Segment: Upper Premium
Production years: 1938
The 1938 model of the W142 Typ 320 was the last evolution over the model 290. It featured improvements for comfort and high-speed efficiency.
The Typ 320 featured a 3.2-liter engine in the beginning, in February 1937 when it was shown at the International Automobile and Motorcycle Exhibition in Berlin. With it, the brand closed a gap in the market between medium-sized vehicles and vehicles of the largest format. The four-door version with streamlined bodywork was suspected to be designed by Spohn, one of the most prolific aerodynamically-shaped bodywork builders in the era.
The initial 3.2-liter engine featured 12 counter-weights for the crankshaft, to reduce engine vibrations. The solution worked and the engine ran smoothly. The former updraught carburetor was replaced by two downdraught carburetors. The previously used 4-speed transmission with overdrive function (it was, actually a three-speed gearbox), was replaced by a fully synchronized 4-speed gearbox supplied by ZF company. The fourth gear had a 1:1 gear ratio, which made the engine ran 26% lower than the previous version, at the same speed. That made the Typ 32 W142 IV faster and with a better fuel-efficiency. In late 1938, due to the shortage of high-octane fuel, the engine displacement was increased to 3.4-liter, in order to keep the same 78 hp.
The chassis featured an independent front suspension with a transverse leaf spring. At the top, the wheel was attached to a suspension arm that rested on a helical spring on the inside. The rear dual-joint swing axle had two helical springs on each side, one behind the other. Dual-action hydraulic lever-type dampers were installed on both front and rear axles.
ENGINE SPECS - 320 (3.4 L) | |
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Cylinders: | L8 |
Displacement: | 3405 cm3 |
Power: | 57 KW @ 4000 RPM 78 HP @ 4000 RPM 76 BHP @ 4000 RPM |
Torque: | 161 lb-ft @ 1700 RPM 218 Nm @ 1700 RPM |
Fuel System: | Carburetor |
Fuel: | Gasoline |
PERFORMANCE SPECS | |
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Top Speed: | 78 mph (126 km/h) |
TRANSMISSION SPECS | |
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Drive Type: | Rear Wheel Drive |
Gearbox: | Manual, 4 Speed |
BRAKES SPECS | |
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Front: | Drums |
Rear: | Drums |
TIRES SPECS | |
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Tire Size: | 6.50-17 |
DIMENSIONS | |
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Length: | 206.7 in (5250 mm) |
Width: | 72.8 in (1849 mm) |
Height: | 59.8 in (1519 mm) |
Front/rear Track: | 58.1/59.1 in (1,476/1,501 mm) |
Wheelbase: | 129.9 in (3299 mm) |
WEIGHT SPECS | |
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Unladen Weight: | 4299 lbs (1950 kg) |
Gross Weight Limit: | 5566 lbs (2525 kg) |
FUEL ECONOMY (NEDC) | |
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Combined: | 13.1 mpg US (18 L/100Km) |
CO2 Emissions: | 427 g/km |