DeSoto Fireflite Four-Door HardTop 5.9 V8 (295 Hp) PowerFlite
People\'s Opinion
N/A / 5
Four-Door HardTop Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (Four-Door HardTop). With 529 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. 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.
Performance Verdict
Offers robust acceleration and ample power for highway cruising, typical of large American V8s of the era. The 2-speed PowerFlite transmission is smooth but limits flexibility.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy is poor by modern standards, expected for a large carbureted V8 from 1959. Best suited for leisurely drives where efficiency isn't a primary concern.
Best Use Case:
Highway cruising and comfortable long-distance travel.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 1950s American styling and presence
- • Powerful and smooth V8 engines for the era
- • Exceptional ride comfort and spacious interior
- • Historical significance as a classic Mopar vehicle
- • Strong low-end torque for effortless cruising
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lack of modern safety features and technology
- • Dated handling and braking characteristics
- • Large dimensions can make city driving challenging
- • Parts availability can be an issue for restoration
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(III Two-Door Sportsman (facelift 1959): 1958 - 1959).
| General: |
| Brand: | DeSoto |
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| Model: | Fireflite |
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| Generation: | Four-Door HardTop |
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| Modification (Engine): | 5.9 V8 (295 Hp) PowerFlite |
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| Start of production: | 1959 |
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| End of production: | 1960 |
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| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
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| Body type: | Sedan |
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| Seats: | 6 |
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| Doors: | 4 |
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| Engine: |
| Power: | 295 Hp @ 4600 rpm. |
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| Power per litre: | 49.9 Hp/l |
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| Torque: | 529 Nm @ 2400 rpm. |
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| Engine displacement: | 5916 |
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| Number of cylinders: | 8 |
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| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
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| Number of valves per cylinder: | 2 |
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| Fuel injection system: | Carburettor |
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| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
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| Valvetrain: | OHV |
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| Engine oil capacity: | 4.7 l |
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| Coolant: | 16.1 l |
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| Cylinder Bore: | 104.65 mm mm |
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| Piston Stroke: | 85.85 mm mm |
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| Compression ratio: | 10:1 |
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| Performance: |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
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| Space: |
| Trunk (boot) space - maximum: | 929 l |
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| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
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| Size: |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 12.4° |
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| Length: | 5471 mm mm [145mm less] |
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| Width: | 2017 mm mm [18mm more] |
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| Height: | 1397 mm mm [Same height.] |
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| Wheelbase: | 3099 mm mm [101mm less] |
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| Front track: | 1549 mm |
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| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
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| Front overhang: | 881 mm |
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| Rear overhang: | 1491 mm |
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| Ride height (ground clearance): | 132 mm |
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| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 14.3 m [above average] |
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| Approach angle: | 15.6° |
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| Departure angle: | 10.4° |
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| Powertrain: |
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
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| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
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| Number of gears | 2 |
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| Transmission type | Automatic |
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| Gearbox type | PowerFlite |
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| Front brakes | Drum, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
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| Rear brakes | Drum, 279 mm [bad for performance and cooling.] |
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| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
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| Front suspension | Independent torsion bar, double wishbone |
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| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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