Cadillac Eldorado XI 4.1 V8 (130 Hp) Automatic
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)
XI Overview:
Cadillac Eldorado (XI). With a weight of 1526 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. 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.
Euro NCAP testing began much later than this vehicle's production. Safety features were rudimentary by modern standards, typical for vehicles of the mid-1980s, focusing on basic structural integrity and seatbelts.
4.1 V8 (130 Hp) Automatic Verdict:
Performance Verdict
The 4.1L HT 4100 V8 offered smooth, adequate power for relaxed cruising, but its 130 Hp output was modest for a V8, resulting in leisurely acceleration rather than spirited performance.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was a primary concern for this downsized V8, but it remained relatively poor by modern standards, typical for a large displacement engine from its era, especially with an automatic transmission.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Smooth, comfortable ride quality
- • Classic American luxury styling
- • Spacious and plush interior
- • Quiet cabin experience
Cons:
- • Underpowered 4.1L V8 engine (HT 4100)
- • Known reliability issues with the HT 4100 engine
- • Poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Soft, unengaging handling characteristics
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(X: 1983 - 1985).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Cadillac |
| Model: | Eldorado |
| Generation: | XI |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.1 V8 (130 Hp) Automatic |
| Start of production: | 1986 |
| End of production: | 1987 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 130 Hp @ 4200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 31.8 Hp/l [414mm less] |
| Engine Model/Code: | HT 4100 More details about the engine HT 4100 |
| Engine displacement: | 4087 |
| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
| Fuel injection system: | Single-point injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Valvetrain: | OHV |
| Engine oil capacity: | 5.2 l |
| Coolant: | 11.5 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 88 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 11.7 kg/Hp, 85.2 Hp/tonne |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1526 |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 68.1 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4780 mm mm [414mm less] |
| Width: | 1822 mm mm [29mm more] |
| Height: | 1365 mm mm [37mm less] |
| Wheelbase: | 2743 mm mm [152mm less] |
| Front track: | 1522 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1522 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.8 m [above average] |
| 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 | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 205/70 R14; 215/60 R15 |
| Wheel rims size | 5.5J x 14; 6J x 15 |
| Front suspension | Independent type McPherson, Transverse stabilizer |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |













If you could change one thing about the Cadillac Eldorado, what would it be?