| Ilan |
Hi guys,
First post here. :-)
Currently I own an Audi S4 Avant and I'm thinking about selling it and buying an 05 MDX. I was wondering if anybody here was in the same boat as me and went from sports car to SUV.
I'm a little worried I'll miss the torque and overall sportiness of a German car, but I sure will enjoy the peace of mind you get with Acura's reliability. Not to mention, a more comfortable ride on these crappy Midwest roads.
I test drove a MDX today (Continental Acura in Naperville, IL). First time I was ever in a SUV. Felt quite slow but did drive nicely. Acura sure has improved since the early nineties. I also own a 90 Legend and the transmission on the MDX shifts so smoothly compared to my legend. Interior is OK, not as nice as my Audi's but the seats were more comfortable.
Anyhow, going from a German sports car to a cookie-cutter SUV, am I crazy? :D
Thanks for any input. |
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| midnightMDX |
| Welcome to the forum! And I see you are local. :D Why the sudden change? The Mdx will never equal a S4. Maybe you should test drive a 07+ Mdx with Sport package. Its vastly different than the 05. |
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| Ilan |
quote:
Originally posted by midnightMDX
Welcome to the forum! And I see you are local. :D Why the sudden change? The Mdx will never equal a S4. Maybe you should test drive a 07+ Mdx with Sport package. Its vastly different than the 05.
My S4 is an 01 model, so after selling it I figure I can afford an 05 MDX, nothing newer. I realize the MDX is no sports car, and really can't be compared to an S4.
I'm interested in the MDX for a few reasons. I like hatchbacks. My Audi is also a hatchback. I'm familiar with the Acura brand and own a 90 legend. I'd like something that's more reliable and not as costly to repair. I like big trunks. And I guess I'm getting old and would like something more laid back. Old at 32, yikes!
I'll miss the uniqueness of an S4, the rich interior, and exterior looks but won't miss the rough ride over every pebble on the road. Or have to crawl to a stop to go over speed bumps at every strip mall. Or have to swerve to the right and left in order to miss that minor pot hole here and there.
I don't know, still thinking about it but that's why I'm here posting. Just to get some ideas. |
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| G. COLTON |
Nothing unique or different about switching from sports cars to SUV. Many people own both and make the switch daily.
I was doing it 35 years ago. The sports car around town and at the track on weekends and the Suburban on trips.
The big vehicle on trips is much nicer.
I once drove a 1952 MGTD from Travis AFB (Between Sacramento and San Francisco) to Lubbock, Texas. Do not want to do that again!!!
G |
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| midnightMDX |
| I understand what you mean Ilan. Thats why I have my WRX wagon to fulfull my need for speed. When I need comfort, roominess and luxury I can always jump in the MDX. The MDX puts down some good power too. |
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| Tanner |
Similar situation with myself. I came from a 5-speed IS300 to the MDX. I am missing shifting my own gears...would have been great for me if the MDX came in a manual transmission.
The MDX does not handle as good as my old IS, the steering is much looser, and I am still adjusting to the size of the MDX. But given all that, I am really liking the new ride. I could have never placed 4 sets of golf clubs in the IS!
I find the utility to be great but you probably had that given you had the Avant model. I'll probably be back in a sports sedan again in the future but I plan on keeping the MDX for a long time. |
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| lion9mdx |
| The MDX is slower, no doubt, but it's fast enough to do what needs to be done on the road. Remember that Honda engines are happy to run at higher revs. Try a highway merge from 30 to 65 MPH in second gear and see if you really need more pickup than that. |
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| shootist |
quote:
Originally posted by lion9mdx
The MDX is slower, no doubt, but it's fast enough to do what needs to be done on the road....
An Audi S4 tried to aggressively zoom me (twice) on a 40 mph back road. When he couldn't, he tailgated me, as in "get a move on, old man in the SUV". I of course had my speed control set spitefully at 43.
Stopped at the next light, he behind me, both signaling to turn left. I dropped into Sport mode. Judiciously nailed it to the 55 MPH limit. Pinned the SH AWD to 5 bars on the MID. Eyeballs sloshed to the outside of the turn.
He respectfully stayed 50 yards behind the rest of the trip. I love my SUV.
(no MDX's were hurt during the filming of this encounter. Speed limits were never exceeded. No spectators were endangered. No head to head drage racing occurred. Your mileage may vary.) |
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| mdxforever |
a BMW X5 could be your answer - but ofcourse only at times when it's not in the shop.
needless to say you won't get the same thrill of a sports car from any suv but if you are hoping to find something that can come close, then the MDX is your only chance. Try test driving other suvs and you will see what I mean. |
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| Redwing |
Wow, that is a tough choice. I really don't know how to fit your needs other than maybe the Infiniti FX rides.
If you're looking for a SUV though, yikes, physics is just working against you.
I'd just make the call and look at the positives. Don't second guess yourself, it would either drive you nuts or diminish the positives.
Good luck. |
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| theOldMan |
If you are comming from a sports car and need an SUV, the MDX is a great choice. It has the right size, it if fast if you need it to be fast and handles great in the twisties.
I still own a recent 911 along with my 2008 MDX. The sports car still brings a smile to my face when I drive it. But since replacing a G35 with the MDX, I find I am driving the 911 less and less. The Acura is not a Porsche, but on a day to day basis, the MDX is the right choice for so many drives.
I have driven the 2005 MDX and it did not work for me. The suspension setup was good for a family SUV, but it really did not appeal to me at all. If you are used to a European car like the AUDI S4, you may find yourself wanting your S4 back. The 2007+ models are a totally different vehicle. They are closer to a European ride than a traditional Japanese ride.
Before commiting yourself to a 2005 MDX, checkout the newer versions. You may find a deal on a 2007 that will work with your budget. But, from my experience you may find yourself disappointed with the 2005 MDX versus being very happy with a 2007+ version. They may not be sports cars, but they are tuned to be driven. In my experience, the only other SUV that is as good for driving dynamics are the BMW X5 and X3. |
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| timbrwolf9 |
| I have twice gone from sports cars to SUVs. I occasionally miss having a sports car but I know for now I need the capabilities of an SUV more so. |
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