Chevrolet Impala: Which Version Should You Buy?
Choosing a Chevrolet Impala from these data means choosing between two fundamentally different formulas. The earlier cars are rear-wheel-drive models with body styles including Cabrio, Coupe, and Estate 5-door, while the eighth through tenth generations listed here are front-wheel-drive Sedans.
Choosing a Chevrolet Impala from these data means choosing between two fundamentally different formulas. The earlier cars are rear-wheel-drive models with body styles including Cabrio, Coupe, and Estate 5-door, while the eighth through tenth generations listed here are front-wheel-drive Sedans. For a newer Impala with the strongest measured performance, the tenth-generation 3.6 AT is the leading choice at either 309 hp or 305 hp, with 358 Nm, a measured 0–100 km/h time of 6.4 seconds, and a top speed of 251 km/h. For lower measured fuel consumption, the tenth-generation 2.4 AT Hybrid records 6.9 l/100 km combined. Buyers seeking rear-wheel drive can compare the seventh-generation 5.7 AT with the earlier Cabrio, Coupe, and Estate 5-door generations.
Chevrolet Impala generations and version choices
The second-generation Chevrolet Impala, produced from 1958 through 1960, is represented as a Cabrio with five versions. Every version is named either 5.7 MT or 5.7 AT and uses a 5,697 cc Gasoline V-shaped eight-cylinder engine producing 253 hp and 481 Nm. The meaningful differences are transmission and kerb weight: the 5.7 MT uses a 3-speed Manual, while the 5.7 AT uses a 3-speed Automatic. Recorded kerb weights range from 1,700 to 1,740 kg for the 5.7 MT entries and from 1,720 to 1,790 kg for the 5.7 AT entries.
The third generation, from 1961 through 1963, is a Coupe with one 3.8 AT version. It combines Gasoline fuel, a 3-speed Automatic, and RWD. Engine power, torque, displacement, cylinder count, cylinder layout, performance, consumption, weight, clearance, tank capacity, and wheel sizes are not measured.
The fourth generation, produced from 1964 through 1970, is listed as an Estate 5-door with 78 versions, of which 12 are shown in the supplied data. Shown choices include 3.8 MT, 3.8 AT, 4.1 MT, 4.1 AT, 4.6 MT, and 4.6 AT. Outputs extend from 142 hp and 298 Nm in the 3.8 versions to 223 hp and 400 Nm in the more powerful 4.6 versions. All shown engines are Gasoline and naturally aspirated, and all shown versions use RWD. Manual gearboxes have either 3 or 4 speeds, while the shown Automatic versions have 2 speeds.
The fifth generation, from 1970 through 1976, is a Cabrio with 50 versions, of which 12 are shown. The supplied selection ranges from the 4.1 MT and 4.1 AT at 112 hp and 251 Nm to the 7.4 AT at either 274 hp or 289 hp, both with 529 Nm. Every shown version is Gasoline and RWD. This generation offers both Manual and Automatic transmissions, while engine layouts include Inline six-cylinder and V-shaped eight-cylinder configurations.
The sixth generation, from 1977 through June 1995, is an Estate 5-door with one 3.8 AT version. Its recorded specification is Gasoline, a 3-speed Automatic, and RWD. Power, torque, displacement, cylinders, performance, fuel consumption, weight, clearance, tank capacity, and wheels are not measured.
The seventh generation, produced from 1994 through 1996, is a Sedan with one 5.7 AT. Its 5,733 cc naturally aspirated Gasoline V-shaped eight-cylinder engine delivers 264 hp and 447 Nm through a 4-speed Automatic and RWD. This is the newest rear-wheel-drive Sedan represented in the supplied data.
The eighth generation, from 1999 through 2006, is a Sedan with three versions: 3.4 AT, 3.8 AT with 203 hp, and 3.8 AT with 243 hp. All use Gasoline, 4-speed Automatic transmissions, and FWD. The 243 hp 3.8 AT adds Turbo boost, whereas the other two are naturally aspirated.
The ninth generation, from 2006 through 2016, is a Sedan with five entries: 3.5 AT, 3.9 AT with 242 hp, 3.9 AT with 245 hp, 5.3 AT with 303 hp, and 5.3 AT with 307 hp. All use naturally aspirated Gasoline engines, 4-speed Automatic transmissions, and FWD. The 5.3 AT entries provide the highest output in this generation, while the 3.5 AT has the lowest measured combined consumption.
The tenth generation, from 2013 through February 2020, is a Sedan with four entries: 2.4 AT, 2.5 AT, 3.6 AT with 309 hp, and 3.6 AT with 305 hp. Every version has a 6-speed Automatic and FWD. The 2.4 AT is Hybrid, while the remaining versions are Gasoline. All four have front, transverse engines, direct injection, independent spring suspension at both ends, and a common set of recorded wheel sizes.
Chevrolet Impala engine specs comparison
Because names repeat, identical version names are distinguished below by generation and power.
| Generation and version | Power | Torque | Displacement | Fuel | Cylinders and layout | Boost | Gearbox | Drive |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2 generation 5.7 MT | 253 hp | 481 Nm | 5,697 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| 2 generation 5.7 AT | 253 hp | 481 Nm | 5,697 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 3 generation 3.8 AT | not measured | not measured | not measured | Gasoline | not measured | not measured | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4 generation 3.8 MT | 142 hp | 298 Nm | 3,768 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3- or 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 4 generation 3.8 AT | 142 hp | 298 Nm | 3,768 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 2-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4 generation 4.1 MT | 157 hp | 319 Nm | 4,093 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3- or 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 4 generation 4.1 AT | 157 hp | 319 Nm | 4,093 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 2-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4 generation 4.6 MT, 198 hp | 198 hp | 386 Nm | 4,638 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3- or 4-speed Manual | RWD |
| 4 generation 4.6 AT, 198 hp | 198 hp | 386 Nm | 4,638 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 2-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 4 generation 4.6 MT, 223 hp | 223 hp | 400 Nm | 4,638 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| 4 generation 4.6 AT, 223 hp | 223 hp | 400 Nm | 4,638 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 2-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation 4.1 MT | 112 hp | 251 Nm | 4,093 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| 5 generation 4.1 AT | 112 hp | 251 Nm | 4,093 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 2-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation 5.7 MT | 167 hp | 380 Nm | 5,733 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Manual | RWD |
| 5 generation 5.7 AT, 147 hp | 147 hp | 346 Nm | 5,733 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation 5.7 AT, 157 hp | 157 hp | 339 Nm | 5,733 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation 5.7 AT, 167 hp | 167 hp | 380 Nm | 5,733 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation 6.6 AT, 172 hp | 172 hp | 440 Nm | 6,573 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation 6.6 AT, 209 hp | 209 hp | 439 Nm | 6,590 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation 6.6 AT, 213 hp | 213 hp | 434 Nm | 6,590 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation 6.6 AT, 243 hp | 243 hp | 468 Nm | 6,590 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation 7.4 AT, 274 hp | 274 hp | 529 Nm | 7,443 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 5 generation 7.4 AT, 289 hp | 289 hp | 529 Nm | 7,443 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 6 generation 3.8 AT | not measured | not measured | not measured | Gasoline | not measured | not measured | 3-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 7 generation 5.7 AT | 264 hp | 447 Nm | 5,733 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | RWD |
| 8 generation 3.4 AT | 182 hp | 278 Nm | 3,354 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 8 generation 3.8 AT, 203 hp | 203 hp | 305 Nm | 3,791 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 8 generation 3.8 AT, 243 hp | 243 hp | 380 Nm | 3,791 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | Turbo | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 9 generation 3.5 AT | 212 hp | 290 Nm | 3,510 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 9 generation 3.9 AT, 242 hp | 242 hp | 328 Nm | 3,880 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 9 generation 3.9 AT, 245 hp | 245 hp | 328 Nm | 3,880 cc | Gasoline | 6, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 9 generation 5.3 AT, 303 hp | 303 hp | 438 Nm | 5,327 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 9 generation 5.3 AT, 307 hp | 307 hp | 438 Nm | 5,327 cc | Gasoline | 8, V-shaped | No | 4-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 10 generation 2.4 AT | 185 hp | 233 Nm | 2,384 cc | Hybrid | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 10 generation 2.5 AT | 197 hp | 253 Nm | 2,457 cc | Gasoline | 4, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 10 generation 3.6 AT, 309 hp | 309 hp | 358 Nm | 3,564 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
| 10 generation 3.6 AT, 305 hp | 305 hp | 358 Nm | 3,564 cc | Gasoline | 6, Inline | No | 6-speed Automatic | FWD |
Among versions with measured figures, the tenth-generation 3.6 AT with 309 hp has the highest specific output at about 86.7 hp per litre. The 305 hp 3.6 AT produces about 85.6 hp per litre, while the turbocharged eighth-generation 3.8 AT reaches about 64.1 hp per litre. The tenth-generation 2.5 AT records about 80.2 hp per litre, slightly above the 2.4 AT Hybrid at about 77.6 hp per litre.
Chevrolet Impala performance, mpg, and economy
Measured performance favors the tenth-generation 3.6 AT entries: both reach 100 km/h in 6.4 seconds and have a measured top speed of 251 km/h. The ninth-generation 5.3 AT with 307 hp takes 6.5 seconds, although its top speed is not measured; the 303 hp version takes 6.8 seconds and reaches 245 km/h. The seventh-generation 5.7 AT completes the same acceleration test in 7.1 seconds and reaches 233 km/h.
The tenth-generation 2.4 AT Hybrid is the economy-focused version in the supplied figures. Its consumption is 8.1 l/100 km in the city, 4.9 l/100 km on the highway, and 6.9 l/100 km combined. The tenth-generation 2.5 AT records 12, 6.5, and 9.7 l/100 km respectively, so the Hybrid uses 2.8 l/100 km less on the combined cycle. Both tenth-generation 3.6 AT entries record 15.6 city, 7.7 highway, and 12 l/100 km combined.
Within the eighth generation, the 3.8 AT with 203 hp records the lowest combined figure at 9.1 l/100 km, compared with 9.3 l/100 km for the turbocharged 243 hp 3.8 AT and 12.4 l/100 km for the 3.4 AT. Within the ninth generation, the 3.5 AT records 12.6 l/100 km combined, the 242 hp 3.9 AT records 13.7 l/100 km, and the 303 hp 5.3 AT records 16.4 l/100 km. Consumption for the 245 hp 3.9 AT and 307 hp 5.3 AT is not measured. Performance and consumption for the shown second- through sixth-generation versions are also not measured unless stated elsewhere above.
Chevrolet Impala dimensions, weight, clearance, tank, and wheels
Overall length, width, height, wheelbase, and gross weight are not measured for any supplied version, so a complete Chevrolet Impala dimensions or size comparison cannot be made from these data.
The second-generation 5.7 MT and 5.7 AT entries weigh from 1,700 to 1,790 kg, have 152 mm of ground clearance, and carry 76-litre tanks. Wheel sizes are not measured. Fourth-generation shown versions weigh from 1,650 to 1,868 kg and use 76- or 91-litre tanks; ground clearance and wheel sizes are not measured.
Fifth-generation shown versions weigh from 1,754 to 2,006 kg. Ground clearance is either 140 or 145 mm, and tank capacity is either 87 or 91 litres. Wheel sizes are not measured. The seventh-generation 5.7 AT weighs 1,850 kg, has 120 mm of clearance, and carries 87 litres.
Eighth-generation kerb weights are 1,537 kg for the 3.4 AT, 1,560 kg for the 203 hp 3.8 AT, and 1,636 kg for the 243 hp 3.8 AT. Each has 120 mm of ground clearance and a 64-litre tank; wheel sizes are not measured.
Ninth-generation weights run from 1,611 kg for the 3.5 AT and 242 hp 3.9 AT to 1,715 kg for both 5.3 AT entries. Every version carries 66 litres. Ground clearance is 120 mm for the 245 hp 3.9 AT and 307 hp 5.3 AT, while it is not measured for the other entries; wheel sizes are not measured.
The tenth-generation 2.5 AT is the lightest of its generation at 1,670 kg. The 2.4 AT weighs 1,700 kg, and both 3.6 AT entries weigh 1,723 kg. All have 150 mm of ground clearance, 60-litre tanks, and recorded wheel options of 235/50 R18, 245/45 R19, and 245/40 R20. Gross weight is not measured.
Weight per horsepower further separates these choices. The tenth-generation 309 hp 3.6 AT carries about 5.58 kg per hp, while the 305 hp version carries about 5.65 kg per hp. The ninth-generation 307 hp 5.3 AT is about 5.59 kg per hp, the eighth-generation turbo 243 hp 3.8 AT is about 6.73 kg per hp, and the tenth-generation 2.4 AT Hybrid is about 9.19 kg per hp.
Which Chevrolet Impala version should you choose?
Choose the tenth-generation 2.4 AT if measured fuel consumption matters most. Its 6.9 l/100 km combined figure is 2.8 l/100 km below the 2.5 AT and 5.1 l/100 km below either tenth-generation 3.6 AT. It also offers 185 hp, 233 Nm, and an 8.5-second 0–100 km/h time.
Choose the tenth-generation 2.5 AT for a naturally aspirated Gasoline four-cylinder option with 197 hp. It adds 12 hp and 20 Nm over the 2.4 AT, weighs 30 kg less, but takes 0.4 seconds longer to reach 100 km/h and uses more fuel in every measured cycle.
Choose a tenth-generation 3.6 AT for maximum measured speed and acceleration. The 309 hp entry has 4 hp more than the 305 hp entry, while both have the same 358 Nm, 6.4-second acceleration time, 251 km/h top speed, 12 l/100 km combined consumption, and 1,723 kg kerb weight. On the supplied numbers, the 309 hp version is therefore the stronger choice when all other listed measures are equal.
Choose the ninth-generation 5.3 AT when 438 Nm matters more than the tenth-generation 3.6 AT’s lower consumption and newer 6-speed transmission. The 307 hp 5.3 AT has 80 Nm more torque than either tenth-generation 3.6 AT, but its measured consumption is not available. The 303 hp 5.3 AT records 16.4 l/100 km combined, which is 4.4 l/100 km above the tenth-generation 3.6 AT.
Choose the eighth-generation turbocharged 3.8 AT when comparing output gains within the same basic displacement. Against the naturally aspirated 203 hp 3.8 AT, it adds 40 hp and 75 Nm, reduces the 0–100 km/h time by 0.6 seconds, and raises top speed by 40 km/h. Its measured combined consumption increases by only 0.2 l/100 km, although kerb weight rises by 76 kg.
For RWD, the seventh-generation 5.7 AT is the clearest later choice: 264 hp, 447 Nm, a 4-speed Automatic, 7.1-second acceleration, and a 233 km/h top speed. Buyers prioritizing the highest torque among the shown rear-wheel-drive classics can instead examine either fifth-generation 7.4 AT: both produce 529 Nm, while the stronger entry raises output from 274 to 289 hp. Their acceleration, top speed, and consumption are not measured, so those figures cannot support a performance comparison.