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DeSoto Fireflite II Four-Door Sedan 5.4 V8 (255 Hp) PowerFlite
Overall Rating
DeSoto Fireflite:
The DeSoto Fireflite is a full-size premium automobile which was produced by DeSoto in the United States from 1955 until 1960.
The Fireflite was introduced in 1955 as DeSoto's top trim package of the DeSoto Firedome. It was wider and longer than the Firedome, and came equipped with a hemispherical cylinder head, 291 cubic inch displacement V8 engine producing 200 hp when equipped with the 4-barrel carburetor , and PowerFlite automatic transmission. The transmission was operated by a Flite-Control lever located on the dashboard. The car weighed 4,070 lb and cost US$3,544. AM radio was a US$110 option....(Read more on Wikipedia)
II Four-Door Sedan Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (II Four-Door Sedan). With 475 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1817 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. 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.
5.4 V8 (255 Hp) PowerFlite Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 5.4L 'Hemi' V8 delivered impressive power for its time, offering strong acceleration and effortless highway cruising. Paired with the smooth PowerFlite automatic, it provided a refined yet potent driving experience.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is a significant drawback by modern standards, as expected from a large 1950s V8. Owners should anticipate high fuel consumption, especially in city driving.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 1950s 'Forward Look' styling
- • Powerful 5.4L Hemi V8 engine for its time
- • Spacious and comfortable interior
- • Smooth PowerFlite automatic transmission
- • Significant historical and collector's value
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lacks modern safety features (e.g., seatbelts, airbags, ABS)
- • Drum brakes offer limited stopping power compared to discs
- • Requires specialized maintenance for classic components
- • Handling and ride quality are typical of 1950s large sedans
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(I Sportsman: 1954 - 1955).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Fireflite |
| Generation: | II Four-Door Sedan |
| Modification (Engine): | 5.4 V8 (255 Hp) PowerFlite |
| Start of production: | 1955 |
| End of production: | 1956 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 255 Hp @ 4400 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 47.2 Hp/l [Same length.] |
| Torque: | 475 Nm @ 3200 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S24 More details about the engine S24 |
| Engine displacement: | 5408 |
| 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: | 22.7 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 94.49 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 96.52 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 8.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.1 kg/Hp, 140.3 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 3.8 kg/Nm, 261.4 Nm/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1817 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 79 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 12° |
| Length: | 5535 mm mm [Same length.] |
| Width: | 1989 mm mm [Same width.] |
| Height: | 1539 mm mm [Same height.] |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
| Front track: | 1534 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1514 mm |
| Front overhang: | 930 mm |
| Rear overhang: | 1405 mm |
| Ride height (ground clearance): | 160 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.4 m [above average] |
| Approach angle: | 19° |
| Departure angle: | 11° |
| 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, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
The hidden gems or the annoying flaws? Expose the truth about the DeSoto Fireflite!