2011-13 vs. 2014

[ERS]

I am new to the forum and looking at purchasing a Caprice PPV. I have been reading the forum topics for the last month on the differences between the model years. I am wondering from those of you that own a Caprice what pros/cons are between the 11-13 vs. the 2014?

[Gerome]

They changed the position of the shifter , which I don't like on the new Caprice . I prefer the shifter on the floor it gives it a sporty look at least as far as I am concerned .

[Rick4345]

The dashboard is much nicer. The layout of the controls is easier to work with too. As far as the shifter, I am a State Trooper in Illinois. You don't even begin to know how annoying a floor shifter is to get to amongst all the radio and radar equipment. I got one of the last of the 2013's we have. I was hoping for a 14, but I'm still happy to have the car. I had a 2012 but I rack up a lot of miles due to where I live and patrol at. They gave me the 13 so they can reassign my car. So far, I'm extremely pleased with the performance and comfort.

[ImpalaPPV]

I had heard that they have upgraded the suspension on the 2014 cars. I think they changed the stabilizer bars and struts...I think. I also heard something about updating the stability control. -I could be wrong though. There are no "9C3" 2014 cars and the interior is different (I too welcome the column shifter). I would say newer is better simply for the warranty. The cars are pretty much mechanically the same power plant and drive train wise. No, wait, I lied. 2014 cars have electric power steering.

[elc32955]

A few things that are notably different not yet mentioned... they could be either pros or cons dependng on your perspective.

Entertainment system is completely different. For MY 2014 Holden/GM adopted the "Mylink" platform which is becoming standard on most other GM products. The Holden iQ is only found in the 2011-2013 cars. The stock stereo for the 2014 now has Bluetooth built in. If you're lucky enough to get a 2015 MY car it now has a backup cam standard as well. However certain other features such as USB input, aux audio, etc... are turned off in programming, as they are in the Holden iQ. Hopefully Chris White has a programming solution for these that you can open the features back up. He does for the 2011- 2013 cars, add wiring and end devices & you're good to go for most stereo options.

The police seating is slightly changed for the 2014 MY, they went with a slightly wider seat with more bolster modifications for weapons carry. Can't speak to the comfort level as I haven't sat in a 2014 seat yet. The 2014 seats are now advertised as "4-way power". Also the surveillance mode is modified on these cars, now having it's own switch like the W-body Impalas do.

Hope this helps.

BTW welcome to the system!
Eric

[ERS]

Thanks for all the replys, they have been a great help in deciding. Now to make the sale of my current car and find the Caprice!

[9C1fanatic]

The 4 way power seats are electric vertical adjustment. Electric lumbar adjustment. Mechanical forward and back adjustment. The mechanical adjustment makes more sense in fleets where multiple people are driving the same vehicle. The seats supposed to have memory foam in the seat backs. They are very comfortable with or without a duty belt.

Surveillance mode is in the up fitter harness and has to be connected to ground through a customer supplied switch.

In my opinion, 2014 cars with the V8 have slightly more delay in the speed in which the throttle opens at least compared to the 2011 demo vehicles I drove years back. They generally will not spin the tires even with TC turned off in dry conditions.