Deville Cadillac 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.
STYLE
| 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) |
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.
ENGINES
| 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
| 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 |
DRIVETRAIN
| Transmission | 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 |
OPTIONAL PACKAGE
| DeVille d’Elegance | $1005 |
| Coupe DeVille Cabriolet | $363 |
| Appearance value pkg. | $802 |
CONVENIENCE/APPEARANCE OPTIONS
| Astroroof | $1058 |
| 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 |
| Electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with 8-track tape player and CB | $480 |
| Electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with cassette | $281 |
| Electronic-tuning seek/scan AM/FM stereo radio with cassette and CB | $547 |
| Full padded vinyl roof | $240 |
| Two-tone paint Firemist | $293 |
| Two-tone paint 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 front floor mats | $35-$38 |
| Carpeted rubber rear floor mats | $20 |
| Trunk mat | $16 |
| Locking wire wheels | $755 |
| Turbine vaned wheel covers | $63 |
| Locking wire wheel covers | $266-$328 |
| Puncture-sealing tires | $106 |
Keyword: Deville Cadillac History 1981