Advertisement

View Photos of the 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD

1981 mercedes benz 300sd
View Photos of the 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SDAaron Kiley - Car and Driver

read the full review

Mercedes delivers a relatively quick and efficient diesel, but not without some sticker shock.

The 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD delivers 120 horsepower and 170 pound-feet of torque from its turbocharged five-cylinder diesel.

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

The 300SD's 12.1-second 0-to-60-mph time was quick for a diesel.

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

At $35,758 as tested, we expected the 300SD to deliver a bit more in the way of refinement and durability.

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

On a cold day in Wyoming, the Benz suffered various temperature-related maladies.

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

The vacuum-operated door locks refused to work thanks to a leak, and the locking fuel door was locked shut.

1981 mercedes benz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

The 300SD was also unpredictable in snow at moments when its turbocharged torque intersected with a particular gear ratio.

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

Despite the 300SD's hefty price, vinyl upholstery is standard.

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

The 300SD's 102-mph top speed can be useful out west.

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

The eight-way power seats are both clever and comfy.

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

The EPA rating of 26 mpg and our observed 23 mpg are both excellent for a big luxury sedan with decent performance.

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

Keep going to see more of the 1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD.

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

1981 Mercedes-Benz 300SD

1981 mercedesbenz 300sd
Aaron Kiley - Car and Driver

You Might Also Like