I recently sold my daily driver, and I'm looking for something to replace it with. I think forced aspiration is cool, so I've been looking at supercharged 3800s.

My budget is under $5k. Looking online, I've been able to find several Grand Prix and Bonnevilles in that range in my area.

Other than styling, does one model have an advantage over the other? The GP appears to be lighter, so perhaps that equals better performance? Are there specific trim packages that are more desirable (assuming both packages have a supercharger)? Are any other GM makes with supercharged engines more desirable from a performance or value standpoint (Buick, Olds)?

Also, which version of the supercharged 3800 should I seek out?

Thanks.

Welcome to GM Forum! You've come to the right place.

In terms of flexibility, go for something with the Series II or Series III supercharged engines. The Series I is perfectly usable (just ask the owners here!), but the Series II and newer provide OBD-II support and more room to mod, if you go that route.

The GP will have better performance, and higher ins. The Bonneville has lower ins payments, more leg room, and better ride.

The bonnevilles are a little more luxurious and a little chunkier. Grand prix have a weight advantage. Either is a great vehicle though.

Thanks for the welcome. I'll be looking for a Series II or III.

What sort of mileage should I be looking for on these engines? What'* the expected life?

How would a Regal stack up against the Bonneville and GP?

If I'm not mistake, the Regal is between the Bonneville and the GP.

3800s have no problem going over 200k, many hit 300k, and a few have topped 400k It'* a tough engine.

hehe... I know this one guy who had a 94 Bonneville with 458k Miles on it before it rusted apart and still ran like a champ got GREAT MPG and made AMAZING power still burnt no oil had no issues..sme feller had a 97 Bonneville SSEI and it was a great car great mpg great power comfy stylish yeah i def say bonne

if your looking for a sporty ride the w body is the way to go, if you more like compliant softer ride and more room the bonnie. we always our bonnie when we go to the store or got the kid and a bunch of crap in the back for whatever. you can fit a ridiculous amount of stuff it the trunk and it rides the same because of the air ride.

Hello...and welcome

The GTP, Regal GS, Monte Carlo (04-05), and Impala (04-05) are all W body platforms with the supercharged motor. On the Carlo and Impala, those were more limited and you'd want to double check they are charged. Being all the same platform they can share suspension, exhaust and other similarities. Nice cars overall. Somewhere on here I did a writeup about the differences. I'll try and search that out for you.

The Bonneville was more luxuriious and still tried to stay sporty, at a couple hundred pounds more in weight, it'* not a huge difference.

The Park Ave Ultra was the big daddy of the group. Heavier, more luxury etc etc. C'mon though..who doesn't like the rear passengers having their own sunvisors?

Overall the weight isn't a big issue, the question is..what are you comfortable in? I personally don't like the seat, sitting position or feel of the interior on a GP. I loved Bonneville, but wished for better steering etc and found that in a Regal.

Found it.
https://www.gmforum.com/showthread.p...ht=dual+heated

A little more insight, and there'* even more if you choose to ask. For what can be done to any of them with a little customization.