I think the weight difference is mainly because of the engine, considering the new SS has an additional 1.7L and is a V8 as opposed to the V6. But that bigger engine is also putting out an additional 110hp, which I would think would compensate for the weight difference.

__________________
If you feel the need to bash/rag/insult/demean someone, please read this before you do. Thanks and have a great day!

I remember my old college roommate's Syclone that we used to drag race.. that thing was built like a tin can but was fast as hell. There's hardly any sound insulation or luxuries and felt awefully light .Loved it though since it was fast and scorched almost everything on the street.. (ran mid 12 sec qtr miles on street tires)

I can imagine...I wanted one so badly in college, but the minute my mom saw how fast it went, it was definitely out of the question. I just checked to see how much it would cost to get one now, and they still go between $12k and $19k for one that has low miles on it, even though it's a 12-14 year old truck. Crazy!

__________________
If you feel the need to bash/rag/insult/demean someone, please read this before you do. Thanks and have a great day!

The typhoon was a turbocharged V6, you're not comparing apples to apples. And gear ratios make one hell of a difference in 1/4 mile and 0-60 times, so I'm not sure how you can discount it and only consider weight, hp and torque in determining how fast a car should be. Also, the more torque an engine puts out puts more strain on the drivetrain, especially if it's AWD, which will also influence how fast it will go. There's a reason they don't put manual transmissions on some cars with big torquey engines, because if you drop the clutch and dump all that torque to the rear wheels you could blow the rear end right off the back of the car. (hence why transmission braces and differential braces were invented)

And yes, I've driven an SS. It's torquey as hell, the brakes are incredibly grippy and don't fade (at least they didn't fade during some spirited driving), it's incredibly fast when you get on it and pulls in every gear. I didn't get the chance to throw it around like I wanted to as it didn't belong to me and didn't felt it would be rude to beat on my buddy's car before it had 100 miles on it . Once he gets it broken in a bit more and we get it out on a track or into some twisties i'll have a better informed opinion.

__________________
You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.

OK - I thought you were purporting that the Blazer SS would be on equal footing handling-wise. But if the question is just how much better the X5 would be, that's a different story...
I totally agree that many owners will never realize the full potential of the X5 - either off-road, or on-road - but an X5 doesn't have to cost 'double' what a Trailblazer costs... especially not the SS.
Anyway, I think the SS is a cool concept for those that are into stop light drag racing, but after driving a few new Trailblazers, I don't really take it seriously in the handling department. But, since you have access to your buddy's SS, I'd sure like to hear your thoughts of it if you do get a chance to pound it through some twisties...
(BTW, no flame from me, gresch. I always respect what you have to say)

__________________
- Aaron

/// My X Page ///

I meant "you" in general, not specifically you, my bad...

The handling on the SS is a lot better than on a standard TB LT, that much I can definitely attest to, so it's tough to use a non-SS driving experience in comparison.

Regardless, I think we've beaten this topic to death.

__________________
You have your way. I have my way. As for the right way, the correct way, and the only way, it does not exist.

My two cents: I've had quite a number of BMWs, in fact I'm obsessed with them. I buy them primarily for performance and sport. Class and exclusiveness/prestige play a role, albeit minor - mainly because I like to buy rarer vehicles (ie 4.6is with custom ordered Imola Red leather AND trim, 2005 M3 Competition with literally, every option...etc). It rolls over to jewelry too. Although I do have a rolex president (actually officially called the "day date"), I think I bought it more for the brand and recognition as you alluded to in your previous statement - tantamount to perhaps mercedes moreso than bmw's image. Certainly I wouldn't call a rolex the 'performer' of the watch world, theyre not even that accurate. If you want true class performance and heritage, I've got a few words for you...Vacheron Constantine, Patek Phillipe, Piaget. Though my bankroll wont currently allow for these little toys, perhaps someday - who knows, I'm only 24.

infinitifanatik

I think you and a few other members really understand why you own a BMW.

Other members are unwilling to admit that the BMW is something of a status symbol.

The Blazer SS is about the same size as the X5 (Blazer, better has more storage room) and the Blazer SS might drive almost as well ( yes the BMW will probally drive better). But it does not say BMW

I think GM has come a long way and Caddy is much improved, we should all think about buying American again.

x54

One could never deny that the BMW certainly has a status associated with it. But its not like the Japanese luxuries don't either, maybe even if it is a bit less. Hell, I am in the process of trading in my X5 4.6is (originally 73k) for an M45 hehe, though there is a part of me that is definitely sad to let the mother of all X5's go (yes yes, besides the newer 4.8 for those nitpickers out there )........But I really do have to give credit where credit is due - to the true bmw enthusiast, it has very very little to do with status, and much much MUCH more to do with, as they say, "the ultimate driving experience". While I am 100% positive my incoming M45 will give me many days of happiness on the road, I swear to you there have been so many times where I've been in tight situations both in my X5 but moreso in my M3 where the raw power and more importantly performance and confidence these cars inspire have literally made me just burst out laughing with joy. Good times, good times.