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DeSoto Fireflite I Sportsman 4.8 V8 (200 Hp)
Overall Rating
7.8 / 10
I Sportsman Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (I Sportsman). With 371 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. Rear‑wheel drive offers dynamic handling and sporty feedback. A two-door car with a fixed roof, known for its sporty design and dynamic performance. With seating for 6, it’s perfect for larger families.
4.8 V8 (200 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
This 4.8L V8 engine provided robust performance, delivering 200 Hp for strong acceleration and comfortable highway speeds, a hallmark of American luxury cars of the mid-century.
Fuel Economy
As with most large V8 engines from 1954, fuel efficiency was secondary to power and smoothness, resulting in significant fuel consumption.
Best Use Case:
Long-distance touring and showcasing classic American automotive power.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Powerful V8 engine for its era
- • Distinctive classic American styling
- • Comfortable and spacious interior
- • Smooth PowerFlite automatic transmission
- • Good collector's item
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy
- • Lacks modern safety features
- • Large turning circle (13.4m)
- • Drum brakes (305mm) less effective than modern discs
- • Maintenance can be costly for classic parts
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | DeSoto |
| Model: | Fireflite |
| Generation: | I Sportsman |
| Modification (Engine): | 4.8 V8 (200 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1954 |
| End of production: | 1955 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Coupe |
| Seats: | 6 |
| Doors: | 2 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 200 Hp @ 4400 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 41.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 371 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | S22-1001 |
| Engine displacement: | 4769 |
| 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: | 4.7 l |
| Coolant: | 22.7 l |
| Cylinder Bore: | 94.49 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 84.931 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 7.5:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel tank capacity: | 76 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 11° |
| Length: | 5535 mm mm |
| Width: | 1989 mm mm |
| Height: | 1539 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1529 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 |
| Approach angle: | 21° |
| Departure angle: | 12° |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the rear wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Rear wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 3 |
| Transmission type | Manual |
| Front brakes | Drum, 305 mm |
| Rear brakes | Drum, 305 mm |
| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
Fuel, speed, and comfort: How does the DeSoto Fireflite rank in your book?