The 2LZ Impala loaded w/ full range adaptive cruise is over 40K. Having said that, aside from both being full sized sedans the two cars couldn't be more different. I've driven both and I can say with confidence they aren't comparable. Why would anyone compare an Impala to a Dodge Charger SRT?
Impala while plush, roomy and tech savvy is a front drive, family hauler designed for comfort. Driving characteristics are smooth, soft and comfortable. Squishy soft, more Buick than Chevy.
The SS Performance Sedan has contoured bucket seats up front designed not as much for comfort but bolstered with extra support to keep you in an upright driving position. You have room for your family but the car was designed to haul ass(es). Driving characteristics are sharp, crisp responsive and sporty but never harsh handling. Definitely more Pontiac than Chevy.
The twist is all the extras that the SS offers, which still puzzle me. Rain sense wipers, active park asst, full size spare on an alloy wheel, as well as a flat bottom steering wheel are not found on any other Chevy, (the later found on Camaros). Also you get heated and ventilated seats, push button start, full proximity key fob, nav, rear camera with front and rear passive park asst, lane departure, fwd collision alert, rear cross traffic and side blind zone alerts, all of which are standard equipment.
My only gripe is with all these extras on this car, why stop short of a 1st class premium infotainment audio system? Now don't get me wrong, the Bose 9 speaker Centerpoint audio system is ok, but you have that system on other Chevys, including Malibu and Impala. However, the Impala has more USB hubs and SD card slots whereas then SS has one USB/one aux 3 mm port and no SD card ports. Why not use a premium round console mounted navigator wheel rather than the steering wheel mounted control like the rest of the Chevy's. Again, you're charging 47K for the SS, and while the car certainly delivers far more than the competition for less money, it must do more in order to stand above all others.
Can I live without those things? Of course, I don't need any of it.... but I'm digging on all of these unnecessary luxury amenities. Of course a 6.2 liter LS3 RWD powerplant doesn't hurt.
But damn do I miss my Camaro.
I have to stop thinking about her. I was going through the ass load of pics I have and while it saddens me to look at the pictures, I just can't bring myself to delete them.
I probably won't start appreciating my new car until I get over the knot in my gut that I get from just thinking about my Camaro.
If having her was permagrin, then right now I'm suffering from permafrown.