Power
Ranked 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS Sedan RWD better.
"Low end torque in the Impala fits better with the size and weight of the car. Chevy throttle is more linear, the Merc throttle is abnormally weighted toward the first bit of travel (the car mags call this throttle tip-in.)"
Handling
Ranked 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS Sedan RWD better.
"Handling is very close but the Impala has significantly better brakes. "
Looks/Style
Ranked 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS Sedan RWD worse.
"The bathtub styling of the Impala comes in second to the plain, but purposeful styling of the Merc. There is no advantage here that would change a Chevy Man into a Ford Man, but Ford is the winner here."
Front Seats
Ranked 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS Sedan RWD worse.
"Close call, perceived slightly better room, adjustability, and position in the Merc."
Back Seats
Ranked 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS Sedan RWD worse.
"Close to Even but had to make a choice. Impala windows didnt roll all the way down and are breakage-prone. Think Marauder back seat passengers would have a better experience."
Cargo Capacity
Ranked 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS Sedan RWD worse.
"Made this call due to the deeper trunk in the Marauder. Probably would have called this one Even but I had to choose one way or the other."
Family Car
Ranked 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS Sedan RWD worse.
"The Marauder has more convenience features, such as friendlier gages, more driver position adjustability, and some cupholders. Other than that they are very close. Why are cupholders so important? Because no one wants to spill their stuff all over the interior of a special interest car, and no one wants to have to modify the originality of the car to create the cupholders. "
Value
Ranked 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS Sedan RWD worse.
"Prices on the Marauder are running about even with the Impalas, with the Impala older and harder to insure - not impossible, but more difficult. Really, this boils down to condition, mileage, originality, and option levels. I would have gladly bought either one but found the best value locally with a Marauder with desirable options and colors."
Would Buy
Ranked 1996 Chevrolet Impala SS Sedan RWD worse.
"Slightly better car all around but wow, a close competition. See comments on Value for details. If I had kept looking, since I was trying for a daily driver, I would have shifted toward a 1995 model Impala so that I would not have to modify the interior. Digital gages on the 95 would have been a reluctant compromise to live with."