Comparison of 1958 Cars Part 2

[makjac46]

Unrealistic demo. If you were to drive on a road that bad, wouldn't you slow down?

[makjac46]

It's a commercial, when did you last believe everything you heard in a commercial? Remember the cigarette ads? All nice looking steel though!

[390merc65]

i'm calling bullshit on the first bump test...they are supposed to be going all the same speed..yet when they slow the film down all other brands seem to out pace the chryslers..if all of them are at the same speed then slow the film down to the same speed then how can all other brands go faster over the coarse then the chryslers????..you see the rear of the cars as they pass by before you see the rear of all the chryslers ,,how is that possible at the same speeds??..its not

[yourallbrainwashed]

i think they removed the shocks from all the cars except the chryslers of course!

oh , and to the douchebag above me that asks everyone to be polite, FUCK YOU SELF RIGHTIOUS FART SNIFFER!

[TheyCalledHimTheDude]

this is some serieus chrysler ass kissing but they can say what they want i still love and wil always drive my 58 cadillac

[spangelosf43]

This is fun to watch.



[45Machine]

More Bumps and grinds than a honky tonk chores girl Awesome Tom McCahill was the Man!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[campingkillen]

They sure did a good job finding the weak points on the Ford & GM cars.....Used to have a 1958 Windsor original unrestored low mile car. It was by far the best old car I´ve had when it comes to handling and capability to handle bad roads. But as said before, the build quality in general was´nt exactly great. It had a chep boxy feeling to it, it looked great though. Now I´ve got a -57 Cadillac that´s in another league especially when it comes to the interior (More expensive when new, I know).

[4freespeech]

The Chryslers were stiff-sprung and had good power, so in tests like these

they did well. But they were tinny, noisy and interiors looked cheap. That is

why you see very few today compared to GM & Ford. I tested quite a few

Chrysler products back in those days myself, and they were impressive,

but even those vaunted hemi engines smoked like a chimney if you ran

them anyways hard. These tests gave Chrysler a chance to get some

points in. Be interesting to put some NEW CARS to these tests!

[Mrphatbastard1]

@4freespeech You are so right on, especially in regards to their taxi cab interiors and mind numbing road noise! I'll take the Lincoln or the Caddy please. Further more, I believe the shocks were removed from the other cars or at leased they bounce like it. As far as testing new cars, let me place a call to Fiat...

[GooglFascists]

@Mrphatbastard1 Much as we loved "Uncle Tom" he was partial to Chrysler

for the same reason lots of people are Independents these days. He wanted

an alternative to GM or Ford, as Independents want an alternative to Democrat

or Republican. If you notice the drivers of the Mopars seem to be using the

brakes to lessen the pitch as they come over the humps. That's not too hard

to do with a little practice. I don't begrudge Chrysler any sales they could make

back then though, road tests or no.

[BudWiser999]

Tom McCahill was so impressed with the tests, that it was reported that he bought a Chrysler. It's the engineering that Chrysler was famous for. They were responsible for: a block that wouldn't crack, All-Steel Body, Hydraulic Brakes, Alternator, PCV, Electronic Ignition and other innovations in the auto industry.

[45Machine]

@BudWiser999 Yeah did you see the body flex on the Cadillac ? that is why the door and trunk poped the whole car deformed if I remember correctly this is an x frame car no match for the full boxed frame of the Imperial !!!!!

[BudWiser999]

@45Machine Yes, and the Buick with air-bags blew one under harsh bumps! Give me torsion-bar suspension every day of the week, it is far superior to all-coil. Even the 1960 Chrysler products "Unit-Body" was far superior than anything else on the road. The Imperial didn't get it at first, but later it was success story for the company with cars that were really roadable!

[radeakins]

Personally i think these tests were somewhat irrelevant but interesting. None of these cars weren't built for speed in any condition but they didn't do the important things such as crash tests. Its more advertising than testing. But as i said, interesting non the less.

[StrongEnough78]

If you watch the first test on teh bumpy dirt road on this one closely, you can tell that the other cars were driven through it faster than the Chrysler cars were, especially when they show the split screen comparisons in slow motion.

[deanmerc]

I am an amateur auto restorer/collector. I have owned 50s models from GM, Ford and Chrysler. The TorsonAire Ride from the Torsion Bars give BY FAR the best ride out there. My 59 Dodge was a steady cruiser; smooooth over all conditions. The GM models give a nice boulevard ride, and the Ford products come in a close 3rd. But for overall comfort, Chrysler wins. Especially with the angle of the front A pillars with the curved windshields. I never hit my knee on a Chrysler product.

[smoorehouse1]

Great video Chrysler was the best you could get and that is just a fact.

[user92126]

they must have had some terrible roads back then

[lasuvidaboy]

This was a comparison test between Chrysler products and their direct competitors from Ford and GM.

[dicarlo57]

Strange, no Pontiacs. McCahill knew damned well that while the Pontiacs couldnt out handle the Chryslers they could surely out accelerate them. McCahill was partial to Chryslers to the point of appearing "on the take". In an Edsal video he presents a strange disclaimer before giving a favorable report on the car. His favorite personal cars were Fords

[deanmerc]

Just my $.02 worth: I have and currently own several '50s vintage cars, including a '50 Buick, '57 Continental, '56 Mercury, '57 Cadillac, '55 Nash, '59 Dodge, '54 Dodge & '51 Mercury. The Chrysler products by far have the best ride, handling, and performance. Chrysler trannys were always the best, especially the Torqueflite. There is no ride comparable to TorsionAir Ride. Although Chryslers could rust quickly and did had build quality issues, they really were better riding, handling & perform.

[dicarlo57]

The flathead Mercury sounds interesting, how does it compare to the others? Id heard that they (flatheads) had to have the main bearings replaced at 50k. I had asked more than a few geriatric mechanics over the years and never got a coherant answer.

[deanmerc]

Hi. Mine has about 45k miles. I had the engine professionally rebuilt about 2k ago. I don't think he changed the bearings. The only problem I know flatheads had was overheating. Too much heat entered the coolant. The early ones also leaked a lot of oil. Mine never leaked or ran hot, guess i was lucky. And the flathead is WHISPER QUIET at idle. You can barely hear it running. Its eerie; at shows u don't hear the engine, just the tires on the gravel as it rolls along.

[cadrolls1]

I've ridden in most of these cars. Chrysler was a better riding car when driven agressively. True, it could be driven faster on dirt roads too BUT, when driven like the luxury cars that they were, G.M. & Lincoln gave a better ride. That's my opinion though. Chrysler rode too stiffly for my tastes. They weren't "cruising" cars whereas you could drive them slowly and enjoy the ride, in my book. I prefer the soft ride below 75 M.P.H. and the Chrysler ride over 75 M.P.H.

[SirRoxo]

lol at the cadillac doors and trunk flying open. I guess it's that 1950's GM saftey in action. Despite if it was rigged or not; this test was entertaining.

[Cruentus1]

On average, the late 50's Mopar products did have better performance than GM or Ford. Unfortunately, Chrysler had a lot of problems with their Quality Control. Once word got out about Chrysler's rust problems, and slipshod construction, potential buyers headed for the Ford and GM dealers. It unfortunate, the Chryslers really had potential.

[dicarlo57]

That sums it up. 57s and up seemed to be worse. Many of us had problems with the way they looked. Look at it this way. Four of my cousins freinds and neighbors bought new cars in 1962. The Ford owners were pleased, the Chevy owners indiferent, and the Chrysler owners looked and felt like damned fools.

[cadrolls1]

Chrysler did a horrible job matching colors and fabrics in their interiors too. The interiors came off looking "cheap" in all but the Imperial. They were nice looking cars though.

[1lukeb]

i love watching these 2 ton tanks getting hammered like this. these poor things were brand new. not anymore!!!

[Nomasain]

Online there are similar but modern tests set up by Toyota, Ford and Chevy. Comparing their trucks to the competition.

The tests are of course chosen to outshine the competition.

After seeing Toyota's testrun, I preferred Toyota; after seeing Fords tests, I preferred the Ford...

I think Mopars had better roadholding from the mid 50's to the mid 60's, but I think Chevy's have a more comfortable ride and driving position.

[dicarlo57]

talk about slanted bullshit. Why no Pontiacs? Because McCahill knew damned well that they would easily out accelerate the Chryslers. Why not tell us about the poor fit and finish and rust problems the Chryslers had? McCahill was on the take.....

[02chevyguy]

I think the reason why they didn't show comparisons of Chevy or Ford or Pontiac to Dodge or Plymouth was due to the fact that Chrysler, Ford and GM wanted to show their more higher end luxury styled vehicles in these tests.

[LyseCruiser]

Sponsored by Chrysler thats for sure :) I have a Oldsmobile Delta 88 from 1966 and the Olds from ´58 is the most beautiful car ever made. I hope I´ll have one myself one day.

[lankaat]

Obviously this test was sponsored by CHRYSLER

[coldplays179]

reminds me of miss america? people were crazy back then

[coldplays179]

I want that imperial or lincoln awesome looking cars

[lasuvidaboy]

The late 1950s Chrysler products were great cars. Other than the fact they had rust problems after several years they seemed to be better engineered than the GM products of that era.

[MNBluestater]

Oh, I take that back. I want a Cadillac. Didn't want the trunk lid anyway.

[MNBluestater]

Haha. I want the Buick Roadmaster with air bag suspension.

[thekidrocks72]

Ahhh yeeeaa, the Chryslers "back in the day". Thinking back, GM softened the ride of their new 4 coil spring chassis full size cars for '58...too much (and the air ride was a flop). Big Fords simply were soft. But Chrysler kept the ride smooth, quiet and tight at the same time. One issue through - a coil spring is a torsion spring coiled up... or... a torsion spring is a coil spring pulled straight. Same thing. What really counts is suspension geometry and spring rate to weight.

[dawnnaYT]

You can still buy all these cars brand new in parts of China. After seeing this vid I plan on looking for a Windsor next time I am there. My 2003 Cad probably hasn't changed that much underneath since '58 and who wants to lose the rear suspension like that?

[lankaat]

Oh really, do you know any company making simillar cars in China? Please let me know if you can. Thanks

[dolphinsattack]

Torsion bars are best in racing, coil springs are better for ride comfort.

[chicagolinc]

Interesting how Chrysler brags about its torsion air suspension as if they invented it. Packard was the first to use a torsion bar suspension, and they used it on all 4 wheels. Chrysler only used it on the front wheels.

[raconter1]

I don't know how I've been so long on You Tube and didn't discover your excellent channel..great tech info. on these cars. How independent was McCahill, I wonder..

[DamnStraightM35A2]

not very independant, it appears he would say what ever he was paid to, in 1958 he also tested the Edsel and gave it a favorable review.

[raconter1]

I guess back in the day it was never discussed who paid salaries- the same for automotive magazines. That was an opening for Consumer Reports..Another limitation was the lack of long term driving reports..many cars can seem ok on first inspection, but they may be very hard to live with! :) Jack

[sneyder69]

hey be honest, those cars a mutch nicer disign than now days

[DerAdventurer]

Interesting, though it has been managed by Chrysler to their cars performance better than others. Just watch the speed of the jumps. Easily realizable.

Even so, still an amazing video! I wonder if current cars, with all their electronics would survive to some tests like these, leaving them in perfect condition.

A last add. Loved the Cadillac jump, though it proves to be dangerous in some situations, it flies marvelously!

[Cruiseomatic]

I am confused though by how a knowledgeable car guy like Tom McCahill could get his facts wrong about one thing. I have always heard that FoMoCo did not use rear coil springs on any car until the '65 full size Fords and Mercs came along, and yet he claims that the '58 Lincoln had coil springs "all around." That is not true, it had semi-eliptic leaf springs in the rear (just like Chrysler.) I confirmed this with a book called "Ultimate American Cars" by Craig Cheetham.

[DSGNflorian]

The 1958-59 Lincolns had coil springs all around. In 1960 the rear coils were replaced by leaf springs. The Lincolns were also using untized bodies (from '58 through the end of the 60s)

[Cruiseomatic]

Maybe you're right about that, DS. But I don't think so. I've always been interested in suspension systems, in fact I shoulda been a suspension engineer. But I intend to do more research into this when I get some spare time. I'll let you know what I find out.

[DSGNflorian]

I am certain of it, knowing first hand what those cars look like underneath and having worked at Ford for a number of years. I'd like refer you to James Howell's book "Lincoln 1958-1969", which contains loads of factory original photos. On page 51 you'll find the reference to the switch from coils to leaf spring rear suspension for 1960.

[Cruiseomatic]

You are right, DSGN, I checked around and sure enough the '58 Lincoln had rear coils. Just goes to prove you can learn something new every day. So I owe you and Uncle Tom an apology. But I'm still wondering why on page 224 of "Ultimate American Cars" by Craig Cheetham it says it had rear leaf springs? Just a little blooper, I guess.

[DSGNflorian]

I found that many so-called "expert writers" often are not.

It's a science all its own to figure out which sources tend to be accurate and which are a bit flaky.

We have a great resource here in Motown, the Detroit Public Library Automotive History Collection. You'll find almost every answer to all things automotive there, it's amazing.

[JimmyCFO]

Quite incorrect Cruiseomatic. 58 and 59 Lincolns DID have coil springs all around. It was not until the 1960 Lincolns that FoMoCo went back to semi ellipticals on the back springs......Know your facts before you open your big mouth

[DSGNflorian]

Cruiseomatic acknowledged being in error about the coil/leaf spring issue many postings ago. Thank you for being obnoxious about it, it contributes so much to civilized discourse...

[JimmyCFO]

Why THANK YOU DSGNflorian!!!! Your reply was SO CIVILZED too! Your brain must be like an EDSEL! ie, Every Day Something Else Loose! Ta Ta! and Have a WONDERFUL DAY!!!

[DSGNflorian]

*yawn*

[stevenmi]

Dear JimmyCFO,

You are off-base. While we appriciate your corrections, it is entirely inappropriate to make your comments in a rude fashion.

Please help us all keep the 'net appropriately polite.

Steve in Oregon

[DSGNflorian]

The poor showing of the Buick or Cadillac in this comparison doesn't have anything to do with coil springs or air springs vs. leaf springs or torsion bars etc., as the difference is all in the tuning and calibration of the respective systems. Also, the overly soft spring rates and mushy shock absorber settings of many 50s cars would be the the biggest culprit, not the type of spring used. Chrysler just seemd to prefer firmer settings than the competition back then.

[ijsmale]

Wrong - the torsion bar suspension was simply SUPERIOR in all ways to coil springs with the same spring rates.

[DSGNflorian]

BTW, nothing of the riding qualities from that era, however, has anything to do whatsoever with how today's cars stack up by comparison. There is just no connection at all between cars of that vintge and today's vehicles.

[DSGNflorian]

I have owned a few classic Chryslers and also had a chance to drive many vintage Mopars. I would agree that

Chrysler cars back then DID have much better handling than other domestic cars.

On the other hand, they also seemed a bit harsher and noisier than comparable GM or Ford product, which would be expected with firmer springing and dampening.

[Cruiseomatic]

Chrysler spent a lot of time trashing the coil spring cars and touting its "Torsionaire" system - front torsion bars and rear semi eliptics. How interesting that they eventually abandoned Torsionaire and the current Chrysler 300 has a full coil spring system!

[DamnStraightM35A2]

the suspension on the current 300 comes from the W210 Mercedes Benz. I think its a multi link. My W124 has a multi link.

[440mopar383]

Chryslers rule

same here, MOPAR or NO CAR

[chryslerfan413440]

chrysler still rules....mopar or no car for me thanks....

[Tennesseedolly]

I think the driver is my wife!

[chicagolinc]

Of course it's the fins that give the Chryslers that road hugging ability. LOL. I'd take any one of them over the junk Accord clones they all produce now.

[JammitDeep]

Keep in mind that both Ford and GM were changing to a fluffy turnpike ride back then, where Chrysler still kept the taught ride. Sure it made for better handling - in the same way a '57 BelAir handled better than a '58 BelAir... most people would prefer the ride of the newer BelAir.

[sambethune]

I'd take this video with a grain of salt. Quite obviously it's a Mopar propaganda film. McCahill's bias for Chrysler products was also quite well known. He was a personal friend of Walter P. Chrysler. Read articles written by some of the lesser known but more objective automobile testers of the period, as well as the owner's reports published in magainzes like Popular Mechanics.

[ijsmale]

You GM / Ford guys can't handle the truth that the Chrysler products had better suspensions and engineering. And, Walter Chrysler had been dead for 18 years at the time of this video. And Tom always had good things to say about Ford and GM when he tested them for M.I....

[williamg2552]

With TORSION-AIRE suspension, coupled with powerful HEMI engines (pre '58), CHRYSLER and IMPERIAL (not to mention Plymouth, De Soto, and Dodge), were CLEARLY SUPERIOR.

[pescadoygamba]

wow,how soft were those factory suspensions?? Dont take your 50's car in the dirt,so weird how well GM did back then when the difference between them and the chryslers are obvious,wonder if this is still the rule today??in the 50's mags chrysler outbraked,outhandled gm's and fords and yet people bought GM and Ford more and happily wrote in to complain about this to the period magazines...????