How fast is the 1994 Impala SS 1 4 mile?
In stock form, the 1994 Impala SS runs the quarter-mile in roughly 15.5 to 16.0 seconds, with a trap speed around 90 mph. Real-world results vary with track conditions, tires, and driver technique.
Context and Core Specifications
The 1994 Impala SS was GM's full-size performance variant, built on the Caprice/Impala platform. It paired a 5.7-liter LT1 V8 with a four-speed automatic transmission. While the engine offered strong low-end torque, the car’s bulk kept it from delivering sprint times like lighter sports cars. Expect a curb weight near 3,900–4,000 pounds, which heavily influences straight-line acceleration.
Stock specifications
Key numbers that influence quarter-mile performance include engine output, gearing, and weight.
- Engine: 5.7-liter LT1 V8
- Horsepower: commonly cited around 260 hp (275 hp in some later specs)
- Torque: about 330 lb-ft
- Transmission: 4L60-E four-speed automatic
- Drive layout: rear-wheel drive
- Estimated curb weight: about 3,900–4,000 pounds
These figures establish a baseline for the stock car's straight-line potential in a typical drag-strip scenario.
Measured Performance and Real-World Tests
Drag-strip results vary with track prep, weather, and driver technique. The Impala SS’s combination of power and weight produces a brisk but not spectacular quarter-mile profile for a family sedan of its era.
Stock 1/4-mile estimates
Typical stock times reported by testers and owners fall in the mid- to high-15s range, with trap speeds around the low 90s mph. Commonly cited numbers include:
- Quarter-mile times around 15.5–16.0 seconds
- Trap speeds typically in the low 90 mph range (roughly 88–92 mph)
- 0–60 mph times commonly about 7.0–7.5 seconds
As with any older performance car, variations are normal. A dry, well-prepped track with grippy tires can yield the faster end of the range, while heavier conditions or less favorable launches push results toward the slower end.
What Affects 1/4 Mile Time
Several factors can push the time faster or slower than stock figures:
- Track surface and elevation
- Tire type and condition
- Launch technique and reaction time
- Vehicle weight due to fuel, passengers, or gear
- Engine tuning or mechanical condition (intake, exhaust, ignition, etc.)
Even modest changes—such as stickier tires, a clean launch, or a lighter fuel load—can shave a few tenths of a second, while worn components or heavy ballast can add time.
Summary
The 1994 Impala SS offers solid quarter-mile performance for a full-size sedan of its era. In stock form, most drives report roughly 15.5–16.0 seconds in the 1/4 mile with trap speeds near 90 mph. Real-world results depend on track conditions, preparation, and driving technique, reinforcing the car’s role as a capable but not era-defining performance sedan.
How much horsepower does a 1994 Impala SS have?
The 1994 Impala boasts 260 horsepower and a 0-60 time of 7.1 seconds.
What is the quarter-mile time for a 1994 Impala SS?
15.0 seconds
Since only 6,303 units were produced in 1994, it remains the rarest and most collectible of the three production years (1994–1996). Quarter-mile in just 15.0 seconds! 330 Pounds of Torque!
How much is a 1994 Impala SS worth today?
Typically, you can expect to pay around $18,300 for a 1994 Chevrolet Impala SS in good condition with average spec.
What is the top speed of the 1996 Chevy Impala SS?
The top speed of a 1996 Chevy Impala SS is widely reported to be around 130 mph. While some sources claim higher speeds up to 158 mph, the more consistent and frequently cited figure from performance tests is 130 mph.
- Stock performance: The 5.7-liter LT1 V8 engine propelled the large sedan to 60 mph in about 7.5 seconds and a quarter-mile in roughly 15 seconds at 94 mph, with a top speed of 130 mph.
- Weight: This performance was achieved despite the car's substantial curb weight of around 4,221 pounds.
- Owner reports: Some owners claim higher top speeds, in the 150-158 mph range, but these are generally not supported by official testing.
