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DeSoto Fireflite II Two-Door Sportsman 5.4 V8 (255 Hp) PowerFlite
Overall Rating
DeSoto Fireflite:
The DeSoto Fireflite is a full-size premium automobile which was produced by DeSoto in the United States from 1955 until 1960.
The Fireflite was introduced in 1955 as DeSoto's top trim package of the DeSoto Firedome. It was wider and longer than the Firedome, and came equipped with a hemispherical cylinder head, 291 cubic inch displacement V8 engine producing 200 hp when equipped with the 4-barrel carburetor , and PowerFlite automatic transmission. The transmission was operated by a Flite-Control lever located on the dashboard. The car weighed 4,070 lb and cost US$3,544. AM radio was a US$110 option....(Read more on Wikipedia)
II Two-Door Sportsman Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (II Two-Door Sportsman). With 475 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
5.4 V8 (255 Hp) PowerFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 5.4L V8 engine delivered impressive power for its time, providing strong acceleration and effortless cruising. Paired with the PowerFlite automatic, it offered a smooth, albeit two-speed, driving experience suitable for American highways.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a primary concern in 1955. This large V8, combined with a two-speed automatic, would have delivered relatively poor fuel efficiency by modern standards, typical for a powerful American car of the era.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful V8 engine for its era
- • Distinctive and stylish 1950s American design
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for cruising
- • Smooth automatic transmission
Cons:
- • Poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Soft, floaty handling compared to contemporary cars
- • Maintenance can be challenging due to age and parts availability
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Sportsman: 1954 - 1955).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Fireflite |
| Generation: | II Two-Door Sportsman |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.4 V8 (255 Hp) PowerFlite |
| Start of production: | 1955 |
| End of production: | 1956 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 255 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 47.2 Hp/l [76mm more] |
| Torque: | 475 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S24 More details about the engine S24 |
| Engine displacement: | 5408 |
| 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: | 22.7 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 94.49 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 96.52 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 79 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 12° |
| Length: | 5611 mm mm [76mm more] |
| Width: | 1989 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1473 mm mm [66mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1534 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1514 mm |
| Front overhang: | 930 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1481 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.4 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 19° |
| Departure angle: | 11° |
| 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, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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