DeSoto Firesweep I Station Wagon 5.3 V8 (245 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 4.0 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 4.0 / 5
Comfort 4.0 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 Station Wagon Overview:

DeSoto Firesweep (I Station Wagon). With 434 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A car with an extended rear cargo area, combining passenger comfort with increased storage. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.

5.3 V8 (245 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Offers strong, effortless power for its era, making it capable of comfortable highway cruising and family duties. The manual transmission provides a more engaging, albeit less common, driving experience for a large American car.

Fuel Economy

Fuel economy is a significant drawback, typical of large V8 engines from the 1950s, with high consumption expected under all driving conditions.

Best Use Case: Highway cruising, classic car shows, family road trips (historically).

Pros and Cons:

Pros:

  • • Powerful 5.3 V8 engine for its era
  • • Distinctive and iconic 1950s American styling
  • • Spacious interior and large cargo capacity (Station Wagon)
  • • Smooth ride quality, especially with automatic transmissions
  • • Historical significance and collector appeal

Cons:

  • • Very poor fuel economy
  • • Lack of modern safety features (no airbags, ABS, etc.)
  • • Handling and braking are not up to modern standards
  • • Finding parts and specialized maintenance can be challenging
  • • Large exterior dimensions make it cumbersome in modern traffic/parking

Specifications:

General:
Brand:DeSoto
Model:Firesweep
Generation:I Station Wagon
Modification (Engine):5.3 V8 (245 Hp)
Start of production:1956
End of production:1957
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Station wagon (estate)
Seats:6
Doors:5
Engine:
Power:245 Hp @ 4400 rpm.
Power per litre:46 Hp/l
Torque:434 Nm @ 2400 rpm.
Engine Model/Code:S27
Engine displacement:5326
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:19.9 l
Cylinder Bore:93.73 mm mm
Piston Stroke:96.52 mm mm
Compression ratio:8.5:1
Performance:
Fuel Type:Petrol (Gasoline)
Space:
Fuel tank capacity:76 l
Size:
Length:5522 mm mm
Width:1986 mm mm
Height:1440 mm mm
Wheelbase:3099 mm mm
Front track:1547 mm
Rear (Back) track:1516 mm
Ride height (ground clearance):137 mm
Minimum turning circle (turning diameter):13.4 m
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelRear wheel drive
Number of gears3
Transmission typeManual
Steering typeWorm-reduction unit
Front suspensionIndependent coil spring
Rear suspensionLeaf spring

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