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DeSoto Firesweep I 4-Door Sedan (facelift 1958) PowerPack 5.7 V8 (295 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 4-Door Sedan (facelift 1958) Overview:
DeSoto Firesweep (I 4-Door Sedan (facelift 1958)). With 522 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.
PowerPack 5.7 V8 (295 Hp) PowerFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Strong acceleration from the PowerPack V8, though the 2-speed PowerFlite transmission might feel less refined than the 3-speed TorqueFlite, especially at higher speeds.
Fuel Economy
Similar to other V8s of the era, fuel consumption will be high. The 2-speed transmission might slightly impact efficiency compared to a 3-speed on highways.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful V8 engines for the era.
- • Spacious and comfortable interior.
- • Distinctive and iconic 1950s American styling.
- • Smooth automatic transmissions (especially TorqueFlite).
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards.
- • Lacks modern safety features entirely.
- • Parts availability can be challenging for restoration.
- • Large dimensions make it less agile in modern traffic.
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I 2-Door Sportsman: 1956 - 1957).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firesweep |
| Generation: | I 4-Door Sedan (facelift 1958) |
| Modification (Engine): | PowerPack 5.7 V8 (295 Hp) PowerFlite |
| Start of production: | 1957 |
| End of production: | 1958 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 295 Hp @ 4600 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 51.4 Hp/l [18mm more] |
| Torque: | 522 Nm @ 2800 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: | 87 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 |
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