Driving impressions: RT vs. 95 Impala SS

[Tommy T.]

I know this one has been addressed before, but I just wanted to point out a couple of things. I own a mostly stock, well maintained, 95 SS with 56K miles on it.

Test drove and bought a Vanilla RT this week. It was my first test drive of an RT and my main concerns based on what I've read here were the right pull, weird transmission shifts going INTO and coming out of reverse followed by delayed throttle response, among others.

Basically, my intent was to get on it just a little bit, but not push it to the edge.

Pulling out of the dealer lot, not trying to get on it at all, all I could think was WTF???!!!!! This car can move!!! No disrespect to my SS, she's still my baby, but I don't think she stands a chance.

I've read so much about low end acceleration somewhat lacking that I had very low expectations for the test drive. I was more than impressed. I push my SS every time I drive it, but I don't think there's much comparison. The SS feels like a big car, the RT feels like a solid car.

I've also read so much about the outstanding acceleration at cruising speeds that I had very high expectations here. As a result, I was sort of let down. I think the SS compares quite well with the RT.

Of course, I don't have solid DATA but will put these cars head to head at some point.

One more note that some of you will doubt. Spun the tires easily, without effort. In other words, I wasn't trying to and was shocked when I heard the squeal (not chirp). ESP was ON, road dry making a left turn FROM a dead stop. At this point, the car had 100 miles, and I got on it in exactly the same manner as I get on my SS. And at the exact same intersection I drive thru every morning. The SS won't spin the wheels there. I also did it again later in the day, this time a chirp, ESP ON, wasn't trying to do it.

So my concern I guess you could call it . . . sure the wheelspin brought a smile to my face, but is ESP not working properly? We'll see.

After all I've read here over the past 3 months, the RT has exceeded my expectations.

Before concluding, I'm obligated to defend my SS. I think she does extremely well, especially since we're comparing a 1995 production musclecar to a 2005 production musclecar.

Conclusion: the RT should be able to take the SS.

-- Tommy

[MagnumFreak]

Good review.

The esp has to sense the wheel slip before the traction control will try to take over. I have "tested" my car with esp on and off. In the on mode she will spin the tires then there is a reduction in output FROM the engine to try and bring things back under control. With esp off she will leave a pretty good mark on the road (haven't measured it).

Next time you get the chance to drive one, hold the throttle down even if the tires start to spin and the esp system should take over. There is a slight delay.

[C4me]

My experience is that with ESP on, it will still chirp the tires. If you have just enough accel to not "spin", but to chirp ... it will do that chirp, chirp, chirp thing for a fairly long time. I think the ESP doesn't sense enough "spin" to engage.

[DMAG]

Great review coming FROM an SS owner! Two great cars...you are lucky enough to have both!

[gone2vegas]

Tommy,

Congrats on the new car. I used to own a 94 9C1 (former police car) myself. Not as nice as the Impala, but very similar. The Magnum reminds me of my 9C1 a little, but the Magnum is much more refined. Power seems similar, but I haven't had the 9C1 for quite a while.

About your tire spin, it's been my experience that during turns are the easiest situations for a car to spin the tires. I think it's because the inner wheel has less weight on it. I think most people are complaining about not being able to spin the tires off the line going in a straight line.

Anyhow, congrats again and enjoy the new ride.

Peter

[Tommy T.]

Thanks all for the input. In spite of keeping up with this forum, looks like I've still got more to learn about the car.

Love those 9C1's. If I had the time and space, would love to pick one up as a project car.

And positive driving experience aside, I am now overwhelmed and totally in awe of this car's features -- EVIC, nav, Uconnect, etc. I've barely scratched the surface but love what I've seen so far.

-- Tommy

[Unholy]

I used to own a 94 Caprice that I think would have given my Magnum a run for the money. The Caprice wasnt exactly stock... just minor mods. The big differance I see is the refinements that the years of technology has given to the Magnum. Especially the traction control. Tell you what though... the Caprice had a way stiffer trany.... made it feel like it was faster... but it would normally run a 14.70 quarter...

[FloridaRT]

I also had a 96' Impala SS that had a lot of bolt ons and computer reprogramming, headers and 3:73 gears, the SS ran high 14's in the quarter mile with almost bald tires.
SS also had bigger sway bars , front and rear - Herb Adams bars.

I love my RT better, it is quicker (I think) and more fun to drive.

The SS had a shift kit in it and I got tired of all the head jerking as it shifted gears. SS would spin the tires in the 1-2 shift.

The RT is more refined and comfortable, plus it draws more attention.

Already have Flowmasters on the RT and a 360 cold air intake has been ordered.

Bob

[CharlieS]

I had a 95 SS new. I also have a 95 9C1 with 3.73s, intake, exhaust, tranny mods, programming, etc. My 300C pulls harder in the mid to upper RPM range, but the 9C1 feels quicker in some respects. The Chevy starts off with a bang, and the shifts are *much* firmer than the Chrysler's. However, I prefer to cruise in the Chrysler. To me, it feels better to drive and is a more enjoyable ride than either the SS or the 9C1.

[FStephenMasek]

I sold my '96 SS at 120,000 miles in September of 2001, since I wanted a car with more features and "trunk" space.

The Magnum and 300C are much, much fancier cars.

The SS mod I liked the most was my Porsche brakes, including the big stainless rotors with the cast-in holes. While I was at it, I upgraded to the police / Cadillac knuckles.

However, mods are expensive. It seems to me that the SRT-8 will come FROM the factory with many of the things that would otherwise be popular modifications, so it will probably be an outstanding value.