The Pagoda series was manufactured from 1963 to 1971. All models share a set of distinguishing characteristics: supportive
driver’s seats; bus-size steering wheels that allow you to toss the car through tight, twisty turns much like a Porsche 356; and signature instrument panels with two large round chrome-accented dials for the tachometer and speedometer that flank a rectangular array of ancillary gauges. The manual-shift cars are smooth operators, with all-synchromesh gearboxes. The disc/drum brakes of the 230SL provide decent stopping power, but don’t perform as well as the all-wheel disc setup of the later models. Of all the Pagodas, the more powerful 280SL is the quickest, and the lighter 230SL offers the sportiest handling. The series went through several refinements over the years, mostly involving engine size and the substitution of rear disc brakes for drum units, beginning with the 250SL model. In 1966, the 2.3-liter, six-cylinder engine was increased to 2.5 liters, hence the 250SL designation. The more powerful 2.8-liter 280SL arrived in 1968 and remained in production until 1971. The SL model underwent major changes in styling beginning in 1972 with the larger 350SL.
| 230SL | 250SL | 280SL | | Model Years | 1963-1966 | 1967 | 1968-1971 | | Total Production | 19,831 | 5,196 | 23,885 | | Engine Size | 2.3-liter (2,306 cc) SOHC, 2-valve alloy
cylinder head, in-line 6-cylinder | Capacity increased to 2.5 liters (2,496 cc) | Capacity increased to 2.8 liters
(2,778 cc) | | Horsepower rating (DIN) | 150 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 150 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 170 hp @ 5,700 rpm | | Torque rating | 144.5 lb ft @ 4,200 rpm | 159 lb ft @ 4,200 rpm | 177 lb ft @ 4,500 rpm | | Transmission | 4-speed manual; optional 4-speed automatic; 5-speed manual option in 1966 | Same as 230SL | Same as 230SL | | Brakes | Front discs/rear drums | 4-wheel discs | 4-wheel discs | | Suspension | Front: double-wishbone, coil springs,
telescopic shocks, anti-roll bar
Rear: low-pivot swing axles, coil springs,
telescopic shocks | Same as 230SL | Same as 230SL | | Wheels & Tires | 5.5 x 14-inch steel wheels; 185-14 radial tires | Same as 230SL | Same as 230SL; optional alloy wheels from 1969 on | | Weight | 2,855 lbs | 2,998 lbs | 2,998 lbs | | 0-60 mph | 10.5 seconds | 10.5 seconds | 9.3 seconds | | Top Speed | 125 mph | 125 mph | 125 mph |
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