| MDXRACER |
;) ok, had my shares of benz and bmw before and really like their handling. also driven a honda pilot which does not even close ompared to the above mentioned european cars.....
how would you rate the mdx comparing to a european sedan? just wondering, since the new mdx is supposedly the best performing japanese suv yet? |
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| dj-mdx2 |
I know the term apples and oranges has been overused but it applies here. The 07 MDX is not a sports car, even though (like me) you may be tempted to drive it like one. It's no slouch, but it will not compare to the handling characteristics of an M5 or a Carrera, maybe close to a Cayenne S as far as just the steering and handling. It does compare favorably to Acura's own RL but that's not a surprise seeing as they share SH-AWD and almost the same engine.
But a 4000+ lb SUV is exactly that. |
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| gmc74 |
I tend to agree. If you want a car that handles really well, get a BMW 335.
As for an SUV, I found that the MDX handles as well as the X5 3.0, and definitely has more power. I didn't get to crush the X5, the sales guy would have killed me, but I put it through the paces.
The MDX sport has a lot more to it than a pilot, you need to drive it to understand. |
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| craniotes |
I can only truly compare mine to a '97 M-B E420 and a '98 Honda Accord V6, and against these sedans, the MDX Sport more than holds its own. In fact, it can run circles around the Accord (no surprise there, I suppose) and leans less than the E420 in the corners and is equally predictable at the limits of adhesion. Superficially, I can compare the X to the Benz E550 and BMW 530Xi, and against these stalwarts, again, it fares quite well (with the clear edge going to the BMW, of course).
Sure when compared to an M5 or Carerra, the X is gonna get spanked, but these are hardcore examples of their respective breeds. When compared to "standard" sports sedans, the X acquits itself quite well. In terms of SUVs, I'd wager that only the Porsche Cayenne beats it in terms of handling. Some may point to the BMW X5 as superior in this respect as well, but according to Car and Driver, the X handles just as well and is equally fun to drive).
I haven't driven a non-Sport MDX extensively, so I can't commment how how it fares against modern sports sedans, but it felt quite predictable and buttoned down to me.
Regards,
Adam |
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| techm8n |
quote:
Originally posted by MDXRACER
;) ok, had my shares of benz and bmw before and really like their handling. also driven a honda pilot which does not even close ompared to the above mentioned european cars.....
how would you rate the mdx comparing to a european sedan? just wondering, since the new mdx is supposedly the best performing japanese suv yet?
I previously owned an 04' Porsche Cayenne S and replaced it with the 07' MDX Sport/Ent. I plan on posting a detailed comparison between them.
I'm waiting until I get pass the break in period of 600 miles on my X then really test its power and handling.
But based on my limited (2 weeks) driving time with the X, I feel that my Cayenne S had better handling in terms of steering feel (more direct), less body roll (cornering), and high speed stability. And my Cayenne S didn't even have the optional Air/Sport suspension. In terms of power, the CS wins but it's not a fair comparison (340hp/310trq V8 vs 300hp/275trq V6).
But the MDX Sport handling is still excellent. I was actually surprise how minimal the body roll was because it rides smooth in Sport setting compared to my CS. Usually you associate smooth suspension to a lot of body lean, but the Active damper in the Sport prevents that. |
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| gmc74 |
quote:
Originally posted by craniotes
Sure when compared to an M5 or Carerra, the X is gonna get spanked,
I don't think anyone is comparing the X to a 100K M5 that is considered the greatest sports sedan ever... man, I want one of those! |
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| dj-mdx2 |
quote:
Originally posted by gmc74
I don't think anyone is comparing the X to a 100K M5 that is considered the greatest sports sedan ever... man, I want one of those!
Well, the OP was asking for a comparison with European sedans, and did not mention any exclusion criteria.:D
I want one of those too, eventually, when the kids are out of car seats and I have an excuse to buy one. |
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| craniotes |
quote:
Originally posted by dj-mdx2
Well, the OP was asking for a comparison with European sedans, and did not mention any exclusion criteria.:D
I want one of those too, eventually, when the kids are out of car seats and I have an excuse to buy one.
Perhaps we should start a new thread for wannabe M5 owners, 'cuz I want one too (though make mine a six-speed manual -- none of that SMG crap).
Regards,
Adam |
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| gmc74 |
quote:
Originally posted by craniotes
Perhaps we should start a new thread for wannabe M5 owners, 'cuz I want one too (though make mine a six-speed manual -- none of that SMG crap).
Regards,
Adam
OMG, the SMG is so freaking sweet! You can't physically shift as fast as that SMG can |
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| craniotes |
quote:
Originally posted by gmc74
OMG, the SMG is so freaking sweet! You can't physically shift as fast as that SMG can
No doubt, it's just that BMW's implementation is somewhat crude and brutal. Audi/VW has it down pat with their DSG, but even then I'd still take a proper manual tranny if given the option. Heck, if someone offered me the keys to an F430 optioned any way I wanted, I'd skip the F1 option and keep it old skool with a nice gated shifter. I'm just crazy like that.
Even more off-topic, in a somewhat ironic twist, the smoothest shifting manual I've ever driven still remains my first car, which was an '88 Acura Integra LS (god, how I loved that car...).
Regards,
Adam
[End thread hijack] |
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| gmc74 |
quote:
Originally posted by craniotes
No doubt, it's just that BMW's implementation is somewhat crude and brutal. Audi/VW has it down pat with their DSG, but even then I'd still take a proper manual tranny if given the option. Heck, if someone offered me the keys to an F430 optioned any way I wanted, I'd skip the F1 option and keep it old skool with a nice gated shifter. I'm just crazy like that.
Even more off-topic, in a somewhat ironic twist, the smoothest shifting manual I've ever driven still remains my first car, which was an '88 Acura Integra LS (god, how I loved that car...).
Regards,
Adam
[End thread hijack]
I have only had a handful of manuals -
83 Turismo
89 Grand Prix
94 Miata
96 626
Of the group, the Mitat was by far the best shifter, the throw was so incredibly short it shifted like butter.
A fun little death trap that car was :)
The SMG has a number of shift options to let you shift at more or less aggressive speeds. When you make it the most aggressive, the thing shifts almost instantly, there are some insane videos on YouTube where the guy just focuses on the tach and you can watch it drop slowly, then faster as he tries the different modes. |
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| TooHypper |
I took my 2006 MDX in for service and they gave me a 07 for two days and I loved it. Felt tighter seats were better, I like the navi screen joy stick instead of touching the screen. I would get a 2007 but I just paid off my 2006.
I thought it was much better then my 06 becasue all wheels pulled and not just the right front one.
Just my observation while driving one aronud for 2 days. |
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