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First Gen vs Second Gen Same Performance? - Click HERE for Original Thread
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kaiserseal
I have been driving my 01 MDX since new in 2000, and have trouble trading it in, being that it has not been in the shop a day for a repair. Finally now near the end of the warranty I am getting a new tranny, and a host of other updates. My loaner is a 2007 MDX.

First let me say, I love this SUV, and I am not going to compare the two, the new Gen is better in every way. Here is my curosity. I went online to see how much faster the 07 is (it feels much faster) only to find my 240HP 3.5 ties the 300HP 3.7 0-60 at 8.1 seconds. How is this possible? To add insult to injury, I get about 20 MPG, and in the last three weeks the 07 MDX is consistent at about 17.
Dishoom
Here's something for a comparison between the two:

http://autos.msn.com/research/compa...104104&v=t93691

It's a bit unfair to compare a used MDX to a new MDX (the loaner) in terms of mpg, the new vehicle is yet to broken in and mileage could improve.

Although more powerful, the newer MDX is about 300lbs heavier, so straight-line acceleration may not actually be quicker. However, in terms of handling and features there is simply no comparison between a 2001 MDX and a 2007 MDX.
craniotes
quote:
Originally posted by kaiserseal
I went online to see how much faster the 07 is (it feels much faster) only to find my 240HP 3.5 ties the 300HP 3.7 0-60 at 8.1 seconds. How is this possible? To add insult to injury, I get about 20 MPG, and in the last three weeks the 07 MDX is consistent at about 17.


I suppose it depends on where you go to get your test results. The "big three" car magazines -- Car and Driver, Road & Track, and MotorTrend -- have all posted 0-60 times well under eight seconds for the new X (Car and Driver recorded seven seconds flat). Given their focus and credentials, I'd stick with their times over Consumer Reports, Edmunds, et al.

As for your mileage, can't help you there.

Regards,
Adam
csmeance
The SH-AWD is the cause of this, 30% loss in power to the wheels, while the Older MDX had a loss of 18%.
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eujinc
quote:
Originally posted by csmeance
The SH-AWD is the cause of this, 30% loss in power to the wheels, while the Older MDX had a loss of 18%.


I am curious, where did you get this info from?
Fabvsix
AWD systems are known for robbing power.....not new news.....no doubt the 07+ will hand a 1st gen their A$$ on twisties. Straight line:8: :8:
eujinc
An increase from 18% to 30% power loss seems huge and I was wondering where this info was obtained.

From this site http://www.hondanews.com/categories/714/releases/4235 the SH-AWD is not only 7% lighter than the VTM-4 of the 1st gen but is also able to transfer 37% more torque to the rear. I know there is no correlation to the actual loss of drivetrain power but by all accounts, the 2nd gen should be quicker in a straight line.
craniotes
The 2nd generation is faster in a straight line than the 1st generation. Period. Whether or not it's as fast as it "should" be, is another matter, and which I'm not technically qualified to comment on. All I do know is that a 2nd generation MDX can pretty much spank a 1st generation in every measurable performance category (standing start acceleration, at speed acceleration, handling, braking...).

Regards,
Adam
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csmeance
quote:
Originally posted by eujinc


I am curious, where did you get this info from?


NeruonBob dyno'ed his RL on the RLforums and got around 200 WHP and 195WTQ, on a 4 wheel dyno. I'll try to find the dyno sheet for that.
Fabvsix
And a light weight/good driver can prove otherwise!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:12: :26: :trustme:
kingmdx
Got to agree with craniotes... reputable car mags/sites show the new MDX as faster in the 0-60. So that's most likely an error or a website that's not updating properly.

As far as what this current engine can do... I think it's under rated from what this engine could be producing...which to me is a good thing ...i feel more confident with an engine that is run at the lower-mid end ...than an engine that's topped out running high.

It will come to me as no shock when a new year/model comes out and has a 20-40 hp increase. I can see them getting that quite easily.
Dishoom
Here are the stats that I found on MSN:

2007 Acura MDX 4WD - V6 3.7L (300 hp)
0 - 60 Time: 7.34
(seconds) 1/4 Mile Time: 15.78
(seconds) 1/4 Mile Speed: 90.60
(mph) Braking 60 - 0 mph (ft.): 135



2001 Acura MDX 4WD - V6 3.5L (240 hp)
0 - 60 Time: 7.93
(seconds) 1/4 Mile Time: 16.25
(seconds) 1/4 Mile Speed: 85.90
(mph) Braking 60 - 0 mph (ft.): 159


...so the newer MDX is faster and brakes better!
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kaiserseal
quote:
Originally posted by craniotes
The 2nd generation is faster in a straight line than the 1st generation. Period. Whether or not it's as fast as it "should" be, is another matter, and which I'm not technically qualified to comment on. All I do know is that a 2nd generation MDX can pretty much spank a 1st generation in every measurable performance category (standing start acceleration, at speed acceleration, handling, braking...).

Regards,
Adam



A few 10ths of a second does not really qualify as a Spank. I have even caught a few reviews that put the 1st Gen quicker to 60. Since my wife makes most of her trips less than 5 miles, and waits on a cue to pick up the kids at school for over twenty minutes, she was getting about 12MPG. Now that I drive the MDX, mostly on the interstate I get 23MPG. To save gas, I bought her a RAV4 V6. That little bugger hits 60 in about 6 seconds, and made me feel silly when she raced me from a light in an 07 MDX. Not to get flamed, I am still trying to figure out if I want to do the upgrade, I like the new MDX that much, but when RAV4s, Honda Accords, and other much less expensive rides significantly outperform Acuras, the engineering dept needs a kick in the Butt. I previously sold an 04 RL for the same reason. Not enough power to move what was a near perfect car in every other way.

01 MDX 0-60 7.7 sec Edmunds
07 MDX 0-60 8.1 sec Edmunds Car Space 2007 Acura MDX full test
craniotes
Hey, you've gotta do what you've gotta do, but comparing a V6 RAV4 to an MDX doesn't really make a whole lot of sense in my book. What, just because the Acura is more expensive it's supposed to be faster? The RAV weighs a lot less, ergo, it's motor is going to be able to push the car faster (that thing is veritable rocket in the "cute-ute" class). Heck, a RAV can also beat an Escalade, an ML, a V8 XC, a GX, an RX, a GL, an X5 3.0... (I could go on here); does this mean it's better than them too? Nope, just different.

And again, the new MDX is faster than the old MDX. P.E.R.I.O.D. Don't show me what Edmunds is posting, show me what Car and Driver, Road & Track and Motor Trend are posting. It's also faster than a bunch of the aforementioned mid-size and full-size SUVs mentioned above, if that makes you feel any better. And while a 1.5 second difference in 0-60 times may not qualify as a spanking in your book (again, I'm using C&D times here), there's no denying that in terns of overall vehicle dynamics the 2nd generation MDX is a huge leap over the 1st generation. That said, it sure as hell isn't gonna tear up the drag strip on a Saturday night, but it can more than hold its own with its main competitors.

Now if you're looking for absolute speed and performance, perhaps a Cayenne Turbo S is more up your alley. If cargo space is a must, I would also recommend the GL 550. Both of these SUVs are faster than your wife's RAV 4. Of course either one is gonna cost ya... ;)

Regards,
Adam
Fabvsix
I thought I recognized you from AcuraWorld.com. I love my 04 RL, 07 MDX and 07 RDX. If I want a rice rocket ride, I get in the RDX and suddenly realized I MUCH prefer the MDX regardless if its seconds slower. The 04 RL was NEVER intended to spank other equals (LS400) but has proven reliablity at best. As you stated it is bullet proof, at least mine is.....:1:
kaiserseal
quote:
Originally posted by Fabvsix
I thought I recognized you from AcuraWorld.com. I love my 04 RL, 07 MDX and 07 RDX. If I want a rice rocket ride, I get in the RDX and suddenly realized I MUCH prefer the MDX regardless if its seconds slower. The 04 RL was NEVER intended to spank other equals (LS400) but has proven reliablity at best. As you stated it is bullet proof, at least mine is.....:1:


Good to see ya Fabsix, I am going to make an offer on the 08 MDX after work, if it goes well, you will find me here more often. They have a demo with all the toys, and 5K miles. Hoping 40K cash will do it, 7 below sticker. I do miss a lot about my 04 RL, but that damn right foot is like a crack addict, must have speed. The MDX has enough go to make me smile, but I just like the feel and look of the MDX. Wish me luck...
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Fabvsix
We wish you the best and look forward to you and you new 08 MDX!
I just took the RL for a cruise to pick up lunch. They don't build them this way anymore....It is so solid, brakes well, great sound system, excellent air conditioning system. She turned 4 years old with a whopping 19,764 miles :crying: :crying: :crying:

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