DeSoto Fireflite III Four-Door Sportsman 5.6 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite
People\'s Opinion
N/A / 5
III Four-Door Sportsman Overview:
DeSoto Fireflite (III Four-Door Sportsman). With 508 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
The 5.6L V8 engine delivered robust performance for its era, providing ample power (295 Hp) and significant torque (508 Nm) for effortless cruising and brisk acceleration, especially when paired with the smooth TorqueFlite automatic transmission.
Fuel Economy
Fuel economy was not a priority for large American V8s of this period. Expect very high fuel consumption, likely in the single-digit miles per gallon range, making it costly to run by modern standards.
Best Use Case:
Ideal for comfortable highway cruising, long-distance touring, and showcasing at classic car events where its powerful engine and smooth ride can be appreciated.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Iconic 'Forward Look' styling and distinctive design
- • Powerful 5.6L V8 engine offering strong acceleration
- • Spacious and comfortable interior for long journeys
- • Smooth-shifting TorqueFlite automatic transmission
- • Significant classic car appeal and historical value
Cons:
- • Very poor fuel economy by modern standards
- • Lacks modern safety features and crash protection
- • Large dimensions can make parking and maneuvering challenging
- • Maintenance and parts availability can be difficult and costly for a classic
- • Steering and braking feel are typical of its era, requiring more effort
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(II Convertible: 1955 - 1956).
| General: |
| Brand: | DeSoto |
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| Model: | Fireflite |
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| Generation: | III Four-Door Sportsman |
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| Modification (Engine): | 5.6 V8 (295 Hp) TorqueFlite |
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| Start of production: | 1956 |
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| End of production: | 1957 |
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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. Same horsepower |
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| Power per litre: | 52.8 Hp/l [74mm less] |
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| Torque: | 508 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
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| Engine Model/Code: | S26 More details about the engine S26 |
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| Engine displacement: | 5588 |
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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: | 19.9 l |
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| Cylinder Bore: | 96.01 mm mm |
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| Piston Stroke: | 96.52 mm mm |
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| Compression ratio: | 9.25:1 |
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| Performance: |
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
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| Space: |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 87 l |
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| Size: |
| Ramp-over (brakeover) angle: | 9.8° |
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| Length: | 5537 mm mm [74mm less] |
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| Width: | 1986 mm mm [3mm less] |
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| Height: | 1448 mm mm [25mm less] |
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| Wheelbase: | 3200 mm mm [Same wheelbase.] |
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| Front track: | 1549 mm |
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| Rear (Back) track: | 1516 mm |
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| Front overhang: | 879 mm |
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| Rear overhang: | 1458 mm |
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| Ride height (ground clearance): | 137 mm |
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| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 13.1 m [above average] |
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| Approach angle: | 17.7° |
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| Departure angle: | 13.3° |
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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 | 3 |
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| Transmission type | Automatic |
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| Gearbox type | TorqueFlite |
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| Steering type | Worm-reduction unit |
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| Front suspension | Independent coil spring |
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| Rear suspension | Leaf spring |
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