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BMW X3 vs Subaru Forester XT vs Infiniti FX 35 vs Toyota RAV4
1193 messages, Last post on Apr 18, 2008 at 3:49 PM
You are in the BMW X3 & X5 Forum.- Your Hosts are Stever@Edmunds & kyfdx
What is this discussion about? BMW X3, Subaru Forester, Infiniti FX35, Toyota RAV4, SUV
#392 of 1193 Counterpoints by ateixeira
Jan 29, 2004 (7:20 pm)
Subaru dealers offer free loaner cars, I've already mentioned my last loaner was a Benz. We asked for and got a minivan the time before that. No problemo.How is BMW's AWD more intelligent, exactly? Remember, it's the Subie that is truly full-time, power to both axles all the time. The BMW is part-time reactive.
Subaru also has the air filters you brag about, in fact even my 1998 model has that. Oops!
Forester's cross bars come standard, and anything Yakima makes bolts on. If anything, Subaru has the advantage there. And it'll hold 150 lbs on the roof, how much will the Bimmer hold? 150 lbs is more than most.
X3 may handle better on smooth roads, but C&D said the ride was punishing. You're trading off something for that, it doesn't come free.
-juice
#393 of 1193 by p0926
Jan 29, 2004 (7:36 pm)
Mark- It all depends on what your priorities are. My XT already has a cabin air filter and I don't see a need for better traction control, shock, springs, headlights or a roof rack system. My dealer also gives free loaners and I don't expect to pay more than a few hundred dollars on maintenance. Also, I'll put the XT's AWD system up against the X-3's any day. So for me at least the cost differential is huge when I can get 95% of the capability for 50% of the price. Of course those are just my preferences and to each his own
-Frank P.
#394 of 1193 by p0926
Jan 29, 2004 (8:03 pm)
Just wanted to verify that we’re comparing the XT to the 3.0i X-3 and the AWD FX35. After all, the 2.5i and the RWD FX are just poseurs and definitely aren’t in the same class :(o)-Frank P.
#395 of 1193 by kdshapiro
Jan 29, 2004 (8:06 pm)
"How is BMW's AWD more intelligent, exactly? Remember, it's the Subie that is truly full-time, power to both axles all the time. The BMW is part-time reactive."No the BMW xdrive is infinitly variable full time. In addition only two wheels (any two) may be active at one time.
#396 of 1193 Honey, I'm home by zman
Jan 29, 2004 (8:13 pm)
73 new messages since I left for work this morning (I'm not sure I should count all the steak ones in the total though, but the technical comparisons were interesting, albeit a bit uneven). At this rate, the entire internet should be overloaded by March 15.Dave M., I'm leaning towards the OBXT (assuming they make one with a MT). The S4 is sweet; and I've actually driven one. Yes the dogs would ride in style, but there's no room for a TV!
Zman
#397 of 1193 juice... by mark_lp
Jan 29, 2004 (8:17 pm)
Unfortunately, my local Subaru dealer does not give loaner cars. Just like the local BMW dealers dont move much off sticker.BMW system is a full time AWD, not part-time reactive. It is biased roughly 60%rear 40%front under normal conditions. Power to both axles. The X3 controls the percentage based on road condition, gear, current engine torque, steering wheel angle, and yaw rate. These are items the XT is not monitoring. The X3 can also fully lock or disengage the axles from each other. The AWD combines with the Traction control systems to individually brake wheels as necessary. It also has the ability to measure when a trailer you are towing is out of control and breaks the car to correct that.
As far as air filter, the BMW uses a micro air filter and detects when the polluntants are too high and turns on the recirculation automatically. this means you never smell bad industrial odors in the manufacturing area of town. It also turns off the recirc. when the outside air is clean enough. If you have allergies that is a great bonus.
The X3 has larger interior storage by almost 15%, roof load capacity is 165 lbs and it can tow 3500 lbs. The XT is only a class one rated towing capacity. I think thats 2000 lbs.
The X3 ride is great. Most pre-production cars that went out had the sport package on them. That is a firmer ride and something I would not choose on this vehicle.
#398 of 1193 zman by dcm61
Jan 29, 2004 (8:19 pm)
Got the lean toward the OB XT, but you didn't side for the $200 or $10 steak dinner. How about the $89 or $5000 cruise (or the free ballistic style one)?DaveM
#399 of 1193 Mark by rsholland
Jan 29, 2004 (8:22 pm)
BMW system is a full time AWD, not part-time reactive. It is biased roughly 60%rear 40%front under normal conditions. Power to both axlesNot for MY '04. It's been changed to 100% RWD, and shifts power forward as needed.
Bob
#401 of 1193 by kdshapiro
Jan 29, 2004 (8:31 pm)
"Not for MY '04. It's been changed to 100% RWD, and shifts power forward as needed"It only goes into RWD mode about 112. Other times the system performs as Mark detailed above. However, the system is infinitly variable as far as power to the axles and to the wheels.
Like the FX it starts out a 0mph as a split between the front and rear axles and then works as described above. In addition, the system if slip is detected the xdrive will attempt to handle it, and if it can't fall-back to the DSC.
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