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DeSoto Fireflite III Two-Door Sportsman (facelift 1958) 5.9 V8 (305 Hp) TorqueFlite
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)
III Two-Door Sportsman (facelift 1958) Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (III Two-Door Sportsman (facelift 1958)). With 542 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1864 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. 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.
5.9 V8 (305 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 5.9L V8, with 305 Hp and 542 Nm of torque, delivered impressive straight-line performance for its era, offering strong acceleration and effortless cruising, characteristic of powerful American luxury cars.
Fuel Economy
Typical of large V8 engines from the 1950s, fuel economy is a significant drawback, with high consumption expected due to its displacement and carbureted fuel system.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 1950s American styling and presence
- • Powerful V8 engine for its era (305 Hp)
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for six passengers
- • Smooth TorqueFlite automatic transmission
- • Strong collector appeal and historical significance
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy due to large V8 and carburetion
- • Lacks modern safety features (airbags, ABS, crumple zones)
- • Handling and braking are not comparable to modern vehicles
- • Maintenance can be costly; parts availability may be an issue
- • Large turning circle makes city maneuvering challenging
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III Four-Door Sportsman: 1956 - 1957).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Fireflite |
| Generation: | III Two-Door Sportsman (facelift 1958) |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.9 V8 (305 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1957 |
| End of production: | 1958 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 305 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 51.6 Hp/l [15mm more] |
| Torque: | 542 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine displacement: | 5916 |
| 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: | 104.65 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 85.85 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.1 kg/Hp, 163.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.4 kg/Nm, 290.8 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1864 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5552 mm mm [15mm more] |
| Width: | 1989 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Height: | 1450 mm mm [2mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Front overhang: | 892 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1461 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 15.1 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 | 3 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Gearbox type | TorqueFlite |
| 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 |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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