Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Cadillac Eldorado XII 4.6 (299 Hp)
Overall Rating
Cadillac Eldorado:
The Cadillac Eldorado is a luxury car manufactured and marketed by the Cadillac Motor Car Division of General Motors from 1952 until 2002, over twelve generations.
The Eldorado was at or near the top of the Cadillac product line. The original 1953 Eldorado convertible and the Eldorado Brougham models of 1957–1960 had distinct bodyshells and were the most expensive models offered by Cadillac during those years. The Eldorado was never less than second in price after the Cadillac Series 75 limousine until 1966. Beginning in 1967, the Eldorado retained its premium position in the Cadillac price structure, but was manufactured in high volumes on a unique, two-door personal luxury car platform....(Read more on Wikipedia)
XII Overview:
Cadillac Eldorado (XII). With 393 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1765 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 7.6 s). The top speed reaches 240 km/h. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
The 1993 Cadillac Eldorado XII was produced before Euro NCAP testing began in 1997, so no official rating is available. Safety features of the era included ABS and airbags.
4.6 (299 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This high-output Northstar variant delivers a much more spirited performance, accelerating to 60 mph in 7.6 seconds, making the Eldorado feel genuinely quick for its size.
Fuel Economy
With a combined fuel consumption of 11.5 l/100 km, it offers an impressive balance of power and efficiency, outperforming the lower-output V8s.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Smooth and powerful V8 engines (Northstar)
- • Luxurious and comfortable interior
- • Distinctive American styling
- • Excellent highway cruiser
- • Advanced features for its time (e.g., ABS, DOHC V8)
Cons:
- • Northstar engine reliability concerns (head gaskets)
- • Fuel economy can be high for city driving
- • Soft suspension not ideal for sporty handling
- • Large size can make city maneuvering challenging
- • Aging electronics can be costly to repair
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(XI (facelift 1988): 1988 - 1990).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Cadillac |
| Model: | Eldorado |
| Generation: | XII |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.6 (299 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1991 |
| End of production: | 1994 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 299 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 65.5 Hp/l [280mm more] |
| Torque: | 393 Nm @ 4400 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | Northstar / L37 More details about the engine Northstar / L37 |
| Engine displacement: | 4565 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 6.6 l |
| Coolant: | 11.7 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 93 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 10.3:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - combined: | 11.5 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 7.6 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 7.6 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 240 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 5.9 kg/Hp, 169.4 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 4.5 kg/Nm, 222.7 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.2 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1765 |
| Max. weight: | 2246 |
| Max load: | 481 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 434 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 76 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 5136 mm mm [280mm more] |
| Width: | 1918 mm mm [107mm more] |
| Height: | 1370 mm mm [5mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2743 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1546 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1546 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 225/60 R16 |
| Front suspension | Wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Double wishbone |
Does the Cadillac Eldorado live up to the hype? Give us your verdict!