I have been considering a 91 Eldorado Biarritz as a possible next car, and this weekend I found a very clean, extremely well cared for/serviced 1990 model Eldorado Biarritz. The 90 has the 4.5, which is the same as in my 88 DeVille. The 91 has the 4.9. Other than the engine, are there other differences? Will I miss the 4.9? This 90 model has had every major service done and has 90K one-owner miles. It might be hard to pass up; I welcome your thoughts. Thanks!
Differences in 90 and 91 models: Eldorado
1 - 3 of 3 Posts
69 Thunderbird | 90 Seville | 03 Corolla | 89 Marquis(scrapped) | 72 Torino(scrapped)
Joined
·
2,028 Posts
The 4.5 in your 88 has TBI injection. The one in the 90 has multiport injection which is more efficient and yields 30 more hp over the TBI. The 91's transmission is electronically controlled while the 90's is not. I believe almost all of the body/chassis/interior parts are interchangeable.
In my opinion the 90 4.5 is just as reliable as the 4.9 and isnt well known to have the main bearing thump issue at high mileage like the 4.9. I would think that the trans in the 4.5 would last longer since it doesnt see as much torque as the 4.9 dishes out. Other than the power output, I think one would have to dig pretty deep to find major differences between the two.
Check here for some info on the different years: http://100megsfree4.com/cadillac//cad1990/cad90e.htm
In my opinion the 90 4.5 is just as reliable as the 4.9 and isnt well known to have the main bearing thump issue at high mileage like the 4.9. I would think that the trans in the 4.5 would last longer since it doesnt see as much torque as the 4.9 dishes out. Other than the power output, I think one would have to dig pretty deep to find major differences between the two.
Check here for some info on the different years: http://100megsfree4.com/cadillac//cad1990/cad90e.htm
I don't think that you would find too many differences cosmetically between the 90 and 91. Mechanically, I agree with the previous post. The 90 4.5 PFI seems to be a little forgotten. So far, I think that it is a great little V8. Definately gets better mpg than my 91 Coupe DeVille with the 4.9. My 91 Coupe did drive great and had lots of torque. My 90 Eldorado is very similiar in the way it drives. The Eldo almost feels stronger in the mid to upper rev band. The Coupe felt stronger right off of the line up to about 45mph. My 91 also developed the infamous "main bearing thump" that many on this forum have experienced. It did not effect reliability or power. My Eldo has the same mileage on it now that my 91 had when I sold it. Knock on wood, my Eldo has no sign of main bearing thump. If I had my choice between a well-maintained 90 and a 91, I think that I would buy the 91. My 90 feels really good in the power department, which means that the 91 would be that much better. Either way, I don't think reliability would suffer with either engine. Hope this helps.
1 - 3 of 3 Posts
