[Elvis]

I tried to get a test-drive in one of the 1994+ Fleetwoods around here today, but the guy at the dealership said it was already out on a test drive and wouldn't be back for 45 mins. I didn't feel like waiting and I'm not sure I believed him anyway. I think that either a) a salesman took it home and wasn't working that day, or b) it was out back and really dusty and they wanted time to clean it up before I saw it.

Anyway, while I was waiting I took a closer look at a latest generation DeVille they had. I sat in it, it was very comfortable. The back seat sat up kind of high, which I liked. Older cars aren't like that. The wheel was positioned nicely, the seats moved in all directions and gave plenty of support.

Initially, I wanted a DeVille like this, but when I saw the Fleetwoods and the lower prices I was lured to them. I still want to test drive one, but I'm afraid it's probably going to be a lot like my father's '94 Olds '98 wagon, which I wasn't really crazy about--or my mother-in-law's '96 Roadmaster, which was a little better, but not much.

So fellas, help me weigh the pros and cons. '96 Fleetwood vs. '2000 DeVille. I don't plan to modify the Fleetwood, I just think they look really good with the tail fins and traditional Caddy brake lights.

 

[HotRodSaint]

I still want to test drive one, but I'm afraid it's probably going to be a lot like my father's '94 Olds '98 wagon, which I wasn't really crazy about--or my mother-in-law's '96 Roadmaster, which was a little better, but not much.

What didn't you like about these two?

 

[Elvis]

What didn't you like about these two?

Dashboard was way too long, reflected sunlight against the glass and it was difficult to see.

Also, they seemed a little cumbersome. But I like that to a certain degree.

 

[Katshot]

There's a big difference between the two cars. One is FWD and unibody whereas the other is RWD and body on frame. The Deville has rack and pinion steering vs. the Fleetwoods std. recirculating ball steering. The standard suspension is far tighter feeling in the Deville and the car ends up feeling much more European because of it. The Deville has rear heat and A/C vents whereas the Fleetwood only has heater ducts. The list goes on and on.
Bottom line, the Fleetwood has a more "Traditional American" road feel whereas the Deville tries to emulate the European car feel. The Fleetwood has a simpler, more reliable drivetrain, the Deville a more complicated one. The Fleetwood is bigger in every dimension so if size matters, the Fleetwood can't be beat. They are both great cars, and very comfortable. It really boils down to styling, road feel, and price.

 

[Elvis]

Price--Fleetwood wins
RWD/FWD--Fleetwood wins
Steering--Fleetwood wins

I like the European feel, though. My father has a '94 Mercedes S420, and I love the way it feels on the road. But he also had several DeVilles in the 80's, and I loved them, too (same frame as the '93-96 Fleetwoods).

I like the idea of simplicity with the Fleetwood, too. I'm planning on keeping whatever I get for five or six years, or 100,000 miles.

What I'm really looking for, though, is a barcalounger on wheels. If it comes down to two relatively similar cars, mileage-wise, I think the Fleetwood would win because of price and overall comfort. But if I can't find a Fleetwood when the time comes, I'll probably have to go with the DeVille.

 

[Bigoz]

Fleetwood vs Deville

My Grand father had the same dilemma a few years ago
so he figured " hell im 65 i deserve em both" and bought a 94
Fleetwood grey w/ black carriage top black interior.
and 2000 Deville white w/tan carriage tan interior.

 

[Katshot]

Price--Fleetwood wins
RWD/FWD--Fleetwood wins
Steering--Fleetwood wins

I like the European feel, though. My father has a '94 Mercedes S420, and I love the way it feels on the road. But he also had several DeVilles in the 80's, and I loved them, too (same frame as the '93-96 Fleetwoods).

I like the idea of simplicity with the Fleetwood, too. I'm planning on keeping whatever I get for five or six years, or 100,000 miles.

What I'm really looking for, though, is a barcalounger on wheels. If it comes down to two relatively similar cars, mileage-wise, I think the Fleetwood would win because of price and overall comfort. But if I can't find a Fleetwood when the time comes, I'll probably have to go with the DeVille.

"a barcalounger on wheels"
If that's true, the Fleetwood should be your car. Nothing can beat it at the room and comfort game.