DeSoto Fireflite Four-Door HardTop 5.9 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite
People\'s Opinion
N/A / 5
Four-Door HardTop Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (Four-Door HardTop). With 529 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
Performance Verdict
Combines the strong 5.9L V8 with the superior 3-speed TorqueFlite transmission, offering a noticeable improvement in responsiveness and overall drivability compared to the PowerFlite.
Fuel Economy
While still not economical by modern standards, the 3-speed TorqueFlite offers slightly better efficiency and more flexible gearing than the 2-speed PowerFlite.
Best Use Case:
Balanced performance for both city and highway, offering a more refined driving experience.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 1950s American styling and presence
- • Powerful and smooth V8 engines for the era
- • Exceptional ride comfort and spacious interior
- • Historical significance as a classic Mopar vehicle
- • Strong low-end torque for effortless cruising
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features and technology
- • Dated handling and braking characteristics
- • Large dimensions can make city driving challenging
- • Parts availability can be an issue for restoration
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III Two-Door Sportsman (facelift 1959): 1958 - 1959).
| General: |
| Brand: | DeSoto |
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| Model: | Fireflite |
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| Generation: | Four-Door HardTop |
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| Modification (Engine): | 5.9 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite |
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| Start of production: | 1959 |
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| End of production: | 1960 |
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| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
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| Body type: | Sedan |
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| Seats: | 6 |
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| Doors: | 4 |
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| Engine: |
| Power: | 295 Hp @ 4600 rpm. |
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| Power per litre: | 49.9 Hp/l |
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| Torque: | 529 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
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| Engine displacement: | 5916 |
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| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
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| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
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| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
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| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
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| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
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| Valvetrain: | OHV |
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| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
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| Coolant: | 16.1 l |
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| Cylinder Bore: | 104.65 mm mm |
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| Piston Stroke: | 85.85 mm mm |
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| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
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| Performance: |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
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| Space: |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 929 l |
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| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
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| Size: |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 12.4° |
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| Length: | 5471 mm mm [145mm less] |
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| Width: | 2017 mm mm [18mm more] |
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| Height: | 1397 mm mm [Same height.] |
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| Wheelbase: | 3099 mm mm [101mm less] |
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| Front track: | 1549 mm |
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| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
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| Front overhang: | 881 mm |
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| Rear overhang: | 1491 mm |
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| Ride height (ground clearance): | 132 mm |
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| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 14.3 m [above average] |
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| Approach angle: | 15.6° |
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| Departure angle: | 10.4° |
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| Powertrain: |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
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| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
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| Number of gears | 3 |
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| Transmission type | Automatic |
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| Gearbox type | TorqueFlite |
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| Front brakes | Drum, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
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| Rear brakes | Drum, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
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| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
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| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone |
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| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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What’s the best feature of the DeSoto Fireflite? Tell us in the comments!