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DeSoto Fireflite IV Four-Door Sedan 5.9 V8 (295 Hp)
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)
IV Four-Door Sedan Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (IV Four-Door Sedan). With 529 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1792 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. 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.
5.9 V8 (295 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
A solid base V8 offering ample power for daily driving and highway speeds of the era. Performance is adequate, though without a specified transmission, it implies a standard setup, likely a PowerFlite.
Fuel Economy
As with all V8s of this period, expect very poor fuel economy. This engine prioritizes power and smoothness over efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and distinctive 'Forward Look' styling
- • Powerful V8 engines for its era
- • Spacious and comfortable interior, ideal for cruising
- • Smooth, soft ride quality
- • Historical significance as a classic American automobile
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy
- • Lack of modern safety features
- • Handling and braking are typical of 1950s large sedans (soft, less precise)
- • Parts availability can be challenging for restoration
- • Large dimensions make it less practical for modern urban environments
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III Two-Door Sportsman (facelift 1959): 1958 - 1959).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Fireflite |
| Generation: | IV Four-Door Sedan |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.9 V8 (295 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1959 |
| End of production: | 1960 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 295 Hp @ 4600 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 49.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 529 Nm @ 2400 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: | 4.7 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, 164.6 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.4 kg/Nm, 295.2 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1792 |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 929 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 12.4° |
| Length: | 5471 mm mm [145mm less] |
| Width: | 2017 mm mm [18mm more] |
| Height: | 1397 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3099 mm mm [101mm less] |
| Front track: | 1549 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Front overhang: | 881 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1491 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 132 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 14.3 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 15.6° |
| Departure angle: | 10.4° |
| 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 | Manual |
| 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 torsion bar, double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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