| eurohazard |
Hello all, rarely do I actually start a thread, but I just felt like sharing. ;)
My family and I just returned from a trip to Arkansas. I only saw 1 other MDX in NW Arkansas. My wife's grandmother asked us, "Is that a Ford or a Chevy?" Like those are the only manufacturers in the world. I chuckled! I just told her it was a "Honda", because I know she never heard of Acura. We also stopped by Lackland AFB to see my brother's Air Force basic training graduation. The trip was fun, and it was great to see family.
But the one thing that stands out to me is our MDX. I drove that thing nonstop with the AC running the whole time, and we averaged over 21 MPG. I tried to keep it under 85 mph, but once I pushed it past 110 mph. The passing power for a V6 SUV this size is nothing short of amazing.
The Navigation proved quite useful once again also. Both the wife and I are very map savvy, but the NAV makes it so damn easy! We found a Sonic drive-in when we needed it most! lol
My 7 year old son would have played GameCube the whole trip if we had let him. But of course we had him read books and workbooks to prepare for the big 2nd grade also.
I-40 was better than I thought it would be going East. We traveled I-10 from San Antonio to California. It was pleasant through Texas, but I think it had to do with the early AM driving. I must have seen 100 small deer during that stretch, but they were all on the side of the road..... thank God. Traffic didn't really suck until I-5 from the grapevine, all the way to Stockton.
Other notes: Fun with flashing! I still get flashed by highbeams every once in a while. I can't believe how many of the flashers are semi-truck drivers! They sit 8 feet above the ground.....how "blinding" can my headlights be to those guys? And I have posted this before, I generally don't drive with my foglights on. Only in lightly trafficked deer zones do I use them.
Sorry for the long @ss post, hope everyone is having a swell summer! |
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| SuperTech |
I debated with myself for a few minutes if I should rain on your parade and write this...but here it is, so it's obvious what arguement won.
I'm glad you had a great vacation. It could have been a very bad one. A MDX isn't exactly a Mercedes Mclaren SLR with ceramic brakes and an airbrake to reel it in quickly. If something had come unexpected at 110mph (a blowout, and animal crossing, whatever), your chances of making it without a serious accident would have been a lot less than they'd have been if you'd have just kept the sub 85mph speed you were aiming for. Now I'd be lying if I said this wasn't the slightest bit hypocritical of me to lecture you about going too fast on a public road, since I've seen 110 and quite a bit more...but I never took a 7 year old boy anywhere near that fast. A wife is a grown up who knows what's at risk if she is OK with it. But a kid that young just doesn't know any better what the risks are of going that fast, and shouldn't be put in that position of endangerment until they are old enough to decide if they want to live dangerously.
You can tell me mind my own business or whatever if you like for pissing on your thread...but if I had started a thread saying that I had taken a customer's NSX on the freeway and got it over 110, I'd have dozens of people jumping all over me for risking someone else's vehicle even if they wouldn't be the wiser. So you shouldn't be surprised about hearing this if not from me, from someone eventually, when you make a thread and talk about risking someone else's life even if they weren't the wiser about it. |
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| eurohazard |
Thanks dad! Your lecture is read and taken to heart.
;) |
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| Sinecure |
| Only 110. What a sissy. I do that on the narrow sections of 80 coming downhill from Tahoe all the time. :2: |
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| hjjbruce |
You guys are sissies! I let my 10 year old behind the wheel and he took it up to 115mph while I mooned people as we passed them!!
But seriously my wife would have been a little pissed about 110.
Glad you still enjoy your X though. |
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| ByeByeChrysler |
quote:
Originally posted by hjjbruce
You guys are sissies! I let my 10 year old behind the wheel and he took it up to 115mph while I mooned people as we passed them!!
:19: |
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| anjan |
quote:
Originally posted by hjjbruce
You guys are sissies! I let my 10 year old behind the wheel and he took it up to 115mph while I mooned people as we passed them!!
But seriously my wife would have been a little pissed about 110.
Glad you still enjoy your X though.
LOL! But really, technically, that's not even mooning - it'll all be just a blur.... :2:
I know daddy SuperTech will be mad but I've taken it upto 105 and didn't even feel a thing. However, let me tell you something SuperTech that Mercedes engineers in Stuttgart were telling us (I used to work for an automotive analysis group) that safety becomes a non-issue when you're driving at speeds of over 80 mph, no matter what the car. This was said in context of Diana's crash, which had happened few months previous to that. So, even with the best braking technology on the SLR McLaren or Carrera GT, going over 80mph WILL NOT give you any advantage when something happens suddenly. The only difference will be smashed ceramic brake pads instead of the metal ones on MDX :) |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by anjan
LOL! But really, technically, that's not even mooning - it'll all be just a blur.... :2:
I know daddy SuperTech will be mad but I've taken it upto 105 and didn't even feel a thing. However, let me tell you something SuperTech that Mercedes engineers in Stuttgart were telling us (I used to work for an automotive analysis group) that safety becomes a non-issue when you're driving at speeds of over 80 mph, no matter what the car. This was said in context of Diana's crash, which had happened few months previous to that. So, even with the best braking technology on the SLR McLaren or Carrera GT, going over 80mph WILL NOT give you any advantage when something happens suddenly. The only difference will be smashed ceramic brake pads instead of the metal ones on MDX :)
At higher speeds, a Mclaren or a Carrera GT may be able to manuever out of a situation because of sports car handling, the MDX will likely roll...............with your (EuroHazards) 7 year old in it. |
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| anjan |
quote:
Originally posted by JL_SS
At higher speeds, a Mclaren or a Carrera GT may be able to manuever out of a situation because of sports car handling, the MDX will likely roll...............with your (EuroHazards) 7 year old in it.
:19: Apparently, you have never driven that fast. Go to a track and drive at that speed and then try to avoid sudden obstacles at that speed. Remember, at this meeting we were at working with professional racing drivers from Mercedes and Porsche in Stuttgart. And we got a very good idea of how manuevering options disappear when you cross that magical 80mph limit - especially over 100. The difference in advantage, for a trained driver will be minimal. For us, its imperceptible. A sports car will obviously have an advantage but not enough to justify driving at that speed. And it WILL NOT save you. Remember, braking is not manuevering. You and I are not Michael Schumacher driving a $15million Formula One car on a race track.
The question is not how nicely a McLaren drives at 110mph. Of course, it handles like a dream. Someone darts in front of it 40 yds ahead, its as worthless as an egg dropping over Niagara Falls. |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by anjan
:19: Apparently, you have never driven that fast. Go to a track and drive at that speed and then try to avoid sudden obstacles at that speed. Remember, at this meeting we were at working with professional racing drivers from Mercedes and Porsche in Stuttgart. And we got a very good idea of how manuevering options disappear when you cross that magical 80mph limit - especially over 100. The difference in advantage, for a trained driver will be minimal. For us, its imperceptible. A sports car will obviously have an advantage but not enough to justify driving at that speed. And it WILL NOT save you. Remember, braking is not manuevering. You and I are not Michael Schumacher driving a $15million Formula One car on a race track.
The question is not how nicely a McLaren drives at 110mph. Of course, it handles like a dream. Someone darts in front of it 40 yds ahead, its as worthless as an egg dropping over Niagara Falls.
I've driven that fast before (not with the family in the car) and had to swerve to miss something at 80+ mph. I was in a small sports car and was able to swerve off to the side and keep going. That same maneuver would have rolled an SUV. |
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| ardvarkus |
No matter how controlled the situation- no matter how good the helmet, or belts or cage- or what the brakes are made of, at high speeds $hit happens. 110 in an suv or 180 on a banked track- which is 'safer'?
http://www.6speedonline.com/forums/...&threadid=27663
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/show...en&pagenumber=2
This one was a tough one for all involved. I didn't know Ben, but it had me down in spirits for a while.
Sorry to hijack the thread but I found these links to be pretty sobering and caused me to rethink my driving in the new toy... |
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| SuperTech |
quote:
Originally posted by anjan
So, even with the best braking technology on the SLR McLaren or Carrera GT, going over 80mph WILL NOT give you any advantage when something happens suddenly. The only difference will be smashed ceramic brake pads instead of the metal ones on MDX :)
So an SLR McLaren that's able to go from 110 to dead stop in just over 200 feet has aboslutely no advantage over a 2+ ton SUV?!?! And the brake rotors are ceramic. I'm sure the pads are carbon metallic. |
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| anjan |
quote:
Originally posted by SuperTech
So an SLR McLaren that's able to go from 110 to dead stop in just over 200 feet has aboslutely no advantage over a 2+ ton SUV?!?! And the brake rotors are ceramic. I'm sure the pads are carbon metallic.
Actually, the brake pads in my Civic are ceramic based. The brake discs in both the McLaren SLR and Carrera GT are made of carbon-reinforced ceramic. The disc are really large - at the front axle alone a total brake pad area is 440 cm2 with a maximum deceleration rate of 1.3g. Impressive.
In other words, if something popped up 100ft ahead, hell even 150 ft away - you'd not only be dead but dental records might be needed. Like I keep saying - there's difference between handling of a generic midsize SUV and a race-bred sports car, the stopping power of 201.5 ft on the SLR is no guarantee. You are assuming you'll travel at 110; the obstruction will appear farther than 200 ft away, you will have lightning reflexes to initiate braking; you will not lose control of the car; the road will not have bumps or slick spots. How many variables are you ready to handle? :)
Let's say you are zipping along in your SLR in the left lane. I'm over to the right in my Ford Excursion not expecting anyone to be trying to break the sound barrier. 30 feet in front of you, I slide into the left lane. You'll be like a giant bug on the back window :D
Its unsafe at that speed - period. |
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| SuperTech |
Well, look who did their homework...
quote:
Originally posted by anjan
Like I keep saying - there's difference between handling of a generic midsize SUV and a race-bred sports car, the stopping power of 201.5 ft on the SLR is no guarantee. You are assuming you'll travel at 110; the obstruction will appear farther than 200 ft away, you will have lightning reflexes to initiate braking; you will not lose control of the car; the road will not have bumps or slick spots. How many variables are you ready to handle? :)
Or maybe traffic could have come to a dead halt 500 feet ahead. The reaction time and then actual stopping distance would have ruined only the driver's underwear with the $400k sports car. The MDX would have caused a 10 car contact rear ender. There's plenty of scenarios you could throw at this 110mph speed. Fact remains that one would be better off in a sports car than they would in an SUV. Period. Would the chances of survival be 90% with the sports car and 20% with the SUV? Of course not. It would be a small difference once you consider all the possible scenarios. But sometimes a couple percentage points might be the difference between life and death.
But to go back to "dad" mode. (and I'm nobody's dad) You're right...110 on a public road is unsafe in any car. I only brought up the whole "an MDX is no SLR" thing just to emphasize the real point of this all. And that is he shouldn't be doing that with a kid in the car. |
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| hjjbruce |
Eurohazard: Glad you still like your MDX, glad you had a great time on your trip, glad you made it safe and sound. Sorry you had to defend yourself and your driving habits so fiercely:(
Peace |
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| Dog |
If an SUV were to hit a sportscar like the MacLaren (or even a deer)at a combined speed of 110mph, I'd rather by in the SUV. Ceramic brakes aren't going to do squat for either car in this scenario, but size and safety features will.
Also, what about those people who drive too slowly in the fast lane with their children? :D
For those of you that want more vivid examples of high-speed impacts, check out this site: http://www.wreckedexotics.com/ |
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| eurohazard |
quote:
If an SUV were to hit a sportscar like the MacLaren (or even a deer)at a combined speed of 110mph, I'd rather by in the SUV. Ceramic brakes aren't going to do squat for either car in this scenario, but size and safety features will.
Thanks for keeping it "light" in here. That is funny stuff!
Folks please keep in mind, I most certainly didn't "travel" at 110 miles per hour from Cali to Arkansas. It was for about 2 whole seconds. I felt safe, the car was secure and stable, and the wife had no idea (until I said something).
Also NO ONE was in front of me, and just 2 cars within 2 miles were behind me....so no chance of "a 10 car contact rear ender". And also the focus of the post was not condone or brag about "110 mph", but rather to share my surprise and admiration for the MDXs vast capabilities. |
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| Fabvsix |
A blow out could happen however and at 110 mph........could be ugly.....Ever had a large bird hit your car at those speeds ? Not pretty......besides had you been pulled over, you would have gone to jail.......
I use to be an EMT. MAX speed for ANY emergency vehicle is 75 nationwide.......at least back then....... |
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| anjan |
quote:
Originally posted by eurohazard
Thanks for keeping it "light" in here. That is funny stuff!
Got off topic real fast didn't it? :D I really enjoyed our drive to Cape Cod a few weeks back too. Yes, I fell prey to the desire to see how far it goes up. I went upto 100 without even feeling a thing and stepped off the gas. But the ride is amazing. My wife is seven months pregnant and on the long 6 hour ride, she mentioned how comfortable the seat and ride was.
Its really amazing that it feels more like a V8 when you're driving it, its so powerful. |
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| msu79gt82 |
quote:
Originally posted by eurohazard
Folks please keep in mind, I most certainly didn't "travel" at 110 miles per hour from Cali to Arkansas. It was for about 2 whole seconds. I felt safe, the car was secure and stable, and the wife had no idea (until I said something).
I had a similar experience on I-40 in Arkansas. Noticed I was going almost 90 w/o knowing it :rolleyes: and decided to go a little faster just to say I'd done it in the X (well not done "it" but gone fast) - reached 95 before letting off (I'm a wuss, I know shoulda hit 3 digits). Anyway :cool: :1: :7: |
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| Dog |
After following this thread, I decided to take my X out for a spin. Of course, heeding the safety advice here, I kept things under control. I took it up to 55mph out on the highway and it felt like it was only doing 40mph! My grandmother in the back seat didn't even notice how fast I was going.
Good thing I was keeping it safe, too, because this MacLaren passed me in the right lane - I was driving in the fast lane, of course, since I was at the speed limit - doing at least 60mph and hit this large bird that suddenly flew right in front of it! The MacLaren driver must have lost his concentration after the bird and, because he was driving so fast, wasn't able to stop in time before he plowed into the cars in front of him (must have been at least 10 cars involved). :eek:
Anyhow, I had to swerve to miss the MacLaren pile-up - which I could easily do because I was below the 80mph threshold where all control is lost - and one of my tires blew out. I ran off the road hitting first a deer, then a fire hydrant, before coming to a stop exactly 165 feet from where I started braking (which, coincidently, perfectly corresponds with the stopping distance in Motortrend).
Thanks to the Acura safety features, everyone was fine and the car was undamaged. I even got a free wash from the broken firehydrant! I love my X!:29: |
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| JL_SS |
quote:
Originally posted by Dog
After following this thread, I decided to take my X out for a spin. Of course, heeding the safety advice here, I kept things under control. I took it up to 55mph out on the highway and it felt like it was only doing 40mph! My grandmother in the back seat didn't even notice how fast I was going.
Good thing I was keeping it safe, too, because this MacLaren passed me in the right lane - I was driving in the fast lane, of course, since I was at the speed limit - doing at least 60mph and hit this large bird that suddenly flew right in front of it! The MacLaren driver must have lost his concentration after the bird and, because he was driving so fast, wasn't able to stop in time before he plowed into the cars in front of him (must have been at least 10 cars involved). :eek:
Anyhow, I had to swerve to miss the MacLaren pile-up - which I could easily do because I was below the 80mph threshold where all control is lost - and one of my tires blew out. I ran off the road hitting first a deer, then a fire hydrant, before coming to a stop exactly 165 feet from where I started braking (which, coincidently, perfectly corresponds with the stopping distance in Motortrend).
Thanks to the Acura safety features, everyone was fine and the car was undamaged. I even got a free wash from the broken firehydrant! I love my X!:29:
I believed you right up until you said that the fire hydrant provided a free wash. Most owners would cringe at the dirty hydrant water touching their lovingly zaino'd finish....:D . |
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| mdxmd |
Does anyone know what speed the Michelin Cross Terrain tires are rated for on the MDX?
I briefly hit 100 a couple times on our 2001 MDX that we returned on lease. With the 2001 it didn't feel completely safe.
In my Infiniti G35 Coupe one early morning on an empty stretch of highway a BMW 3 series came up on my tail and pushed me. I lost him at 120 and went all the way up to 140 very smoothly before I backed off. That still felt very safe in that car. |
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| SuperTech |
quote:
Originally posted by mdxmd
Does anyone know what speed the Michelin Cross Terrain tires are rated for on the MDX?
I briefly hit 100 a couple times on our 2001 MDX that we returned on lease. With the 2001 it didn't feel completely safe.
In my Infiniti G35 Coupe one early morning on an empty stretch of highway a BMW 3 series came up on my tail and pushed me. I lost him at 120 and went all the way up to 140 very smoothly before I backed off. That still felt very safe in that car.
The Cross Terrain is T rated I think. That rating is good for 130mph if I remember right. This would mean that if the MDX were to run ucorked, and if it's aerodynamically capable of even seeing 130...the computer would shut the fuel off to limit it from ever exceeding that speed.
The tires on your G35c are at least Z rated which puts them being good for some grey number of 149+. But they are probably Y rated which I believe is a solid rating of 186(or was it 188)mph.
But I think the aerodynamics of pushing a sleek sports coupe over 100mph vs. a high profile SUV with lots of room for air to get under it had more to do with the feeling of stability than the tires. |
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| eurohazard |
"Does anyone know what speed the Michelin Cross Terrain tires are rated for on the MDX?"
They are "T" rated ....119 mph! |
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