| scadagawd |
Any of you fellas upgraded from a 3rd gen TL to the MDX, how did you find the handling of the X over the TL? Salesman told me the X actually handles better than the TL.
Cheers |
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| frenchnew |
quote:
Originally posted by scadagawd
Any of you fellas upgraded from a 3rd gen TL to the MDX, how did you find the handling of the X over the TL? Salesman told me the X actually handles better than the TL.
Cheers
I have a 2005 stock TL and test drove a 2007 MDX last May.
The handling is different, the X is softer but you have to factor in the differences, the X Gravity center is higher then the TL, the X is heavier.
I would suggest that you take a test drive in one and do not rely on someone else perception as if you buy it, you will be the one using it. |
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| csmeance |
I own both cars, this is my opinion of it:
MDX is the same as TL.
In the TL, you can take off-ramps doing 35 safely, 50 MAX.
With the MDX, I can take it doing 50 too, but the MDX still has a lot of grip and potential, but the aspect of it flipping over comes in.
The SH-AWD helps the MDX feel like a sports car, but its high center of gravity makes it feel like the TL. The RL is acura's best handling car that is available new right now, it has the low center of gravity and uses the full ponential of SH-AWD. But back on subject, they feel the same to me in terms of grip.
BUT, with the mdx, when taking slight curves, you can feel that the rear of the car is pushing you, but in the TL you feel the front pulling. In the MDX, for some reason the SH-AWD helps out and I can get into a parking space with almost a zero radius turn.
In my book, the MDX beats the TL by a hair, but with a lower center of gravity like the RL, it would kick ass. |
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| dj-mdx2 |
| I can compare my 07 X to my friend's 05 RL. I took the latter for an extended test drive. The handling is very similar. As another member said, obviously, the X sits higher than a sedan and you feel that difference. My friend went on to purchase an 07 X himself and he confirms the two are similar. |
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| scadagawd |
Thanks for feedback guys. I realize that the higher center of gravity will play a role in handling as well as moving in and out of traffic in the city. Any comments on agressive City driving? ( not that I do a lot of aggressive driving ;)) I enjoy this particular manuverbility of the TL.
I was looking at a grey colored X with a lighter interior. Any comments on the lighter color versus black color? I find the lighter color makes the interior look brighter, but just not sure how it fairs in the long run with smudging and keeping it clean? |
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| csmeance |
quote:
Originally posted by scadagawd
Thanks for feedback guys. I realize that the higher center of gravity will play a role in handling as well as moving in and out of traffic in the city. Any comments on agressive City driving? ( not that I do a lot of aggressive driving ;)) I enjoy this particular manuverbility of the TL.
I was looking at a grey colored X with a lighter interior. Any comments on the lighter color versus black color? I find the lighter color makes the interior look brighter, but just not sure how it fairs in the long run with smudging and keeping it clean?
I got the Taupe interior MDX has it kept the interior a little different. with the Ebony interior mdx, everything looks to plain, the dash is black, the wood is black, everything is black. With the taupe leather, there is a darker color dash with darker upper trim on the doors, then taupe leather everywhere else .
I have one question for you, do you really need a vehicle the size of the MDX, I mean, the ability to seat 7 or to haul stuff? If not, I suggest you stay with the TL, i just filled up the MDX and it took me 70 dollars worth of gas to keep it happy. Also while being stuck in traffic, I was averaging 14.2 MPG. The TL gets much better MPG and will hurt your pocket less, also it is faster in the sense that it does 0-60 in 5.6 seconds while the MDX does the same in around 7.1 |
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| Drifter |
TL is definitely quicker, but ride & handling balance is much more pleasing in my MDX Sport. The TL ride is brittle. The MDX rides more smoothly like a BMW.
The X has a very low CG, especially for an SUV. It will not tip unless you jerk the wheel crazy enough to roll a Porsche. You can break the tail loose or 4 wheel drift in this car with great control. |
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| scadagawd |
csmeance,
Only looking at the X cause I need the extra space and comfort. I am happy with the TL don't get me wrong, but I have to put aside my own play toy and get something the whole family could use. I think the X is the best choice between the extra space I need and the handling I crave? Believe it or not I used to own the 5.9 R/T Dodge Durango before getting the TL! I'll bet the X does a whole lot better in the thirst department than my old Durango....hopefully.
Did you find the Taupe color hard to maintain? Does it get "dirty" easily? I have the anthracite color with black interior and it does make the inside look a little bland... |
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| csmeance |
quote:
Originally posted by scadagawd
csmeance,
Only looking at the X cause I need the extra space and comfort. I am happy with the TL don't get me wrong, but I have to put aside my own play toy and get something the whole family could use. I think the X is the best choice between the extra space I need and the handling I crave? Believe it or not I used to own the 5.9 R/T Dodge Durango before getting the TL! I'll bet the X does a whole lot better in the thirst department than my old Durango....hopefully.
Did you find the Taupe color hard to maintain? Does it get "dirty" easily? I have the anthracite color with black interior and it does make the inside look a little bland...
For me, the interior has been good to me. It doesn't get dirty for me, and I wear shorts too. Keep it conditioned atleast twice every 6 months and it will be happy enough. The only problem I have had with it is the way it absorbs everything. I left an office depot flier on the back seat for a week and when I picked it up, the ink was on the seat. With a little leather cleaner, it came right out.
Overall, the MDX leather is much nicer than the one in the TL, it isn't as hard. But the seats do wear a little easily, if not conditioned, it will crinkle easily
. I got the quatz interior in the TL for that reason, it won't get hot like the ebony leather and also it still dark, and it does contrast a bit, and it also matches the headliner too.
I think you will love a Black on taupe MDX or Nimbus Grey on Taupe MDX. |
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| crazymjb |
My father has an 05TL and my mother an 07MDX Sport and I have to say the MDX feels more firmly planted. The TL is more fun to drive because it is quicker, but the MDX is an excellent handling car.
Mike |
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| mylegs |
We're the proud owners of an 06 TL and, as of Friday, an 08 MDX. Both handle amazingly well, but with differences. The TL has a more aggressive ride and is a bit more "fun" to drive. It sticks to the road--I haven't been able to squeal the tires on dr pavement. But the MDX seems to have a smaller turning radius and hasn't felt at all wobbly like a lot of SUVs we test drove.
If you don't need the space, the TL is a clear winner. But if you do, well, I couldn't be happier with the MDX. |
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| scadagawd |
Thanks so much for your opinions! I notice that Toyota and Lexus and dropped their prices lately. Do you think Acura may follow suit with more rebate incentives?
It's still a huge price difference (over 10k) for a base X in Canada than in the US. Any of you from Canada have experience in buying an Acura in the US and whether it's worth the effort. I live close to the border and driving down is not the issue, but I'm not sure about tax levys, vehicle spec requirements and additional fees is worth the effort, but sure looks tempting. |
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| dj-mdx2 |
quote:
Originally posted by scadagawd
It's still a huge price difference (over 10k) for a base X in Canada than in the US. Any of you from Canada have experience in buying an Acura in the US and whether it's worth the effort. I live close to the border and driving down is not the issue, but I'm not sure about tax levys, vehicle spec requirements and additional fees is worth the effort, but sure looks tempting.
Several threads on this issue. Unfortunately, the warranty is void once you bring it across. |
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| JustinTyme |
Well, the lease was up....
Loved the TL, but was ready for more space.
I'm a Subaru guy...so I believe that the all wheel drive is enough for me to like MDX better. However, we should not be comparing handling between a sport luxury and a SUV. Si? |
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| Yumitori |
I picked up my 08 MDX sport on V-Day last week.
I am amazed at the way the MDX handles. You can really tell a difference when in the sport VS comfort mode. The MDX feels as good as my RSX type S.
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| gmc74 |
quote:
Originally posted by scadagawd
Thanks for feedback guys. I realize that the higher center of gravity will play a role in handling as well as moving in and out of traffic in the city. Any comments on agressive City driving? ( not that I do a lot of aggressive driving ;)) I enjoy this particular manuverbility of the TL.
I was looking at a grey colored X with a lighter interior. Any comments on the lighter color versus black color? I find the lighter color makes the interior look brighter, but just not sure how it fairs in the long run with smudging and keeping it clean?
I came to my 07 X Sport from an 04 Maxima which handled really well for a front wheel drive sedan.
The X handles better, though I haven't taken as sharp of high speed corners as I did in the Maxima. For city driving, power when you want it is the necessity, not really handling, and the X has that. |
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| scadagawd |
I guess it's the OEM tires I have with my TL (Michelin MxM4), but it sucks when I round a fairly steep curve (ie it will start to slide). I wanted to buy new Eagle F1 AS but never did since my OEM tire still had lots of thread.
How's the X feel rounding corners with tight radiuses? I know it may be a silly question but coming down hills during moderate icy condition, does the X handle this well? I know the TL with my OEM tires do not! Does snow much in Vancouver, but we had a really wierd winter this year...someone says it's global warming. |
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| bbmd |
The guys before me pretty much nailed the answer to your question, but I'll go ahead and add my opinion nevertheless.
The MDX is really, really stable. I guess mostly from it being so wide and with wide tires. You can pretty much push it as hard as the TL without any problems. It feels so stable that, in fact, going 50mph feels more like 30mph. Until I got used to it, I had trouble staying within the speed limits.
The biggest difference is the acceleration from a stop, where I would like to see the MDX go a bit faster. When accelerating at highway speeds though, the MDX seems to be more powerful and do it quicker.
The turning radius is actually better on the MDX as is the ride quality (even on Sport).
Breaks, although extremely solid, don't have the same perfectly linear feeling as on the TL (one of the best breaks out there IMO). You can kind of tell that they have to stop a much larger weight.
For city driving, however, I would recommend the TL, simply because it's faster from a stop, a bit more nimble, and smaller (just in width, as they're about the same length).
Both cars are really fun to drive. |
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| csmeance |
The MDX does really great on curves, but it will stop at the point at which you mind stops you, unlike the RL which still has enough power to go faster even though your mind will stop you.
Go to Maps.google.com and type in this address:
1891 Lpga Boulevard
Daytona Beach Florida
move over to the left and switch to satellite view, you will see 2 on/off ramps in a Q curve. I take these both doing about 65, maybe 70 at the time I exit onto the highway and maybe 55, 60 when in the middle of the curve. Mind you, I have the sport version and it does have a upgraded suspension. |
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| scadagawd |
csmeance,
If you use the same maps.google.com and type mcgill street vancouver bc, follow the st toward the left of the map until you hit the the corner, I did that with my TL at 65 and with my OEM Michellins almost went off the bank. My buddy made that bank going 70 with his 3rd gen TLS and a set of goodyear eagle F1s with no problems. Do you think the X could do the same? It would be awesome if it could! |
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| csmeance |
quote:
Originally posted by scadagawd
csmeance,
If you use the same maps.google.com and type mcgill street vancouver bc, follow the st toward the left of the map until you hit the the corner, I did that with my TL at 65 and with my OEM Michellins almost went off the bank. My buddy made that bank going 70 with his 3rd gen TLS and a set of goodyear eagle F1s with no problems. Do you think the X could do the same? It would be awesome if it could!
By the picture, I can't really judge the size of that curve/turn, but all I can say is that the X should be able to take that atleast doing 45MPH. Canada runs on KM, so that would be about 64.3 KMPH. If you look at that picture of the offramp towards the right of the 2, there is a redlight there. I have taken that turn doing about 30, maybe 35 so I wouldn't get rear ended by a semi. |
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