92 or 93-97 Comparision

[KevinW]

Hey all, been looking at the 3rd gens 90-92 and have not found one that meets what I am looking for (stock, auto, hardtop, not beat). I have started looking at the early 4th gens 93-97. So between the two gens, which one is easier to fix? Pros and cons of either? The pass side air bag is a plus on the 4th, but that motor being recessed under the windshield looks tougher to work on (I cannot even see the distributor!). Are parts availability for the 4th gens as good as the 3rd gens? thx

[sweetbmxrider]

3.4's and 3.8's have coil packs. My 3.4 was very reliable but I think the 3.8 is a better platform from what I've read.

[KevinW]

Ah, I get it! I have a 3.8 in my Impala, nice engine. Hmm, just more to think about :) thx

[1320B4U]

4th gens had a better ride quality and fit/finish was better than the 3rd gens. 2nd airbag and things like abs are perks. For an everyday driver, I'd vote 4th gen.

[ThoR294]

4th gen

[BonzoHansen]

kevin she might want to drive both. I know one of the downfalls of the 4th gen was women did not like it. I know of at least two women who drove 3rd and 4ths and did not like the 4ths. both mentioned visibility (I can't see the nose) issues.

[redsoxsstink]

i have both, i prefer my 4th gen for a daily driver. less rattles and squeaks, it is better refined for DD duty. nothing is wrong with the 3rd gen, i just find the 4th gen to be more comfortable.

as a note the 97 was the only car with that earlier body style to receive the 3.8l, everything else got the 3.4. it is also OBDII

[maroman88]

3.8 was introduced in the fbody in 95, along with the 3.4, 96+ was all 3.8 for the v6 option

[wrong generation]

after owning several 3rd and several 4th gens. i can honestly say my vote goes for 3rd gens any day of the week over 4th gens. 3rd gens look better and are so much easier to work on.

[KevinW]

Ease of working on it is a major factor! Looking at a purple 92 and hope to see it in person soon (2 hr trip!) . Looks all there and unmodified, just needs paint work and some interior seat/dash re freshening. But pics can be deceiving! I am also going to look at a 93 nearby too. thx!

[ThoR294]

3.8 was introduced in the fbody in 95, along with the 3.4, 96+ was all 3.8 for the v6 option

correct

[NastyEllEssWon]

its funny that someone mentioned the hood issue. one of my favorite parts of driving a third gen over a fourth gen was seeing the hood stretch out in front of the windshield. especially if you have a nice hood :D

[KevinW]

kevin she might want to drive both. I know one of the downfalls of the 4th gen was women did not like it. I know of at least two women who drove 3rd and 4ths and did not like the 4ths. both mentioned visibility (I can't see the nose) issues.

Scott, she is still 15 :) I am trying to get her to help me fix it up before she get her license, so that I can teach her car mechanics at the same time as instilling a pride of ownership that I hope translates to her being more careful driving it! Of course when we get something I will be be teaching her on spins around the neighborhood :D She is still set on the 3rd gen from a visual standpoint only, she likes the purple! She wants a red car, but I am putting my foot down on that, nothing like a new driver in a red Camaro getting unwanted attention!

[1320B4U]

^ Good move on instilling pride in a vehicle by fixing it up(..and not running out and leasing a new car for a new driver). Got my first 3rd gen when I was 15 too.

[V]

yea, the 3.4 was around through 95 and standard in 96. The 3.8 was just for California emission compliance in 95.

[KevinW]

Well, went and looked at the 93 that was close by. it is a contender, going to get a closer look during the week. It was a shore car, so the underside is pretty rusty. muffler and upper A-arms were really rusty. Going to have to get it on a lift to really see if there is any deep damage. Also looked at a buddys 3rd gen and it looks like a much bigger car, so we are going to focus the hunt on the 93-97 versions before the 4 rectangular headlights were phased out. :) The 92 owner never got back to me with contact info, oh well.

[KevinW]

Well, the 93 did not work out, a lot of rust underneath and the gas/brake lines were rusty enough to have to change them out soon. But the real issue was my kid did not really fit in the camaro. In order for her to reach the pedals, she had to have the seat way forward which put her too close to the airbag and roof. And the owner whipped out a cigar and started smoking while we were talking. So 80K miles of cigar smoke did not do wonders for the electronics :( Now we are going to go look at random cars to see what she fits into. :)

[conlinj]

Ever think of a beretta? I had two and loved them.

-Jim

[1320B4U]

Just saw this posted...

http://newjersey.craigslist.org/cto/4526720249.html

[KevinW]

The Baretta was a good thought, but she was not positive on the front end. :) Open to more suggestions, she likes 80s 2 door cars, flip headlights a plus! But we need to get her something with airbags, so an 80s look that carried on to the early 90s.

[91chevyz28]

What about the 1998-2004 Grand Prix GTP 2 door.

[KevinW]

Yes, I was thinking about Pontiacs if we did not find a chevy. I am going to try to see if she likes 2000-2005 Monte Carlo's, I think they may work.

[KevinW]

Monte is a no. :(

[conlinj]

Lumina z34? if you can deal with the twin cam motor...

[KevinW]

thx, we are going to look at 95 to 04 mustangs next :(