I test drove an 85 Eldorado today. The car had trouble entering the freeway and merging with traffic. I had the pedal almost floored to get up to passing speed. Is this typical with this model?

The original engine in this car has been rebuilt, and there was a lot of noise as I increased the speed -- the noise was more of a popping sound than metallic sound -- no metal sound, no smoke, perfect start up and idle. But when I accelerated the car (pressed the gas pedal), lots of clutter sound but no stumbles and no LOSS of power -- but slow BUILD to speed. Any reason why? Can this be addressed? Is it normal?

Owner says he uses premium gas, Mobil 1 synthetic, car is in good shape overall

This is the only 85 Eldorado I have driven --- trying to see if this is what can be expected from the 4.1 Eldos. Thanks!

That doesn't sound right to me. Mine is a '85 Fleetwood FWD, and it's not nearly that bad for power. In fact it zips up to 80 real good for what it is.
That one must have some issues. Maybe you need to have a mechanic drive it and give you some idea of what is going on with it before buying.

check the trouble codes.

The HT4100's are gutless wonders (not as bad as you describe though), but they don't make noise accelerating. Something is amiss.

It probably has slow timing. Some of them had weak cams that would wear out fast but I thought that was fixed by 85. Is yours RWD?

Popping sounds on acceleration usually mean either a flat camshaft or running too lean, (weak fuel pump ). My 84 runs fine, no lack of power for a 250 cu. in. V/8.

Yeah, that does have a bad cam sound. If an intake lobe is wore off, that cylinder will be lean, causing some pop-back in the intake system. Been there. If it's front wheel drive, you had better pass on it, because the engine has to be removed for a cam change. If it's rear wheel drive, it's not a bad job to change cam and lifters, timing set etc.
I thought Eldos were front drive, is it ?

I had an 83 Eldo 4100 with an inline front wheel drive, not transverse like later cars. If its inline you should be able to change the cam without removing the eng. The 4100 is a good eng, though not known for excessive power at its best however.