Cadillac Deville Moels & History 1981

Standard engine for DeVille and Fleetwood Brougham was the “modulated displacement” 368 cu. in. (6.0-liter) V8-6-4, with digital fuel injection. Optional: a 252 cu. in. (4.1-liter) V-6, provided by Buick. That V-6 had Computer Command Control and a knock sensor to adjust spark advance, as well as diagnostics. The Olds diesel V-8 was also offered.

Externally, DeVilles and Fleetwoods carried a new forward-peaked grille with heavy wide upper header bar (Cadillac script again at the side) over an undivided tight crosshatch pattern. Quad headlamps sat above quad amber parking/signal lamps, with wraparound clear/amber cornering lights. Standard wheel covers displayed a Cadillac crest on dark red background. New standard Electronic Climate Control offered digital accuracy. Standard equipment also included a six-way power passenger seat, power windows, and low-fuel warning. New pillow-style seating came in rich Heather cloth (four colors); or leather in ribbed seating areas (ten colors). Sedan DeVilles could have automatic lap-shoulder belt for driver and front passenger. Other options: a Heavy-Duty Ride package, wire wheel covers, and Elk Grain vinyl roof.

Model Number Style Number Body Type Seating Factory Price Shipping Weight Production Total
6C D47 2-door Coupe 6 $13,285 / 13,450 3801 / 4016 lb 62,724 (total includes the 2-door Fleetwood Brougham)
6C D69 4-door Sedan 6 $13,682 / 13,847 3852 / 4067 lb 86,991 (total included the 4-door Fleetwood Brougham)

 

FACTORY PRICE AND WEIGHT NOTE

Figures before the slash are for V-6 engine, after slash for variable-displacement gas V8-6-4. A diesel V-8 was also available. By late spring 1981, prices rose on all reached $23,000 for the diesel, Coupe DeVille $14,345.

ENGINE

 

Feature V-6 Diesel V-8
Type 90-degree, overhead valve V-6. Cast iron block and head 90-degree, overhead valve V-8. Cast iron block and head
Displacement 252 cu. in. (4.1 liters) 350 cu. in. (5.7 liters)
Bore & stroke 3.965 x 3.40 in. 4.057 x 3.385 in.
Compression ratio 8.0:1 22.5:1
Brake horsepower 125 @ 3800 rpm 105 @ 3200 rpm
Torque 210 lbs.-ft. @ 2000 rpm 200 lbs.-ft. @ 1600 rpm
Main Bearings Four
Valve Lifters Hydraulic
Fuel Supply 4-bbl. Carburetor
Made by Buick Oldsmobile
VIN Code 4 N

 

CHASSIS DATA

 

  • Wheelbase: 121.4 in.
  • Overall length: 221.0 in.
  • Height: DeVille Coupe 54.6 in.; DeVille sedan 55.6 in.
  • Width: 76.5 in. max.
  • Front Tread: 61.7 in.
  • Rear Tread: 60.7 in.
  • Standard Tires: P215/75R15 SBR wide WSW
TECHNICAL

 

  • Turbo Hydra-matic transmission standard on all models; column shift.
  • Gear ratios V8-368: (1st) 2.48:1; (2nd) 1.48:1; (3rd) 1.00:1; (Rev) 2.07:1.
  • Other three-speed models: (1st) 2.74:1; (2nd) 1.57:1; (3rd) 1.00:1; (Rev) 2.07:1.
  • Four-speed automatic w/V-6: (1st) 2.74:1; (2nd) 1.57:1; (3rd) 1.00:1: (4th) 0.667:1; (Rev) 2.07:1.
  • Standard final drive ratio: 2.41:1 except w/V-6, 3.23:1
  • Steering: recirculating ball (power assisted).
  • Front suspension: coil springs and link-type stabilizer bar.
  • Rear suspension: four-link drive coil springs, electronic level control available
  • Brakes: front disc, rear drum
  • Fuel tank: 24.6 gal. exc. diesel, 27 gal. and V-6, 25 gal.
DRIVETRAIN OPTIONS

 

  • 4.1-liter gas V-6 engine ($165 credit)
  • 5.7-liter diesel V-8 engine ($325-$351)
  • California emission equipment ($46-$182).
  • Engine block heater ($22).
  • 100-amp alternator ($41).
  • Heavy-duty cooling ($59).
  • Limited slip differential: ($86).
  • Electronic level control: ($173).
  • Heavy-duty ride package: ($270).
  • Trailering pkg. ($59-$100).
OPTION PACKAGES

 

  • DeVille d’Elegance ($1005).
  • Coupe DeVille Cabriolet ($363).
  • Appearance value pkg.: ($802)
CONVENIENCE/APPEARANCE OPTIONS

 

  • Astroroof ($1058); N/A on limo.
  • Controlled-cycle wiper system: ($45).
  • Rear defogger, grid-type ($134-$175).
  • Automatic door locks ($129).
  • Garage door opener ($125).
  • Illuminated entry system ($67).
  • Dual Comfort front seats w/six-way power passenger seat adjuster: ($395).
  • Memory driver’s seat ($169).
  • Power river’s seat recliner ($130).
  • Notchback passenger seat recliner: ($130).
  • Leather-trimmed steering wheel ($79).
  • Tilt/telescope steering wheel ($147).
  • Power trunk lid release and pull-down: ($96).
  • Theft deterrent system ($157).
  • Twilight Sentinel: ($65).
  • Guidematic headlamp control ($78).
  • Opera lamps: ($72).
  • Trumpet horn ($28).
  • Thermometer on left mirror ($35).
  • Twin lighted vanity mirrors ($116).
  • Electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with 8-track tape player ($195); with 8-track and CB ($480); w/cassette ($281); w/cassette and CB ($547).
  • Full padded vinyl roof: ($240).
  • Two-tone paint: Firemist ($293); partial Firemist. ($394).
  • Firemist paint ($208).
  • Accent striping: ($61).
  • Door edge guards ($16-$24).
  • License frames, each ($11).
  • Leather seating area ($439-$595).
  • Automatic lap/shoulder belts: ($150).
  • Carpeted rubber floor mats: front ($35-$38); rear ($20).
  • Trunk mat ($16).
  • Locking wire wheels: ($755).
  • Turbine vaned wheel covers: ($63).
  • Locking wire wheel covers ($266-$328).
  • Puncture-sealing tires ($106).