My firebird vs Trailblazer ?

So since I got my firebird, im like feeling all proud of my car etc and my step-father likes to bother me around and he is like "dont waste money on a car that I can beat with my family car trailblazer".

His trailblazer is an A/T with the 4.2L 6-inline engine with 291 HP SAE @ 6,000 rpm; 277 ft lb. My firebird is an stock A/T V6 3.8L 200 HP @ 5,200 rpm; 225 ft lb.

Lets say, in an straight race, since both cars are Auto, the driver is insignificant. Which car would win?

I am just having a hard time grasping the concept that a family car can outrun my sports car. And my step-father is all serious about it and willing to bet cash and all. Hehe.

Also, I have driven the Trailblazer and when taking off from street lights, getting the engine to around 2000 RPM is enough to get a *very* good acceleration while I have to get my Firebird to 3000-3500 RPM to obtain such thing. Why is this?

Thanks. Just trying to see your more expert and insightful opinion.

I think you would most likely win.
But I don't think you would beat it by much.

Weight plays a huge role here. Any idea what a trailblazer weighs??

The trailblazer has a curb weight of 2050 kg while my Firebird has 1509 kg. A difference of 500+ kg but the trailblazer engine is bigger and with 90HP more.

According to the numbers you gave, the power-to-weight ratios are as follows:
Trailblazer - .1414 hp/kg
Firebird - .1325 hp/kg

Looking at the pure numbers, since both are autos, your car is beat.
Is the trailblazer all-wheel drive?

not to mention the trailblazer has a LOT more torque down low, and thats what gives you the stoplight-stoplight advantage.. (since its mostly low rpm..)

Sounds like someone needs to invest in some bolt-ons...

Hehe.

It's not my fault, an stock firebird should beat an stock family car trailblazer :iceslolan

Eh...they are designed for two different things.
Just race him. Find out.
Just be safe about it.

Sounds like someone needs to invest in some bolt-ons...

:werd:

Depends on what you consider BEAT. How well does a trailblazer take turns, or turn heads?

Even if he can beat you in a straight line race right now, the real waste of money is going to be feeding the extra horses under the hood of the SUV. Also the trailblazer is higher cost to maintain once they get a certain amount of miles on it and they start asking for parts.

Also, I have driven the Trailblazer and when taking off from street lights, getting the engine to around 2000 RPM is enough to get a *very* good acceleration while I have to get my Firebird to 3000-3500 RPM to obtain such thing. Why is this?

Answer: Gear ratio and cam profile.

haha, i agree..a sportscar should NOT be slower than a SUV.. but then again, porsche is making a SUV also.. kinda stupid if you ask me.. and lambo used to make a jeep..like vehicle back in the days..

hehe. at least your car looks faster ;)

tell him
'yeah, well my car can beat your car going 0mph'
=P

My mom had a 02 Trailblazer with the 4.2L and my dad was driving it one day when I had my 97 Firebird. We took off both launch it and first gear he was a little bit infront of me, but when we shifted to 2nd gear I pulled infront of him and when we shut it down I was I would say 3 maybe 4 cars ahead. But for a V6 sports car against an SUV, I say that SUV can run. My moms new Envoy with the 5.3L I'm pretty sure that would have beat me.

I drove a Trailblazer for a rental truck to go to Nevada. Man that horsepower is misleading, cause it was slow as balls. I could floor it and not chirp the tires. I think they over estimated the horsepower on those things. You should beat it easily.

I can chirp the tires in the trailblazer just as easy as with my firebird.

As I mentioned, the trailblazer has a lot of power with lower RPM and as someone mentioned it has to do with the gear ratios. The trailblazer has 3.42

Which one does the Firebird have?

I can chirp the tires in the trailblazer just as easy as with my firebird.

As I mentioned, the trailblazer has a lot of power with lower RPM and as someone mentioned it has to do with the gear ratios. The trailblazer has 3.42

Which one does the Firebird have?

There isnt a "set" one. Check your door codes

GU4=3.08's
GU5=3.23's
GU6=3.42's

They're doing some impressive things to these new engines nowadays.
Like some sort of 3.5L V6 putting out 290 hp...don't remember which make/model though. These family cars from the factory are putting out higher numbers than some of our cars brand new.

They're doing some impressive things to these new engines nowadays.
Like some sort of 3.5L V6 putting out 290 hp...don't remember which make/model though. These family cars from the factory are putting out higher numbers than some of our cars brand new.

Ah yes.. The dual cam in-block motor designed for variable valve timing and active fuel management


I believe this is the patent for the technology:
http://www.corvettels9.com/6505589.pdf
http://www.corvettels9.com/6505591.pdf
http://www.corvettels9.com/6505591.pdf

Like the new Nissan Altima. Its a V6 3.5L with 260HP and actually weights less than my firebird. It could also kick my ass. :banghead:

hehe

Like the new Nissan Altima. Its a V6 3.5L with 260HP and actually weights less than my firebird. It could also kick my ass. :banghead:

hehe

That's what I'm sayin'. Jeep has that new Commander with the Hemi rated at ~300+ hp. 93-97 LT1 F-bodies were only rated at 275hp and most of us don't even have new engines! The engineering that goes into these new engines is unbelievable. I have a sports car, it shouldn't be out-performed by a family sedan in the straights.
All I can say is, more bolt-ons please :banghead: !

Back in 1971-74 International Harvester Scout II's, travelers, and travelalls ect had available on order a factory installed 549 cubic inch v-8 engine that put out over 500 hp and 605 pounds of torque @ 2,000 rpm's. Dodge also made a 549 around the same years available on order for dodge trucks, but it wasnt as strong as IH's.

Sounds like a monster right? They were slow. Just because the numbers are high doesnt make it fast. If you need a tree stump puller they was probably in a league of their own but on the street a early 70's chevy 350 (300-375HP) would easily pass them by. And with the way these late model engines run, you could probably find a car with less than 230HP that would put one of those to shame. So just because somthing shows on paper to be stronger than what you may have, doesnt make it faster. Many other things factor in besides a engines power output.

I think the Firebird will walk the Trailblazer but thats just me. I have driven both the 3.8 and the trailblazer and the firebird without doubt feels like the faster vehicle.

was my post deleted? anyway the trailblazer SS has the LS2 on it puttin out 400hp on a AWD truck... thats HOTT...

was my post deleted? anyway the trailblazer SS has the LS2 on it puttin out 400hp on a AWD truck... thats HOTT...
I just looked at the thread notes and there were no posts deleted or even edited by moderators. So don't know what to tell ya but yeah 400 horse all wheel drive SUV does sound hot :grinyes:

its not just hp and tq, its weight, gears, trans, wheels and tires(weight and size and those trailblazers def have bigger heavier wheels/tires) suspension, and aerodynamics (sp?) thers alot of factors, you cant just look at numbers the factory puts out