US Police Interceptor poll. (56k users beware!)

[JCE]

Talk about the Police cruisers in the other thread has made me think of this poll. The rules are the same as the other VS threads, ONLY these choices allowed since these are the most widely used Interceptors in the USA.

Chevrolet Caprice 9C-1992(?)-1995(?):

Uses the LT1 5.7L V8 with 260bhp, it's common for people to get the LT1 power output of the 9C-1 wrong. Yes the LT1 is the same except for the camshaft and a few other misc things, this bumps the horsepower down from 305bhp in the Corvette to 260bhp in the Caprice 9C-1.


Chevrolet Impala 9C-1 & 9C-3 2000-2005:

Uses the Impala SS model. 3.8L V6 221bhp.


Ford Crown Victoria P71 1998-2006:

4.6L V8 rated at 250bhp & 287lb.ft. of torque.


Dodge Intrepid 2002-2005(2006?):

3.5L V6 rated at 242bhp & 248lb.ft. of torque.


And just for grins I found this while searching for Inteceptor pics:

*edit*
My choice is obvious as I used to own a retired Crown Vic P71 Police Interceptor. It's cheap, it's fun, and it looks good on the outside. The interiors for all 4 of these choices suck hard so that won't be anykind of factor in the choice.

 

[FastEddie12]

It's got to be the Dodge. If only so the rozzers can say "It's that ****box Dodge again!" and give chase...

We should have stuff like that on GT4, forget all those stupid pick-ups. Who do they think we are? Builders? Guerrilas (sp?)?

And what's the classic square Chevy you see all the undercover cops drive in all the cop films from 1973 onwards? The black one in Men In Black? One of those would be great...

 

[CDailey]

The black one in Men In Black? One of those would be great...

That's a Ford Crown Vic.

My vote also goes to the P71. 👍

 

[3-Wheel Drive]

The Crown Vic has always been the coolest cruiser used.

 

[slidesquad#1]

Am I the only one slightly amused by the For sale sign on the 1st Chevy? People who don't own the car can't really sell them, can they?

P71 for me, though, despite the fact I know nothing about them.

 

[a6m5]

Am I the only one slightly amused by the For sale sign on the 1st Chevy? People who don't own the car can't really sell them, can they?

I think that sign is supposed to be for sale of a home.

My pick is Caprice as JCE already know. Why GM discontinued it is beyond me!

 

[Tornado]

I guess it really depends on whether the Caprice has a Corvette motor (and I mean, not detuned) or the Crown Vic is supercharged. Around my town, the police drive both. A lot of morons in Camaros/Mustangs/WRX's around here. I'm gonna say both and leave it at that.

 

[Master_Yoda]

Crown Victoria....

 

[YSSMAN]

Obviously, I'm going to be campaining for the 9C1 Caprice, as it is still a milestone in police-package performance, and is still generally considered by most Police officers and historians as the greatest police packaged crusier available.

The Camaro-sourced LT1 produced plenty of power and was able to propel the car to 60 MPH in less than 6 seconds (still a tough feat for many large, V8-powered, RWD sedans) and reportedly could top out well above 140 MPH (The P71 tops out just above 120 MPH).

Added to that, the Caprice 9C1 is generally a collectors item, and more often than not, they are bought up quite quickly at a very high price. Their durability, great sporting ability, and overall customizeability (is that a word? lol) makes it a far greater choise than any P71.

---

BTW: I think you forgot a cruiser. The Chevrolet B4C was a pretty good one as well, given that what was baisically a Chevrolet Camaro RS V6 on the outside (and with the 4th-gen models) housed the running gear from the top-line Camaro SS. The B4C could hit 60 MPH (depending on equipment) in just a hair over five seconds and run right up to 160 MPH even with the heavy-duty 4L80E automatic. I belive that to this day, it is still the fastest standard-issue police cruiser that has ever been in serve.

(1992 B4C)

(2001 B4C)

LONG LIVE THE 9C1 AND B4C!!!!!!!!!!

 

[Tornado]

I think he was going for geneal police cars only, not pursuit-only vehicles.
Besides, if he was I would have said the turboed versions of the Chrysler P-Body, which our town found was quite an exemplary chase vehicle, being fast and cheap in an era where nothing else was.

 

[JCE]

BTW: I think you forgot a cruiser. The Chevrolet B4C was a pretty good one as well, given that what was baisically a Chevrolet Camaro RS V6 on the outside (and with the 4th-gen models) housed the running gear from the top-line Camaro SS. The B4C could hit 60 MPH (depending on equipment) in just a hair over five seconds and run right up to 160 MPH even with the heavy-duty 4L80E automatic. I belive that to this day, it is still the fastest standard-issue police cruiser that has ever been in serve.

(1992 B4C)

The B4C actually was the 5.7L V8 not the V6. The B4C was a Z28 badged as an RS. And I left pursuit only vehicles out because you see more 4dr cruisers than the 2dr coupes. I don't care where you live there's more Impalas, Intrepids, or Crown Vics than any Camaro, Corvette, or Mustang Interceptors.

 

[JCE]

We should have stuff like that on GT4,

This is one of many reasons Forza is better than GT4. If you can forgive the picture quality here are a couple of cars I designed in Forza:

^ ^ This is infinished, I still need to add "Dallas Fire Rescue"

Oh and for grins a D.A.R.T. SRT-4, McLaren will know what this is:

 

[McLaren]

Dart SRT4s. The wait time on the trains are bad enough.

I'd have to go with the "old-school" Caprices. I like the design and they just look better in black and white.

 

[YSSMAN]

The B4C actually was the 5.7L V8 not the V6. The B4C was a Z28 badged as an RS. And I left pursuit only vehicles out because you see more 4dr cruisers than the 2dr coupes. I don't care where you live there's more Impalas, Intrepids, or Crown Vics than any Camaro, Corvette, or Mustang Interceptors.

That is what I said, is it not? I was speaking more about the late-model 4th-Gen models which were baisically RS V6s on the outside, but housed the Z28/SS parts within. Is that not the same thing?

 

[JCE]

That is what I said, is it not? I was speaking more about the late-model 4th-Gen models which were baisically RS V6s on the outside, but housed the Z28/SS parts within. Is that not the same thing?

Well I know the BC4 3rd gen Camaro was a Z28 with an RS badge slapped on...I have not a clue on how the 4th gens were done. Probably the same way?

 

[a6m5]

I could swear that there were Civilian Camaro RS from late 80's with 5.7L engine and automatic only. Do you guys know anything about that?

 

[JCE]

I could swear that there were Civilian Camaro RS from late 80's with 5.7L engine and automatic only. Do you guys know anything about that?

As far as I'm aware the only "RS" with a V8 was like the one that I owned. The 5.0 305ci V8 TBI RS.

 

[a6m5]

As far as I'm aware the only "RS" with a V8 was like the one that I owned. The 5.0 305ci V8 TBI.

Darn. I could swear I read about one like that in Road&Track, but I've been told before that no such a car exist. Thanks anyway.

 

[YSSMAN]

In everything pre 4th-Gen (1993-2002) you could get a V8 with your RS Camaro. But it eventually became a style package and not much else, thus the Z/28 and SS models were the only ones available with a V8 later on.

The B4C was baisically a Camaro RS, nothing menacing, just your regular Camaro. But with the Z/28 and SS's LS1 and heavy-duty 4L80E underneath, it was a high-performance street machine created to bust street racers and stop high-speed chases. As of right now, there are two B4C's that I know of in service just a few miles from where I live, but they should be getting to the point of re-sale very soon.

...They are good deals as well, as I belive for insurance purposes they are technically filed under the RS's slot, but I'm not completely certain.

 

[samj_13]

I picked the Caprice. Seems like the coolest poice one for me, but the Crown Vic is by far the most popular. The Caprice is alot bigger, which is pretty good for a cruiser that could get into some roadblocks or dangerous pursuits and still be safe. Not saying any of the others aren't safe, just that the Caprice seems like the safest to me.

 

[ND4SPD]

P71 all the way baby! One of my favourite cars out there! I'd love to get one as a first car and scare the ricers in my area. Hell I'd give her a push bar and strobes to further give the police look.

Such a hot car...

 

[Tornado]

That one is supercharged. Nice.

 

[JCE]

ND4SPD if you get one I can provide a nice little link to get some real Police equipment if you need it. Keep in mind there are SOME things you obviously can't buy because of legal reasons. Lightbar, any blue/red lights, and any "undercover" strobes.

And yes that P71 is hot. I like the exhaust...it's very tasteful and quite good looking.

Oh something you guys might like if you are P71 fans, the insurance for this car is VERY LOW. In 2004 when I had mine I had full coverage for $80--and that was with 2 points on my record right after my accident.

 

[Onikaze]

YSSMAN, all the things you listed as upsides for the 9C1, I see as downsides.

Surplus Cop Cars should be cheap fun cars to beat up and cruise around in, not rare expensive collectors items.

I voted for the P71, I used to drive a Cab, and my first real car was a 91 Grand Marquis, so I've got a thing for big body on frame Fords.

That should have taken the slot of the InTRIPEd though, as that car is the worst pile of crap ever heaped upon our nations officers, and has been directly responsible for many deaths due too it's floaty nature at speed.

The new Zeta Impala and new Ford Falcon should provide good competition for the Charger, which is currently the cream of the crop hands down, and I'm no MOPAR fan.

 

[High-Test]

Police Chargers should have "RUN" written backwards on the grille.

Of the available options, I voted for the Crown Vic. It's the only Body on frame car that's on the US market. It's big, archaic, seats a family comfortably, and isn't a slowpoke either.

Although, the 239 horses it has might need a few more teams hitched up, as 239 horses isn't much to pull a car of such girth.

 

[Onikaze]

250* with 287 Lb ft of Torque.

239 is the basic Vic.

 

[GM]

Voted for Interpid, looks best, do'nt know much else.

 

[YSSMAN]

Something interesting to read:
Sport Compact Car's Test of Michigan State Police Vehicles

The best part: The test times...

Chevrolet Camaro B4C:
0-60: 5.69 sec.
QTR Mile: 14.14 sec. @ 102.48 mph
Top Speed: 159 mph
60-0 braking: 141 ft.
Grattan Lap Time: 1:37.14

Ford Crown Victoria P71:
0-60 MPH: 9.14 sec.
QTR Mile: 16.99 sec. @ 84.10 mph
Top Speed: 128 mph
60-0: 148 ft.
Grattan Lap Time: 1:41.66

Dodge Intrepid (biggest surprise, I think):
0-60 MPH: 9.14 sec.
QTR Mile: 16.98 sec. @ 85.05 mph
Top Speed: 136 mph
60-0: 145 ft.
Grattan Lap Time: 1:42.07

Chevrolet Impala (I think a 9C3?):
0-60 MPH: 9.25 sec.
QTR Mile: 17.02 sec. @ 83.20 mph
Top Speed: 126 mph
60-0: 133 ft.
Grattan Lap Time: 1:44.25

...Yeah, told you the Camaro was the fastest... By far...!

BTW: Just thought of a few other cars that are missing. I belive there were police crusier versions of the Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Lumina as well. But my favorite is the new Volkswagen Jetta Police Crusiers in Winter Springs, Florida. The modified Jetta has become so popular that Volkswagen is considering offering a Police Packaged version of the Jetta in the US a little further down the road. SWEET!

 

[JCE]

Something interesting to read:
Sport Compact Car's Test of Michigan State Police Vehicles

The best part: The test times...

Chevrolet Camaro B4C:
0-60: 5.69 sec.
QTR Mile: 14.14 sec. @ 102.48 mph
Top Speed: 159 mph
60-0 braking: 141 ft.
Grattan Lap Time: 1:37.14

Ford Crown Victoria P71:
0-60 MPH: 9.14 sec.
QTR Mile: 16.99 sec. @ 84.10 mph
Top Speed: 128 mph
60-0: 148 ft.
Grattan Lap Time: 1:41.66

Dodge Intrepid (biggest surprise, I think):
0-60 MPH: 9.14 sec.
QTR Mile: 16.98 sec. @ 85.05 mph
Top Speed: 136 mph
60-0: 145 ft.
Grattan Lap Time: 1:42.07

Chevrolet Impala (I think a 9C3?):
0-60 MPH: 9.25 sec.
QTR Mile: 17.02 sec. @ 83.20 mph
Top Speed: 126 mph
60-0: 133 ft.
Grattan Lap Time: 1:44.25

...Yeah, told you the Camaro was the fastest... By far...!

BTW: Just thought of a few other cars that are missing. I belive there were police crusier versions of the Ford Taurus and Chevrolet Lumina as well. But my favorite is the new Volkswagen Jetta Police Crusiers in Winter Springs, Florida. The modified Jetta has become so popular that Volkswagen is considering offering a Police Packaged version of the Jetta in the US a little further down the road. SWEET!

That's cool and all for the Camaro but that's a 4th gen Z28 in a lighter car versus less power and much more weight in the other 3. It's obviously no contest. I think the interesting thing is how the 3 main cruisers are basically evenly matched from a stop...but I can atest that the Crown Vic is MUCH MUCH MUCH MUCH faster when it's rolling. I had mine over 120mph with no trouble at all. Rolling along at 35mph and slamming down on the hammer provides a Mustang GT like launch that the other V6's just can't match. Oh and in that comparo let's take a look at the roadcourse times. The Crown Vic is only slightly faster than the Intrepid but not too miuch slower than the Camaro. The trick for the Vic (woo I rhymed) is to always be rolling. State Troopers roll along the left shoulder on the highways around here looking for speeers.

• Impala = 1:44.25
• Intrepid = 1:42.07
• Crown Vic = 1:41.66
• Camaro = 1:37.14

Oh and I didn't chose the Lumina, or Taurus, or Cavalier, or any other of the smaller saloons/sedans because they are not as widely used and frankly are a joke.

 

[CDailey]

If we are talking about Pursuit only cars, the last gen Camaro they used is by far my favorite. Orlando uses the new Mustang GT as a pursuit car and some other place in Florida uses a Viper. In Dallas, Texas they have an undercover Ferrari F355.