X5 vs Blazer SS
 

Is the Blazer SS a lower cost faster SUV?

Highlights:
Corvette-based 6.0 Liter LS2 small block V8
Cold Air Induction Package
SS-specific ZQ8 Sport Suspension
20-inch polished-aluminum wheels (1)
Heavy-duty front disc brakes with Corvette-spec front brake pads and ABS
Available full-time all-wheel drive with a TORSEN® center differential

It would seem that the Blazer SS would out run almost any X5.

What do think?

Speaking for myself, if "lower cost" and "speed" are my top criteria for an SUV (SAV), I don't think the X5 would be on my list at all. Did you check out the Dodge Hemi SUV? I saw one with after market oversize tires and wheels and it looked really mean..., until I "parked" my zaino-shiny jet black 3.01 next to it. Of course I will never race him
:o

Along with the Blazer SS, are the Escalade V-Series and the lighting-quick Grand Cherokee SRT8. I think it did 60MPH in under 5 seconds...

The only thing that could possibly run along with those machines is Mercedes' upcoming ML65 AMG.

I agree, if you're looking at a luxury SUV...why is the Blazer SS even on the list? They are not comparable in any way aside from both being labled SUVs IMO.

If you wanted low cost a X5 is about as far from your list as possible. You could list 30 SUV's that cost less then the X5.

the approximate power to weight ratios are (higher # is better)
SS: 4500/400 .08888888
4.4i: 4900/315 .0642
4.8: 5019/355 .0707

0-60:
SS: 5.7
4.4i: 6.8
4.8: 5.9

BUT, the kicker is $$$$:

SS: ~ $37,000 loaded
base 4.4i: ~ $54,000 no options
base 4.8: ~ $71,000 no options

The intangibles/variables are too numerous to list, but based on the #'s above, the SS wins on performance/price.

And before everyone starts flaming me, I own both a 4.4i and a Corvette Z06, so to say I'm biased one way or the other isn't a valid argument. And while the argument can be made that an X5 is more reliable, ask someone who has replaced all 4 window regulators, their cv boots, and front control arms on their X how reliable their X is. Trailblazers have their problems too, like brake light assemblies blowing and HVAC fans needing to be replaced, so each has their foibles. Obviously the BMW has more snob factor (it's ok to admit it, we all know it's true... ;)), but it's 2x the price of a TB SS ....

anyway... dems da facts.

by the way, the Jeep SRT-8's MSRP is $44,000. there's no way in hell i would every pay $44,000 for a jeep :)

Considering the numbers, you presented, it's pretty unimpressive that it's only .2 sec quicker. It's got 50hp more and it's 500lbs lighter. 500lbs is a lot.

Power and 0-60 don't take into account the dynamics of handling either. Handling is one area that i greatly subjective. You could give an X5 to the biggest GM fan and he/she'd still agree that the X5 is phenomonal compared to anything even close to it's height.

The two vehicles are targeted at completely different markets. I doubt that a person looking at either one of these vehicles would even come close to considering the other.

my .02 .

and to add to that.. X5's even the 4.8's are fairly quick vehicles but we can't really say 14's sec vehicles are fast anymore.. think about.. even your typical $20K Neon SRT4s and Honda V6 Accords will walk all over you in a staight line if not in the twisties..

the question is if you want to be seen in a blazer SS rather than an X5, that's really your perogative but they are not even in the same league.

True, but look at what you're paying for that .2 seconds... twice as much :)

I'll take an SS and pocket the $35,000 any day.

Yeah, i'll be seen in an SS, any day of the week. Especially considering the bang for the buck factor, the difference in price between an SS and a 4.8 is staggering.