Did any of you guys check out the new MotorTrend?

They have a small article about the new Impala SS and compare it to the last SS


2004 FWD S/C V6
1/4mi. = 14.7
0-60 = 6.5

1996 RWD 5.7L V8
1/4mi. = 15.4
0-60 = 7.0

I think the new Impala SS is looking good, a step in the right direction, when the '05 gets the V8 it will proabably do about a 13.9

 

I generally think it's unfair to compare two cars from different eras. A lot of improvements have been made to drivetrain technology in the 15 years since the LT1 was introduced. I think almost anyone on this board would sooner have the old LT1 Impy and enjoy hanging out the **** end on occasion.

Still, an interesting comparison. In a way it goes to show how people's memories of things are usually more positive than reality.

 

I'd rather have a '96 Impy SS simply because they look sinister & have the correct wheels driving the car.

Just the same, the new Impala SS is an impressive performer.

BTW: If you drive a 3rd gen IROC or Z28, you'd probally want to avoid the new Impala SS unless you had some mods.

 

THe LT1 came out in 1992 and the 3800 is just as old so I wouldn't say that the new cars engine is that much more High Tech.

I'd also rather have a RWD car, but I thought I would post these time for those complaining about the new Impala SS. While it is not everything I'm looking for in my next car, I do think it has very respectable performance time. According to Edmunds.com the SS can be had for $23,115 after rebate. Seems like a good value too.

 

MT themselves said, the new impalla is good and all, but still, not a true impalla SS.

 

I think I'd give up some performance to be able to get sideways.
Plus, I think the older ones look better.

 

The new one is impressive, I agree. But the attitude that comes from the huge size and sinister looks of the 94-96 is worth more to me. I bought my black SS new in 96, and wouldnt sell it for anything.

 

With a few simple mods the '96 Impala SS would be just as fast if not faster than the new Impala SS. Also I believe MT has gotten faster times from either a '94 or '95 Impala SS. I remember C&D got 6.5 sec. to 60 in a Roadmaster LT-1 and a 15.0 flat in the quarter, I am not sure what the weight difference between a Roadmaster and an old ImpalaSS but the Roadmaster looks alot more bulker looking.

I would perfer the '96 ImpalaSS over the new one for one main reason, LT-1 torque. I took a Grand Prix GTP Coupe on a extensive test drive a few years ago, those cars were capable of a mid-six second time to 60 too, but they didn't feel that fast to me or at least not as fast as an ImpalaSS. I really liked the car alot and probably would have bought one if it was available with a manual gear box.

Is the 3800 Series II Supercharged V6 in the new ImpalaSS the same engine that was used in the old Grand Prixs. The hp rating is the same at 240. I thought I read somewhere were Chevy tweaked the motor alittle to produce more torque for the new ImpalaSS. The info card on the new ImpalaSS that I received from Chevy doesn't say anything about that, and lists the torque rating at 280 lb-ft.

Something really funny I noticed listed under Exterior Details was "Corvette-inspired rear taillight treatment" that is no joke it actually says that on the info card, I believe that is a bit of a stretch.

 

Not if you're driving a good L98 G92, or an LB9 T-5 G92 with a few mods.

BTW, I'd still rather have the B-Body Impala SS. If that car continued and got the LS1, forget it. We wouldn't even be discussing this little car and its FWD nonsense. The LT1s were good for what they were pulling in the real Impala SS's. Those cars might be slower but they're still cooler. That happens. (like Third vs. 4th Gen ) There's alot more to cool than just speed.

 

I think I might have to pick the 04, my dad just bought an 04 GTP with the Compatition package. With 260 hp and fairly tall gears for a stock auto that thing will sh*t and get. Its almost scary to say but it might give the camaro a run for its money

 

Most of you guys are cool


You are not cool


It's obvious which one I'd pick But if a big fan of the 04 Wimpy SS wanted to argue, he'd say that it's easy to slide teh back end out. Just hit the E-brake!

 

See, though... the "ya, but with a few mods..." arguement always falls short.

If you get to bolt on a few mods, so does the guy with the 04 SS. And all he needs is a cheap pulley to push 300hp... and he's blowing you away again... with less money in the mods.

(Yes, I know the new car is going to cost more up front... but that point is moot, because you can't buy a brand new 96 Impy SS anymore... and if you find one with under 100 miles on the clock, you'll pay as much as an 04 SS anyway. )

 

More crap from MotorTrend, the car-mag your granny reads at her doctor's office. As I recollect, MT likes just about any domestic crap. As a FWD W-body, the limp new Impy qualifies on that score.

Car and Driver, June 1994: Impalla SS

0-60mph = 6.5 seconds

1/4 mile = 15.0 seconds@92mph

Top Speed = 142mph

Braking, 70-0mph = 179ft
(Way better than the distances for LT-1 F-bodies!)

Skidpad = .86g

The last "real" Impala SS was produced in 1996. That car accelerated, handled, stopped and looked like a champ.

 

A '96 Impy with "under 100 miles on the clock?" If such a beast existed, I'd ante-up in a heartbeat! Would a zero-mile '96 Impy SS be worth the price of '04 POS? I'd wager that it would be worth alot more to quite a few people.

...Back in reality, we have a wimpy Impy. The supercharged SS model has arrived way too late to save the day - if only because the whole car should have been replaced by now! At least it would have been if it had been a Japanese car.

 

What does any of this even mean?

The fact remains that an 04 SS will outrun a 96 SS, and if you throw "a few mods" into the equation, then it's only fair to allow the same for the 04... in which, it will still win.

I won't even begin to address the "POS 04" statement, since build quality on the 04 would destroy the 96.