Difference Between Honda Accord and Chevy Impala

Honda Accord vs. Chevy Impala

What do you get when you compare a popular American rental car, against a perennial winner of the ‘Car of the Year’ award? A mismatch is what you’ll get, but then again, Chevrolet claims that they have redesigned the Impala to shed its reputation of a rental car, and to compete against the frontrunners in the mid-sized sedan category, particularly against the king of the hill, the Honda Accord. Let’s see how each car maker’s entry level version stacks up against each other.

The entry-level Honda Accord LX for starters, has a 2.4L inline-4, which produces 177 horsepower at 6,500rpm, and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. This thrifty engine has a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon for city and highway driving. The manufacturer’s suggested retail price for this model comes starts at $21,765.

The entry level Chevrolet Impala LS, starts at $23,890, and for that you get a 4-door family sedan, which can carry up to six passengers. It is powered with a standard 3.5 liter V6 flexible fuel engine, which churns out a whopping 211 horsepower, at 5800rpm. Even with all that power, this model achieves a modest fuel efficiency rating of 23-mpg for both city and highway driving. A 4-speed automatic transmission with overdrive is the standard gearbox for this model.

Both cars have similarities, because they as both offer standard 4-wheel ABS on ventilated disc brakes. Both are front wheel drive, but in terms of curb weight, the Accord LX comes out in a slightly trimmer 3230 lbs., whereas the Impala weighs in at 3555 lbs. The Accord’s weight is supported by 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 All-Season tires, while the Chevy Impala wears 225/55 sized tires on 17-inch alloy wheels.

It must be noted though, that all these numbers are for the entry-level models only, for both car manufacturers. Things get a bit more upscale, more competitive and pricier as you go up the different trim levels. The Accord offers three different trim levels, namely, the base LX, the upgraded EX, and the top of the line EX-L, which offers premium features, such as leather upholstery and an optional navigation system.

The Chevrolet Impala lineup, on the other hand, is available in five trim levels, namely: The entry-level LS, the mid-grade choices of LT and 2LT, the loaded and more powerful 3.9L V6, 230-horsepower LTZ, and the performance-oriented 5.3-liter V8 SS.

Despite the price disparity of these two competent vehicles, the Chevrolet Impala looks more appealing to would-be customers, because of its capability of transporting up to six people. Although the Impala doesn’t have a smooth ride or the refinement of the Honda Accord, it gains points for respectable handling and feel of steering. However, would you rather buy a known rental car over one which holds prestige, such as an Accord? We didn’t think so!

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