Why?

Who cares if an LS is cheaper. I like what Joe said "If I wanted to own a Nova I'd have bought one of those".

Guy asked why a Hemi vs. an LA, something I've thought about, too. Would have like to see a breakdown of the technical advantages the 5.7/6.1 have over an LA. Like: Better heads, DIS, 2 plugs per cylinder, tuned intake, crossbolted mains, better pushrod geometry, compression, piston squirters, no leaks, etc. just off the top of my head.

What if some (certainly not all) of those advantages could be added to the LA? DIS and better heads would make a difference along with some real compression. Always wondered what a car intake would have looked like for a Magnum LA if the factory had ever put one in something that wasn't supposed to tow a load, and ran hard up to 5500-6000 rpm.

Personally, I really like the new Hemi, but I've always wondered what a sharp individual could do if they tried to improve the LA with some new technology.

Oh, and pretty sure the Hemi is actually a little heavier than an LA, not a 100# lighter. Maybe with the aluminum block, but not cast iron. Don't remember where I saw the info, but pretty sure the "Hemi is lighter" is an urban legend.