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1979 Mercedes-Benz G-Class Convertible (W460) Photos, engines & full specs

Body style: SUV (Sports Utility Vehicle)
Segment: Premium SUV
Production years: 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) 1979-1992 19 Photos
MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) (1979-1992)

The iconic-looking Mercedes-Benz G-Class started its career in 1979, and the entry-level version was offered in an open-top configuration and available with a short wheelbase.

In the early ‘70s, Mercedes-Benz started to work on a new off-road vehicle that became the 1979 G-Class. The G in its nameplate came from Gelandewagen, which means off-road vehicle. The car’s development started when the Shah of Iran, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi, a significant stakeholder in Mercedes-Benz, convinced the carmaker’s board to develop a vehicle that could go anywhere. It was a great idea, especially since the European off-road vehicle market started to pick up speed after Land Rover introduced the Range Rover in 1970 and the Series III in 1971. The German brand partnered with the Austrian company Steyr to produce the car, which was mostly hand-built. As a result, the open-top version was the most affordable one, especially since all versions were made on a ladder chassis.

The car had to feature a short front overhang. To do that, the carmaker’s designers had to create a flat front fascia. To protect it from scratches and elements, it sported a broad black grille that also integrated the high-mounted headlights. Above them, on top of the fenders, the automaker installed the parking lights and the turn signals, an element that also became a trademark for the vehicle. From its profile, the G-Class Convertible featured a flat and steep windshield. The flat side panels were crossed front to back by a black trim interrupted only by the grab-type door handles. Behind the doors, the automaker installed a safety arch that protected the front occupants in the event of a rollover crash. Behind it, the manually retractable canvas roof featured plastic windows. Finally, out back, the automaker installed a side-hinged half-door that also doubled as support for the spare wheel.

Inside the cabin, the automaker placed two flat seats for the front occupants and a folding bench in the back. In front of the driver, Mercedes-Benz installed a small instrument cluster filled with three dials that showed the speed on the left, the rev counter in the upper-middle position, and the fuel and temperature gauges on the right. In addition, there were a few warning lights. On the center stack, the G-Class Convertible featured the controls for the heater, an ashtray, and an optional stereo. Between the front seats, the automaker installed the levers that locked the front and rear differentials, the gear stick, and the transfer case lever.

Mercedes-Benz offered the G-Class Convertible with a choice of four engines, two gasoline and two diesel. These were paired as standard with a four-speed manual transmission. Later, a four-speed automatic became available for the 300 GD version. Thanks to its rigid axles and the coil springs, the car performed excellently in off-road situations, but on regular roads, not so much. But still, that didn’t scare customers.

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460) 1979, 1980, 1981, 1982, 1983, 1984, 1985, 1986, 1987, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992
  6 gasoline engines
  • 200 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (118 HP)
  • 200 GE 4MT AWD (122 HP)
  • 230 G 4MT AWD (109 HP)
  • 230 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (122 HP)
  • 230 GE 4MT AWD (125 HP)
  • 280 GE 4MT AWD (156 HP)
  5 diesel engines
  • 240 GD 4MT AWD (72 HP)
  • 250 GD 5MT AWD (84 HP)
  • 290 GD 5MT AWD (95 HP)
  • 290 GD Turbodiesel 4AT AWD (120 HP)
  • 300 GD 4MT AWD (88 HP)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460)
200 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (118 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 200 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (118 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1997 cm3
Power:87 KW @ 5200 RPM
118 HP @ 5200 RPM
117 BHP @ 5200 RPM
Torque:131 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
178 Nm @ 3500 RPM
Fuel System:Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:77.6 in (1971 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:9.6 in (244 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4034 lbs (1830 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460)
200 GE 4MT AWD (122 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 200 GE 4MT AWD (122 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:1997 cm3
Power:90 KW @ 5100 RPM
122 HP @ 5100 RPM
121 BHP @ 5100 RPM
Torque:131 lb-ft @ 3500 RPM
178 Nm @ 3500 RPM
Fuel System:Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:77.6 in (1971 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:9.6 in (244 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4034 lbs (1830 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460)
230 G 4MT AWD (109 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 230 G 4MT AWD (109 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2299 cm3
Power:80 KW @ 5300 RPM
109 HP @ 5300 RPM
107 BHP @ 5300 RPM
Torque:128 lb-ft @ 2000 RPM
174 Nm @ 2000 RPM
Fuel System:Carburetor
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:85 mph (137 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:77.6 in (1971 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:9.6 in (244 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4012 lbs (1820 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460)
230 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (122 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 230 GE (G-Kat) 4MT AWD (122 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2299 cm3
Power:90 KW @ 5100 RPM
122 HP @ 5100 RPM
121 BHP @ 5100 RPM
Torque:139 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
188 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System:Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:94 mph (151 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:77.6 in (1971 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:9.6 in (244 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4034 lbs (1830 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460)
230 GE 4MT AWD (125 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 230 GE 4MT AWD (125 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2299 cm3
Power:92 KW @ 5000 RPM
125 HP @ 5000 RPM
123 BHP @ 5000 RPM
Torque:142 lb-ft @ 4000 RPM
192 Nm @ 4000 RPM
Fuel System:Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:94 mph (151 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:77.6 in (1971 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4034 lbs (1830 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460)
280 GE 4MT AWD (156 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 280 GE 4MT AWD (156 HP)
Cylinders:L6
Displacement:2746 cm3
Power:115 KW @ 5250 RPM
156 HP @ 5250 RPM
154 BHP @ 5250 RPM
Torque:167 lb-ft @ 4250 RPM
226 Nm @ 4250 RPM
Fuel System:Mechanical Fuel Injection
Fuel:Gasoline
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:98 mph (158 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:77.6 in (1971 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:9.6 in (244 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4177 lbs (1895 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460)
240 GD 4MT AWD (72 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 240 GD 4MT AWD (72 HP)
Cylinders:L4
Displacement:2399 cm3
Power:53 KW @ 4400 RPM
72 HP @ 4400 RPM
71 BHP @ 4400 RPM
Torque:101 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM
137 Nm @ 2400 RPM
Fuel System:Indirect Injection
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:71 mph (114 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/80 R16
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:77.6 in (1971 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:9.6 in (244 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4078 lbs (1850 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460)
250 GD 5MT AWD (84 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 250 GD 5MT AWD (84 HP)
Cylinders:L5
Displacement:2497 cm3
Power:62 KW @ 4600 RPM
84 HP @ 4600 RPM
83 BHP @ 4600 RPM
Torque:114 lb-ft @ 2200-2800 RPM
154 Nm @ 2200-2800 RPM
Fuel System:Indirect Injection
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:78 mph (126 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:77.6 in (1971 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:9.6 in (244 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4034 lbs (1830 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460)
290 GD 5MT AWD (95 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 290 GD 5MT AWD (95 HP)
Cylinders:L5
Displacement:2874 cm3
Power:70 KW @ 4000 RPM
95 HP @ 4000 RPM
94 BHP @ 4000 RPM
Torque:142 lb-ft @ 2300 RPM
192 Nm @ 2300 RPM
Fuel System:Indirect Injection
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:82 mph (132 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):25 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:5-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:158.1 in (4016 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:76.4 in (1941 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:9.6 in (244 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4365 lbs (1980 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460)
290 GD Turbodiesel 4AT AWD (120 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 290 GD Turbodiesel 4AT AWD (120 HP)
Cylinders:L5
Displacement:2874 cm3
Power:88 KW @ 3800 RPM
120 HP @ 3800 RPM
118 BHP @ 3800 RPM
Torque:207 lb-ft @ 1900-2300 RPM
280 Nm @ 1900-2300 RPM
Fuel System:Direct Injection
Fuel:Diesel
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:85 mph (137 km/h)
Acceleration 0-62 Mph (0-100 kph):17 s
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-speed automatic
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Discs
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205/80 R16
DIMENSIONS
Length:158.1 in (4016 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:76.4 in (1941 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:9.6 in (244 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4365 lbs (1980 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC)
City:19.6 mpg US (12 L/100Km)
Highway:23.5 mpg US (10 L/100Km)
Combined:22 mpg US (10.7 L/100Km)
CO2 Emissions:283 g/km

MERCEDES BENZ G-Klasse Cabrio (W460)
300 GD 4MT AWD (88 HP)

ENGINE SPECS - 300 GD 4MT AWD (88 HP)
Cylinders:L5
Displacement:2998 cm3
Power:65 KW @ 4400 RPM
88 HP @ 4400 RPM
87 BHP @ 4400 RPM
Torque:127 lb-ft @ 2400 RPM
172 Nm @ 2400 RPM
Fuel System:Indirect Injection
Fuel:Diesel
Fuel capacity:16.9 gallons (64.0 L)
PERFORMANCE SPECS
Top Speed:81 mph (130 km/h)
TRANSMISSION SPECS
Drive Type:All Wheel Drive
Gearbox:4-Speed manual
BRAKES SPECS
Front:Discs
Rear:Drums
TIRES SPECS
Tire Size:205 R16 M+S
DIMENSIONS
Length:155.7 in (3955 mm)
Width:66.9 in (1699 mm)
Height:77.6 in (1971 mm)
Front/rear Track:56.1/56.1 in (1,425/1,425 mm)
Wheelbase:94.5 in (2400 mm)
Ground Clearance:9.6 in (244 mm)
Cargo Volume:8.8-55.8 cuFT (249 L)
WEIGHT SPECS
Unladen Weight:4155 lbs (1885 kg)
Gross Weight Limit:5732 lbs (2600 kg)
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