Strong power and surprisingly good grip make the Monte Carlo an enjoyable drive.The Monte Carlo SS features a thoroughly proven V6 that delivers 200 horsepower and 225 pound-feet of torque. It may not hold a candle to some of the old V8-powered, rear-wheel-drive Monte Carlos, but it's more than enough to break the tires loose on this front-wheel-drive model. Punch the throttle and there's instant power and lots of it.
GM's popular 3800 engine is probably the most highly developed overhead-valve V6 in the world. With all the refinements that have been baked into it over the years, in terms of valvetrain friction, bottom-end strength and friction, and electronic engine management and fuel injection, this is about as good as it gets for an overhead-valve V6. Couple this engine to GM's excellent four-speed automatic, add all-speed traction control, and you've got yourself a really solid power unit that offers fun as well as decent fuel economy.
The 3400 V6, on the other hand, is a solid unit, but this car isn't quite the same with the smaller engine. In fact, it seems to miss the point entirely. If you're after practicality, maybe you should look at the Impala.