All,
Another newbie looking around at what is out there question.

The deville is RWD, the Eldorado is FWD. The basic look of the Eldorado seems to put the passenger compartment further back. Is this really the case? Is there a big difference in the size of the trunk in these cars, or is it more of a styling thing that makes the trunk look smaller on the Eldorado?

Also, is the FWD Eldrorado a pain to work on, is it as reliable as the RWD?

Thanks

Bob

Can't help too much on the dimensions, but as far as working on it, for most things there the same. The engine is mounted longitudally under the hood, just like the RWDs. The only catch is some parts are harder to find, namely FWD only stuff (wheel bearings and such)

Assuming late 70s early 80s cars here. The RWD has a larger trunk. Eldorado has no transmission hump. Body fit and build quality were always better on the more expensive Eldorado. The Seville was even better back then. RWD is much easier to keep going. No CV joints and front end parts are cheaper and easier to repair. FWD is a real advantage on lighter automobiles. These are not light. Gm buzz words back in the day: V6, front wheel drive.

The Eldo has a shorter rear deck (and smaller trunk) and a smaller passenger compartment. The wheelbase is also shorter than the comparable DeVille (save in 1977/78, when the RWD DeVilles were restyled and the Eldos carried on with the 1971-era body). So, it's no illusion that the Eldo is shorter than the DeVille.

Some FWD parts can be pricey, but not too hard to find as they were also used on the contemporary Toronados (1971-1985) and Rivieras (1979-1985).

Either way, DeVille or Eldorado, you really can't make a wrong choice UNLESS you need rear seat room for grown people, in which case take the DeVille, as the Eldo can be a bit tight for two and downright crowded for three.

Good luck,

Craig