USA vs USA — 1956 vs 1957
| Adventurer Hardtop Coupe | Adventurer | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 345 hp | 345 hp |
| Torque | 400 lb-ft | 425 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 5,916 cc | 5,917 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 7.7 sec | 7.7 sec |
| Top Speed | 130 mph | 140 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 15.8 sec | 16.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,975 lbs | 4,100 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 3,048 mm | 3,200 mm |
| Length | 5,486 mm | 5,690 mm |
| Units Produced | 1,950 | 1,650 |
| Original MSRP | $3,997 | $3,997 |
| Value (Excellent) | $130,000 | $125,000 |
| Collectibility | 8/10 | 9/10 |
| Rarity | 8/10 | 8/10 |
The 1957 DeSoto Adventurer emerges ahead in most objective measures, offering quicker acceleration, higher top speed, stronger collectibility. The 1956 DeSoto Adventurer Hardtop Coupe counters with its unique character, but the numbers favor its rival. Still, both are remarkable machines, and the final choice often comes down to which driving experience speaks to you.
Tracing the evolution of the DeSoto Adventurer from 1956 to 1957 offers a compelling look at how automotive design and engineering progressed. These two variants showcase the changing face of DeSoto. On paper, the two are remarkably close in power output, with the 1956 DeSoto Adventurer Hardtop Coupe producing 345 hp and the 1957 DeSoto Adventurer delivering 345 hp. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the DeSoto Adventurer uses a V8 OHV 16V displacing 5,916 cc, while the DeSoto Adventurer relies on a V8 OHV Hemi with 5,917 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 1957 DeSoto Adventurer edges ahead at 7.7 seconds versus 7.7 seconds. Both trade at comparable values on the collector market, making the choice between them largely one of personal preference.