Cadillac Eldorado XII 4.6 (305 Hp)


Overall Rating

7.2 / 10
Safety N/A / 5
Not Rated
Engine 3.8 / 5
Value 3.5 / 5
Performance 3.8 / 5
Comfort 4.5 / 5
People\'s Opinion N/A / 5
Not Rated

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 400 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1795 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. The top speed reaches 241 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.

Safety Rating
Not rated
Euro NCAP Year N/A
Adult Occupant N/A
Stars N/A
Expert Note:
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 (305 Hp) Verdict:

Rating 4 stars

Performance Verdict

Representing the ultimate performance for this generation, the 305 Hp Northstar provides exhilarating acceleration and effortless power, though specific 0-60 mph data is not available, it would be marginally quicker than the 299 Hp version.

Fuel Economy

While specific fuel economy figures are not listed, it is expected to be very similar to the 299 Hp Northstar, offering commendable efficiency for its significant power output.

Best Use Case: Premium Performance / Highway

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(XII: 1993 - 1996).

General:
Brand:Cadillac
Model:Eldorado
Generation:XII
Modification (Engine):4.6 (305 Hp)
Start of production:1994
End of production:2002
Powertrain Architecture:Internal Combustion engine
Body type:Coupe
Seats:5
Doors:2
Engine:
Power:305 Hp @ 6000 rpm. Same horsepower
Power per litre:66.8 Hp/l [41mm less]
Torque:400 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:7.1 l
Coolant:11.8 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) - urban:13.8 l/100 km
Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban:9 l/100 km
Maximum speed:241 km/h
Weight-to-power ratio:5.9 kg/Hp, 169.9 Hp/tonne
Weight-to-torque ratio:4.5 kg/Nm, 222.8 Nm/tonne
Acceleration 0 - 60 mph:7.1 sec
Space:
Kerb Weight:1795
Trunk (boot) space - minimum:433 l
Fuel tank capacity:72 l
Size:
Length:5095 mm mm [41mm less]
Width:1918 mm mm [Same width.]
Height:1361 mm mm [8mm less]
Wheelbase:2743 mm mm [Same wheelbase.]
Front track:1547 mm
Rear (Back) track:1547 mm
Powertrain:
Drivetrain ArchitectureThe Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle.
Drive wheelFront wheel drive
Number of gears4
Transmission typeAutomatic
Front brakesVentilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.]
Rear brakesDisc
Assisting systemsABS (Anti-lock braking system)
Steering typeSteering rack and pinion
Power steeringHydraulic Steering
Tires sizeP225/60 R16
Wheel rims size7J x 16
Front suspensionCoil spring
Rear suspensionCoil spring

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