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DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon (facelift 1958) 5.7 V8 (280 Hp) PowerFlite
Overall Rating
DeSoto Firesweep:
The DeSoto Firesweep is an automobile that was produced by DeSoto from 1957 through 1959.
The Firesweep was a lower-priced entry that combined a Dodge shell and chassis with a DeSoto bumper and grill. 1957 models were sold only as imports in Canada. While the Firesweep featured DeSoto's signature tailfins, the front clip was based on the Dodge Coronet. The most telling feature was the headlight design, housed under heavily chromed lids typical of Dodge. Firesweep grilles were similar to those on other contemporary DeSoto models....(Read more on Wikipedia)
I Station Wagon (facelift 1958) Overview:
DeSoto Firesweep (I Station Wagon (facelift 1958)). With 515 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
5.7 V8 (280 Hp) PowerFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers solid performance with 280 Hp, suitable for most driving conditions. The 2-speed PowerFlite provides smooth shifts but lacks the versatility and efficiency of the 3-speed TorqueFlite.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is poor, typical for a 1950s V8. The 2-speed PowerFlite might lead to slightly higher RPMs at highway speeds compared to a 3-speed, potentially impacting efficiency further.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful V8 engines for the era
- • Spacious and comfortable interior
- • Distinctive classic American styling
- • Smooth automatic transmissions (especially TorqueFlite)
- • Good for highway cruising
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Soft suspension leads to vague handling
- • Parts availability can be challenging
- • Large size makes city driving and parking difficult
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I 2-Door Sportsman: 1956 - 1957).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firesweep |
| Generation: | I Station Wagon (facelift 1958) |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.7 V8 (280 Hp) PowerFlite |
| Start of production: | 1957 |
| End of production: | 1958 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Station wagon (estate) |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 5 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 280 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 48.8 Hp/l [59mm more] |
| Torque: | 515 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 5735 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 3.8 l |
| Coolant: | 16.1 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 103.12 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 76 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5540 mm mm [59mm more] |
| Width: | 1989 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Height: | 1450 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3099 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1547 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 142 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 14.2 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 2 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | PowerFlite |
| Front brakes | Drum, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Behind the wheel of the DeSoto Firesweep. How does it handle on the road?