OK, I think Mr. V (if thats REALLY your name) got some opinions and info on a safety comparison. Now, the thread is spinning off-topic, and contains a lot of misleading info. Lets set the record straight on a few things - at least as far as an '08 MDX goes (I don't have any info on the '05, mentioned in the original post).
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Originally Posted by roadsession  The Honda is a much lighter car and is built on the Honda Accord platform. |
No, the MDX isn't built on an Accord platform, and it isn't lighter. Curb weight for an '08 MDX Tech is 4,559, compared to 4,387 for my '98 W163, and isn't much different from an '08 W164 at 4,705.
The MDX is longer than the W163, 190.7" vs. 180.6; and wider, 78.5 vs. 72.2. The height is slightly less. Inside, the MDX feels larger. It also seems to have a lower center of gravity. I feel cross-winds less, and the MDX doesn't feel as top-heavy in turns as an ML.
As to the frame, Acura talks about Advanced Compatibility Engineering construction ... whatever that means. All I know is the MDX earned a 5-star crash rating for both frontal and side impact tests from the NHTSA and a "top pick" from IIHS. It doesn't get better than that.
In another thread, you mentioned that MB makes the most beautiful cars. I agree! I think the ML looks better than the MDX, for what its worth. Hopefully, I'll get used to the MDXs goofy-looking grill!
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Originally Posted by pointman You think the MDX has more space? Oh really. |
It depends. With second and third rows flat, the MDX has 83.5 cu. ft. of volume, compared to 85.4 for the W163, and 72.4 for the W164.
For me, the MDX works fine. For big loads, I'm using a trailer anyway.
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Originally Posted by Porschescum Best way of describing it, period. The MDX is a FWD platform with a Rear drive system added. |
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Originally Posted by ml3addict first off...drive the mdx, then drive your ML....that alone should help you chose your decision. those cars drive like crap...it drives like a civic pretty much. and personally think it has more body roll then the ml....better street car of all those options would be the x5- drives, feels and handles like a car. mdx isnt sturdy like the x5 or ml |
The MDX 4WD is not some sort of add-on, but an advanced, adaptive purpose-built 4WD system. Most 4WD systems split power by braking, and only do it front vs. rear. The Acura system varies torque depending on need, not only front to back but wheel to wheel. For example, up to 100% of power can be directed to the outer wheels in spirited cornering. This system works so well that Car & Driver placed the Acura ahead of all others in their May 2007 comparison (alluded to earlier). Read for yourself here ...
2007 Land Rover LR3 HSE, 2007 Volkswagen Touareg V-6, 2007 Volvo XC90 Sport, 2007 Lexus GX470, 2007 Mercedes-Benz ML350, 2007 BMW X5 3.0si, 2007 Cadillac SRX AWD V-8, 2007 Acura MDX Sport - Comparison Tests - Car and Driver
An excerpt ...
Check it out: Greatest skidpad grip. Highest lane-change speed. Second-quickest sprint to 60 mph. Best driving position. Best back-seat comfort. Lightest curb weight. Steering and brake feel that were tied with the BMW’s. A ride as cushy as the Benz’s. And a fun-to-drive rating equaled only by the Cadillac’s. All of that for the lowest as-tested price.
On the freeway, even pushed by icy 30-knot sidewinds, the MDX tracked like an S-class Benz, with the sort of on-center feel you’d expect from an Audi. In turns, it took a firm and true set, requiring no midcourse corrections, always whispering to its driver, “Go ahead and nail it, chief — I may look like an SUV, but I’m actually a 300-hp wagon.”
IMHO, the MDX SW-AWD works better than the ML AWD in adverse street conditions, and also works better in dry-pavement conditions. As far as off-road capabilities, it doesn't matter to me. If I go off-road, it wasn't intentional! ;-)
For on-road driving, the MDX feels like a luxury sports car. The ride is near perfection, and it the twisties, cornering ability gets a steriod shot from the SH-AWD. Overall, much less roll than the W163, and much more centered and planted. Road feedback is excellent.
Drives like a Civic? Hardly. More like a Ferrari.
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Originally Posted by Porschescum MDX will have less "issues" but it also has less soul. Things like soul are important to me, but may not be important at all to you, and that is ok. |
LOL! Now we're talking about soul? Can you define that for me? Does it involve a huge three-pointed star on the grill?
While you're working on that, let me just mention the engine for a second. My MDX has a 3.7 V-6 VTEC, which is an adaptive engine. At low RPMs, the engine is quiet and economical. Once RPMs rise above 4500, though, the dual-stage intake manifold changes the air pathway, rushing more air to the engine, and the variable-flow exhaust valves open further to allow greater flow, all working to produce 300HP (the most of any naturally-aspirated V-6 currently available), 275 ft. lb. of torque, and an induction howl that sounds fantastic. The MDX will beat the W164 in 0-60 7.0 seconds vs. 7.9, and will absolutely leave a V-6 W163 for dead.
But, can I get 285k miles out of the MDX engine? Time will tell.
The MDX also features excellent brakes, well-thought-out safety features, excellent fit and finish, great seats, countless creature comforts, great electronics, etc. etc.
OK, here's the bottom line. For off-road use, the MDX probably isn't for you. Frankly, there are better off-roaders than the ML, IMHO. But for on-road, the MDX out-performs the ML, period. Add to that my expectations of lower repair costs, and the decision for me, given my intended use, was a no-brainer.
One final comparison which I found interesting was the amount of forum posts across models. This forum has almost 200,000 posts - and that only goes back to Feb. 2001. Most posts concern problems. Compare that to, say, AcuraMDX.org, which has only 10,600 posts in the general (multi-year) forum. The majority of those posts are about somebody's new rims or owners bitching because they have XM instead of Sirrius. What does that tell you?
And, yes, I realize this is an Mercedes forum full of rabid ML owners. Its a forum searched by prospective ML owners comparison shopping and current MLers considering their next purchase. So, lets cut thru this Civic bullshit and give them some facts. The truth shall set you free!
Of course, if you feel I've blasphemed the allmighty three-pointed star or otherwise stepped on your manhood, flame away! It always makes these threads more entertaining!
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