Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT-8 vs Chevy TrailBlazer SS vs Porsche Cayenne Turbo

htron

Yeah, they ranked the tbss no. 1 by like 2 points...and they gave the tbss a 3 point advantage because it could tow more...WHO CARES about towing with this vehicle?????? Ignore that factor and the srt8 wins. Plus, they totally messed up on the subjective "fun-to-drive" factor, so if they had graded that correctly, the srt8 would have won hands down. I'm not being defensive, I just think they were mistaken in this one.
Yeah, some people might care about towing, but that's not why you'd buy the srt8...

megasrt8

I agree that C&D was missguided in that review (maybe had something to do with GM advertising dollars???)
Anyway, the SRT beat the crap out of TBSS in every performace catagory - which is what they were desiged for and what the artilce was about...performace SUV's.
If you DO factor in the towing (3500lb vs 7500lb) and interior space, the TBSS gives you much more.

Stock for stock, the SRT-8 blows the TBSS away in fun to drive - even TBSS drivers will say so. However the TBSS engine has many mods out there that can push the 0 - 60 and 1/4mi times even with the SRT-8 for about $1000. But handling and braking would require much more $$$ in mods to keep up.

As for the Cay TT, the luxury and prestige is obviously much much higher than the SRT-8, but cost more than 2x as much. As far as performance, the SRT-8 will win almost every time. Turbo lag is no match for the brute power of the Hemi, and the handling is almost even - possible edge to the SRT-8.

doctyphoon

Be sure to check out the latest review of the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S in the C/D March 07 issue. It measures roadholding below that of the SRT8 (.87 vs. .90), praises its towing and offroad capacity and summarizes that "it seems pathetic that the ($133K) Turbo S can't outrun a $40,800 Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT8...and has a back seat no more accomodating than a Honda Accord." And I thought C/D loved those German machines! (And if that's not enough, check out the review in the same issue of the $76K Hennessey tweaked SRT8 that does 0-60 in 3.7 seconds, provided it doesnt blow the torque converter). Enjoy!

megasrt8

Good read indeed.

What I don't understand about the Porsche Cayenne Turbo S is for that price range ($112k - $133k) there are other cars that are so much more exclusive, more beautiful, and much much more fun to drive - like the 911 turbo!! Or what about the SL 55 or M6/M5 or Maseratti
Come on, the exterior is butt ugly, and it isn't even the fastest SUV.

As for the Hennassey jeep, it is very fast. He's good at being the first to market with modded fast cars, but supposedly doesn't have the best reputation for business.

teamyonex

The Jeep versus Porsche comparison exactly defines what snob appeal is worth, about $80k. As we all know, when design and performance reach a certain limit, further refinements come at an exponential cost. To most, it's not worth it. To a few, it's the only way to go. It's not an economical decision to buy the Porsche, but snob appeal never is.

doctyphoon

Drove a black (arguably its most complimentary color) AWD TBSS with leather interior today, giving it another chance to win my favor. Really wanted to like it, as I think it has more utility. But its a no go. Looking at it didnt excite me, the exterior just looks like a TrailBlazer with big chromies. The interior just came off as cobbled together and trying too hard. I couldn't put my finger on any one thing, its the whole effect. A cheezy looking and feeling steering wheel, too many disconnected angles in the dash, mediocre seats with marginal quality leather. The performance is probably its strong point, good acceleration and handling without a jarring ride or droning exhaust. But the whole package didnt seem as integrated as my '93 GMC Typhoon. So its back to the SRT8 which is a headturner and an E-ticket and my wife will just have to complain about the ride, like she does in the Typhoon (or I'll ditch the runflats when they wear out).

tayl0rd

You are keeping the Typhoon, right? How many miles on it?

masterchief61

All,

I have a TBSS, 2006, 5800 miles, black ext./black int. (leather), all options including rear seat entertainment system, no rain-sense wipers, and it is for sale. I live in Southern Louisiana. Bought in February 2006 and going back to a smaller car as I don't need the space. Asking $28,000. Respond if interested.

r3short

Just bought an 08 and was wondering if anyone has been successful with programming additional horsepower, and overall comments with the SS models in general.

Thanks,