USA vs USA — 1955 vs 1956
| Fireflite Sportsman | Adventurer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 255 hp | — |
| Torque | 350 lb-ft | — |
| Engine Size | 5,572 cc | 5,425 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 11.5 sec | — |
| Top Speed | 110 mph | — |
| ¼ Mile | 18.0 sec | — |
| Weight | 3,900 lbs | — |
| Wheelbase | 3,124 mm | — |
| Length | 5,360 mm | — |
| Units Produced | 17,060 | — |
| Original MSRP | $3,131 | — |
| Value (Excellent) | $75,000 | — |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 5/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1955 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman brings stronger collectibility to the table, and the 1956 DeSoto Adventurer answers with its own distinct appeal. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
DeSoto has long offered a diverse lineup, and comparing the 1955 DeSoto Fireflite Sportsman with the 1956 DeSoto Adventurer highlights the breadth of the marque's engineering philosophy. Both cars represent compelling choices in their respective segments. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.