That's why I said the Impala SS was the only B body, not the only Chevy, selling in any numbers to consumers The Impala SS outsold the Caprice, Roadmaster, and Fleetwood Brougham in 1996.

And none of those could offer the 10k plus profit in a Tahoe. Nonetheless, like I said, I wish those cars hadn't gone away.

 

that's where I was going also
not only did those cars weigh more, they had more powerful engines

 

LT1>LS4

 

I was talking about the FWD V6s, but the LT1 did make more torque

 

I think it's more to do with power to weight ratio's.
3400 with 3700lbs (180hp/205lbft)
........to........
350LT1 with 4200lbs(260hp/330lbft)

A deficit of 80hp/125lbft!...

Which one is going to have to work up a thirst to move the weight.
Smaller engines don't always equate to much better fuel economy.

 

Your HP/TQ and curb weight numbers are off, try again.

EPA TO EPA the 96 was what 25 mpg highway? 2007 was 31, its not even close. Compare 07 numbers to 96 numbers not 08 to 96, its a different formulation.

Comparing old numbers is meaningless anyways, the Zeta IMP facing CAFE would get 26 with a V-6 and 24 with the V-8.

 

My numbers were for a '05 model, as I was showing that a small V6, milage was very similar to a '96 big V8, and no where near the same performance.
Perceptions about gas saving motors has been beat into people's heads that "smaller is better", which as we can see, is not a universal truth.

You want the '07?

3.5L with 3600lbs (210hp/214lbft) 21/31
optional:
3.9L with 3650lbs (233hp/240lbft) 20/29
5.3L with 3710lbs (303hp/323lbft) 18/27
..........to..........
'96 LT1 with 4200lbs (260hp/330lbft) 17/25
Even hauling 600 extra lbs it's still comparable...

My 1995 PA Ultra
3.8L S/C with 3650lbs (225hp/275lbft) 19/29
13 years old!

 

Under the 2007 EPA ratings, the 96 Impala is 15/24 and the Park Avenue is 16/25.