| Cadillac Motor
Division General Motors Corporation Detroit, Michigan |
| Engine |
375-hp, 472
cu. in. V-8 |
| Transmission |
3-speed automatic |
| Steering |
Power-assisted |
| Suspension |
Standard |
| Brakes |
Disc F, Drum R |
Check
list |
| Engine |
| Throttle Response |
Good |
| Noise Insulation |
Excellent |
| Drive
train |
| Shift Linkage |
Very
Good |
| Shift Smoothness |
Excellent |
| Steering |
| Effort |
Very
Good |
| Response |
Very
Good |
| Handling |
| Predictability |
Very
Good |
| Evasive Maneuverability |
Good |
| Brakes |
| Directional Stability |
Good |
| Fade Resistance |
Good |
| Interior |
| Ease of Entry/Exit |
Very
Good |
| Driving Position |
Very
Good |
| Front Seating Comfort |
Very
Good |
| Rear Seating Comfort |
Fair |
| General |
| Vision |
Fair |
| Heater/ Defroster |
Excellent |
| Weather Sealing |
Excellent |
| Trunk Space |
Good |
|
The Cadillac Eldorado,
a, high-roller's version of the Oldsmobile Toronado, is a front-wheel-drive
vehicle powered by the world's largest passenger car engine,
which, by all that's theoretically holy, ought to be an unmanageable
handful. Actually, it's very controllable at turnpike speeds,
particularly in transient response (a high-speed slalom to test
evasive maneuverability). Whether
or not the Eldorado is worth the $1850 or so above the cost
of the Toronado depends on such intangibles as status and
an appreciation of the Cadillac's higher-quality materials
and better quality control. As for luxury, comfort and space
for the driver and front-seat passenger are as good as the
bigger Cadillacs.
Last year we were very critical
of the Eldorado's standard drum brakes, particularly their
lack of directional stability in a high-speed panic stop.
Cadillac has now made front disc brakes standard.
Performance is good, but almost
unfelt. Despite the presence of almost eight liters of V-8
towing the Eldorado along, the engine is tuned for smoothness
and silence.
We like the Eldorado's appearance;
it's probably the most understated expression of taste Cadillac
has ever exhibited. It's sleek, clean, and it looks expensive-which
is half the fun of getting there. |
