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DeSoto Firesweep I 2-Door Sportsman (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 2-Door Sportsman (facelift 1958) Overview:
DeSoto Firesweep (I 2-Door Sportsman (facelift 1958)). With 515 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.
5.7 V8 (280 Hp) PowerFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 280 Hp 5.7 V8 with the 2-speed PowerFlite provided adequate power for comfortable cruising, though the transmission's limited gears meant less flexibility than the TorqueFlite.
Fuel Economy
High fuel consumption is a given for this large V8, typical for the era and its displacement, with the 2-speed transmission not aiding efficiency.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic and distinctive 'Forward Look' styling
- • Powerful 5.7-liter V8 engines for strong acceleration
- • Spacious and comfortable interior, ideal for cruising
- • Smooth ride quality characteristic of large American cars
- • Historical significance as a classic American cruiser
Cons:
- • Very high fuel consumption from large V8 engines
- • Limited modern safety features (typical for the era)
- • Large turning circle makes city maneuvering challenging
- • Parts availability can be difficult for specific components
- • Drum brakes offer less stopping power than modern systems
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I 2-Door Sportsman: 1956 - 1957).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firesweep |
| Generation: | I 2-Door Sportsman (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: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 280 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 48.8 Hp/l [18mm 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: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 10.5° |
| Length: | 5499 mm mm [18mm more] |
| Width: | 1989 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Height: | 1443 mm mm [3mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 3099 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1547 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Front overhang: | 940 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1461 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 142 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 14.2 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 16.5° |
| Departure angle: | 11.4° |
| 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 |
What’s the best feature of the DeSoto Firesweep? Tell us in the comments!