Click on image to view the full photo gallery
DeSoto Firesweep I 4-Door Sedan (facelift 1959) 5.9 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite
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 1959) Overview:
DeSoto Firesweep (I 4-Door Sedan (facelift 1959)). With 529 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.
5.9 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Paired with the more advanced TorqueFlite transmission, this V8 offered smoother shifts and potentially better acceleration, enhancing the driving experience.
Fuel Economy
While still a thirsty V8, the TorqueFlite's extra gear might have offered a marginal improvement in highway fuel economy compared to the PowerFlite.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 1950s American styling and presence
- • Powerful 5.9L V8 engine for effortless cruising
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for six passengers
- • Smooth ride quality over various road conditions
- • Distinctive and rare classic car appeal
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features (airbags, ABS, etc.)
- • Soft suspension leads to significant body roll and vague handling
- • Drum brakes offer limited stopping power
- • Maintenance and parts can be challenging for a vintage vehicle
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I 4-Door Sedan (facelift 1958): 1957 - 1958).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Firesweep |
| Generation: | I 4-Door Sedan (facelift 1959) |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.9 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite |
| Start of production: | 1958 |
| End of production: | 1959 |
| 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) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 76 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 10.4° |
| Length: | 5514 mm mm [15mm more] |
| Width: | 1999 mm mm [10mm more] |
| Height: | 1443 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3099 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1547 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 140 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 14.2 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 15° |
| Departure angle: | 10° |
| 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, 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 |
If you could change one thing about the DeSoto Firesweep, what would it be?