nm @ 1800 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:M 136 III / 136.922
Engine displacement:1767
Number of cylinders:4
Engine configuration:Inline
Number of valves per cylinder:2
Fuel injection system:Carburettor
Engine aspiration:Naturally aspirated engine
Valvetrain:OHV
Engine layout:Front, Longitudinal
Cylinder Bore:75 mm mm
Piston Stroke:100 mm mm
Compression ratio:6.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Fuel consumption (economy) - combined:9.7 l/100 km
Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h:32 sec
Acceleration 0 - 62 mph:32 sec
Maximum speed:120 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:24.4 kg/Hp, 40.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:11.3 kg/Nm, 88.2 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:30.4 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1270
Max. weight:1530
Max load:260
Fuel tank capacity:47 l
Size:
Length:4510 mm mm
Width:1684 mm mm
Height:1560 mm mm
Wheelbase:2845 mm mm
Front track:1315 mm
Rear (Back) track:1420 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeManual
Front brakesDrum
Rear brakesDrum
Steering typeWorm-reduction unit
Front suspensionDouble wishbone, Transverse stabilizer
Rear suspensionTrailing arm

Better than its competitors? Tell us why the Mercedes-Benz W136 stands out.