Mercedes O 321 H / HL |
Engine | In-line six-cylinder |
Displacement | 5100 / 5700 cm³ |
Mixture preparation | Pecombustion chamber method |
Performance | 81/93 kW (110/126 HP) |
Rated speed | 2200 rpm |
Drivetrain design | Rear engine with rear drive, cardan shaft |
Transmission | Five-speed, synchronized |
Seat rows | 9 (38 places) / 11 (46 places) |
Length | 9275 / 10600 mm |
Width | 2480 mm |
Height | 2640 mm |
Kerb weight | 5700 kg |
Suspension front | Double wishbones, coil springs, stabilizer |
Suspension rear | Rigid axle, leaf springs, stabilizer |
Steering | Ball bearing, damper |
Brakes | Drus, hydraulic, air-reinforced, engine brake |
Fuel consumption | ca. 15 - 20 l/100 km |
Top speed | Approx. 95 km/h |
Construction period | 1954 - 1964 |
When the bus transformed into an forward control, the engine must be integrated into the interior. In the firsttrucks of this type, he moves into the cab between the driver and front passenger, or as a sub-floor engine in the region below load area. The O 321 is shown by the modern concept of today's buses, where the engine is arranged quite far behind the drive axle.
For the modernity of this bus even more crucial is the only partial use of the contributing to the reinforcement construction who at that time just is very fashionable just for passenger cars. While in the truck all is mounted on a continuous ladder frame and by then buses at the most have a lowered down frame, here the bottom of the passenger cell forms such a network of stability, that in this area the longitudinal beams has been omitted.
The O 321 is also an export success. |
Build on this concept are some special vehicles derived from the O 321. The bus is the most successful in this time and is mostly used in overland traffic. With doors which open automatically (possibly twice in the middle) is it also used as a city bus. Due to its many roof windows inside it is unusually light. Later are added as options a slightly stronger version and a window and two more seat rows.
For the time its construction similar to cars is remarkably. While for example truck drivers have to deal with rock-hardgearshifts, here is mounted a so-called light manual transmission. Together with the strong engine there is a huge difference to the truck, for example in mountainous areas. The front axle with suspension subframe, independent suspension and coil springs with buckled characteristic, the 0 321 removes completely from its original belonging.
From the new design results as a further advantage that to the number of passengers by a quarter reduced kerb weight. The driving comfort is further enhanced by the rubber-cushioned suspension subframe, not to mention the lower noise annoyance of a rear engine. Between the new frame from flat build square profiles and the now slightly higher floor level develops a spacious trunk. 04/09