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PoliceLink's Patrol Car Guide
Kevin Powers | PoliceLink
Ford Crown Vic
known as the Crown Victoria Police Interceptor, Ford built this popular patrol car off of the Lincoln Town Car.It’s the only full-frame rear-wheel-drive passenger cars built in North America, which increases handling and provides officers better traction during acceleration. It’s also one of the few body-on-frame vehicles available, which makes it better suited for heavy-duty usage and easier to repair after crashes.
The car, which is only sold from Ford for law enforcement use, is built with V8 power, heavy duty transmission, heavy duty brakes, and a 250 hp (190 kW) engine.
And there are some other notable upgrades in the Police Interceptor. An external oil-to-coolant heat exchanger keeps engine oil temperatures down. The transmission is set up for more aggressive shifting, they added a dual exhaust system and a “stab plate” is installed behind the seats to prevent a perp from doing any damage to an officer while being transported.
The Crown Vic has dominated the market because of these advantages, but it will be replaced in 2011 with a version based off of the 2010 Taurus.
eagle_co94
over 3 years ago
34 Comments
I hope the new Caprice will be as good as or better than the last one. When the LT1 got added (as well as 4 wheel disc brakes and passenger airbag) in 94, the 94-96 Caprice 9C1 became an immediate hit. The LT1 produces 260hp and 330 lb/ft of tq which really helped move the full-frame car past the Clown Vic.
DarrellKing
over 3 years ago
4 Comments
The only reasons this car sold to police agencies was that it was the only full size rear drive sedan sold for police services and it was cheap. It is one of the poorest handling and slowest patrol cars I drove in 27 years of law enforcement. The Chevy Caprice LT1 (1993-1995) was the best performing, handling and roomiest patrol car of all times. Maybe the new Caprice will be as good.
ofchappee
over 3 years ago
6 Comments
The Crown Vics we have slide around on the slightest wet roads. The Dodge Chargers are beasts in their handling capabilities in comparison, I've found.
tsokel
over 3 years ago
30 Comments
I think the Charger is the toughest car I have seen in the past 20 years I have been on the job...