Impala vs Buick Lacrosse

[ryanb4614]

My cousin bought a 2005 Buick Lacrosse has the same engine 3800 series, an di have a 2001 impala with the same engine... What would be faster? hes trying to tell me that his car would burn mine.

[MoNsTeR`ImPaLa]

i thought GM killed the 3800 V6 for this year and im sure its a 06 not a 05 heres the numbers from Buick

3.8L 3800 V6 Engine

With more than 25 million sold, the 3800 Series V6 is a proven performer, delivering 200 hp and 230 lb-ft of torque. The Series III version, now standard in LaCrosse CX and CXL, continues the tradition of outstanding performance and reliability. Electronic throttle control allows the engine to respond more precisely to driver commands at both low and high speeds, and structural enhancements have reduced vibration for a smooth, quiet ride.

so i dont see how it would since its that same horsepower

[ryanb4614]

i dont know i guess we will have to race to find out whos is faster

[MoNsTeR`ImPaLa]

why race its the same car just yours is a chevrolet and his is a buick

[bigrod118]

wanna know the answer on who will win?

who ever has the lighter car, same motor, probably same or similar tranny. it will come down to weight and driver.

[BNaylor]

Here's some info that may be helpful:

Curb weight of the LaCrosse is 3502 lbs

Series III 3800 torque 230 ft-lbs v. 225 ft-lbs Series II, same hp at 200

Final drive gearing ratio LaCrosse is 2.86:1
Impala is either 3.05:1 or 3.29:1

Good luck!

[maxwedge]

Real difference besides the weight is the final drive gearing.

[phewop118]

The imp would win hands down. Although it's a bigger car (by 2 or so inches), it weighs significantly less (100lbs) and has higher gearing (3.29 for the LS).

[MCO_Death]

The Impala will win with higher gearing and being lighter.

If the cars were not electronically limited though, the Buick would go faster givin enough distance. (100mph+ range)

[phewop118]

Without a limiter, an Imp. LS will go 126mph. The buick probably won't go fast, as the impala is limited by drag, rather than redline. The buick won't be able to optimize its power with its taller gearing and actually might go slower. An impala ss or regal gs or grand prix gtp will go 144, as their engines can overcome drag better as they are more powerful. A lacrosse CXS should be able to do 150 without a problem.

[MCO_Death]

Originally Posted by phewop118

Without a limiter, an Imp. LS will go 126mph. The buick probably won't go fast, as the impala is limited by drag, rather than redline. The buick won't be able to optimize its power with its taller gearing and actually might go slower. An impala ss or regal gs or grand prix gtp will go 144, as their engines can overcome drag better as they are more powerful. A lacrosse CXS should be able to do 150 without a problem.

I wasn't really giving much thought to drag, I can't say I know the exact drag ratios for both of those cars. But your point is probably right. The 9C1 Impalas have no trouble at all getting to that peak speed, the limiter kicks in (yes they have a limiter, higher than of the LS, but its still there for 'mechanical reasons')


Anyone know what the theoretical top speed would be in one?