(Lead photo: Flickr/Chuck Jones) They’re both an extinct breed. Both were shrunken from their original forms, but could not get smaller and efficient enough to survive in the end. Both were grasps at the memories of full-size musclecars, both put out a decent effort, and both subjectively looked positively badass in all black. Both were monochromatic, cop car-based builds that could either be a sporty-looking cruiser or an all-out delinquent machine that seated five comfortably. Two enter, but you only choose one in this latest round of the “Would You Rather?” game. We dug up the MotorWeek videos from when these cars were new to spare you the long-winded explanations. When new, we’d take either one. What say you?
1. Chevrolet Impala SS
2. Mercury Marauder
The Impala. I’ve had a Caprice and a Crown Vic. In a head to head comparison there is no reason to own the Ford other than there are more of them. Which doesn’t mean they are good. I’d own the Impala SS any day.
I’m glad they both exist. I’d take the Impala SS myself. Good old LT1.
Marauder of course! Little bit of manual transmission swap, a roots supercharger, and enjoy.
My brother has one of each in excellent condition sitting in his garage, and I’ve been in both a number of times. From the outside looking in, I would choose the Impala. After being around them both, the Marauder, without a doubt. It’s more comfortable, handles better, and is just a better all around car. Not by a huge margin, but enough to be noticeable. You can’t go wrong with either one, though.
Dreaming of a Ford version …2003 Crown Vic… XL with a 32 valve 5.4 stolen from the Navigator … hooked up to a 5 speed … with all the cop car suspension tricks
Through the 60’s the XL variant of the Galaxie was always the top dog
I had the 96 SS. It had the better dash, and center counsel shifter etc. 260 HP with cast Iron heads. Limited slip diff,would get out of shape pretty good for such a lead sled.
Had it to 140 MPH. and put about 225,000 on er.
I’d buy the Marauder.
But the print ad for the Impala, was awesome!!!!!
A two page, no border, full color pic, of the SS…with the words, and I Quote…
“Lord Vader, your car is ready”
Buick Grand National had the Lord Vader ad first.
I had a 1996 Caprice Classic w/LT1 (non 9C1), bought new. Great car, maintenance was a little too much. Optispark sucked, broken exhaust manifold stud, trans replaced to 30k, etc.
Which taxi cab would you rather own?
I own both cheaper version, 95 9C1 and 2009 P71. The Crown Vic definitely handles better than the 9C1. I put SS springs, wheels and Bilstein shocks on my 9C1 and unhandled better than my 94 SS!
Marauder, hands down. We were doing one of the Gasoline Alley tours at PRI some years ago and one shop, Kenny Brown, maybe? Was building badass Marauder’s, road race suspensions, blowers, etc. Totally awesome!
The Marauder. I’ve never seen any reason to own a Chevy of any kind. When I was growing up I was around both Fords and Chevys. The Fords always out lasted the Chevys.
My wife drove a 1996 SS and loved it. I thought it drove like a tank, ate brakes for breakfast, lunch and dinner and guzzled like a drunkard around town. It also has the worst build quality of any car I’ve ever been around. The Marauder is far more nimble, better appointed, and easier to service. Hands down the Marauder, or even Crown Vic LX Sport.
I have two Marauders. SS is garbage. BTW a Marauder won 2019 Street Machine Eliminator at HRDW if memory serves.