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Mainstream Large Sedans Comparison

6854 messages,  Last post on Jul 16, 2012 at 8:08 AM

You are in the Sedans Forum.

What is this discussion about? Buick Lucerne, Chevrolet Impala, Dodge Charger, Ford Taurus, Hyundai Azera, Toyota Avalon, Nissan Maxima, Pontiac G8, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 320 of 687

#3183 of 6854 Taurus Questions by desertrat5

Sep 10, 2007 (6:52 pm)

I finally was able to drive an AWD Taurus. In fact, I drove an SEL followed by a Limited. Both were AWD. I was surprised at the difference between the two vehicles - the steering of the SEL was almost too light while the Limited steering had a much more substantial feel to it. I wonder if this is a car to car difference or if the larger wheels and tires on the Limited make that much difference?
  
The Limited seemed quieter than the SEL. Other than that they were similar. I had an MKZ rental earlier this year and was impressed with the responsiveness of the engine/transmission combination. I believe this is the same package in the Taurus and it was nicely responsive. The SEL only had 26 miles on it while the Limited had nearly 2600 so the later felt quicker. I was greatly disappointed that Ford has chosen to not offer any greater manual control over the transmission. I had heard there was an OD lock out button but I couldn't find one and the sales person was of no help either. He did say all you had to do to manually downshift was to pull the selector back into low and the transmission would downshift one gear. When I did it the transmission went all the way to LOW. The tach certainly works okay:)!
  
The sales person also said that when you turn off the stability control it basically sends equal torque to all four wheels. Is this true?
  
Any feedback on the navigation system? The two dealers that I visited didn't have any vehicles so equipped.
  
We have been driving a series of AWD vehicles to replace our 2000 Park Avenue. Lots of nice vehicles but the Taurus seems to be the best compromise for our requirements. It is comfortable, handles decently, appears to get decent mileage and has AWD. I am not a FORD person but am leaning that way right now.

#3184 of 6854 Re: be careful what you wish for [cobrazera] by captain2

Sep 10, 2007 (8:21 pm)

Replying to: cobrazera (Sep 10, 2007 2:49 am)
true - CVTs have always been limited to low HP/torque econoboxes ever since they first appeared in the DAFs a long time ago - that tranny (if I'm not mistaken) literally used rubber bands moving up and down cones to effect gear ratios. Nissan metal/belt technology is different than anybody had tried and apparently also solves problems CVTs have had in low temperatures. Been around for awhile now in the heavier Murano successfully and beginning to appear in other models as well - but maybe still a little early to declare it a 'solution'. RemeMber that the CVTs are by nature much simpler (and lighter) thanj these new 5 6 7 and 8 speeds and therefore cheaper and easier to fix.
 
The Ford/Volvo CVT TMK used chains much more like a 10 (or 15) speed bike, and therefore would logically handle the 250 lb./ft.+ better - don't know why it was discontinued - perhaps reliability concerns, although I have heard of no such problems. A reliable CVT offered in a std FWD Taurus would seemingly allow for an extra mpg or two in the FE wars, much like it is now doing in the Maxima....

#3185 of 6854 Re: Taurus Questions [desertrat5] by captain2

Sep 10, 2007 (8:34 pm)

Replying to: desertrat5 (Sep 10, 2007 6:52 pm)
The sales person also said that when you turn off the stability control it basically sends equal torque to all four wheels. Is this true?
doubt this very seriously - if anything turning traction control off might send a bit more aft (not 50%). SC has alot to do with selective brake application, dethrottling, and in some cases even tranny gear selections, but TMK nothing to do with power delivery - if anything ultimate stability would be improved with equal torque to all wheels, turning the system off to improve stability would be contradictory. Sounds like a typical salesperson to me?

#3186 of 6854 Re: Taurus Questions [captain2] by tjc78

Sep 11, 2007 (4:25 am)

Replying to: captain2 (Sep 10, 2007 8:34 pm)
The Taurus is a FWD based car. As long as the front and rear wheels are spinning at the the same speed the rear wheels see no power. When the front wheels slip the computer will direct power to the rear wheels via a pump and clutch system. What I don't know is how much power the system is capable of directing to the rear. This is the same system Volvo uses with different computer controls for the FWD layout of the Taurus/500.

#3187 of 6854 Re: Taurus Questions [desertrat5] by havalongavalon

Sep 11, 2007 (7:53 am)

Replying to: desertrat5 (Sep 10, 2007 6:52 pm)
"I was surprised at the difference between the two vehicles - the steering of the SEL was almost too light while the Limited steering had a much more substantial feel to it."
 
"The SEL only had 26 miles on it while the Limited had nearly 2600..."
 
Possibly the tires in the SEL were still overinflated? Dealers are notoriously negligent about reducing tire pressure from 50-60 lb set at factory for transport, to spec value. With two cars that I bought new the steering felt way too light, and it was because tire pressures had been left way too high when delivered.

#3188 of 6854 Nissan Diesel by alexstore

Sep 11, 2007 (10:14 am)

According to edmunds, Nissan will introduce diesel into Maxima. I can guess that our future FE discussions will be based on who is getting 40+ mpg

#3189 of 6854 Re: Nissan Diesel [alexstore] by scbob

Sep 11, 2007 (11:23 am)

Replying to: alexstore (Sep 11, 2007 10:14 am)
Remember it well, the 70's and early 80's when American car companies offered diesels and engines that cut off some of the cylinders at crusiing speed.
  Most had tremendous mechanical problems and were near worthless two years later. All eventually disappered.

#3190 of 6854 Re: Nissan Diesel [scbob] by vic10

Sep 11, 2007 (12:47 pm)

Replying to: scbob (Sep 11, 2007 11:23 am)
"..... All eventually disappeared."
 
They're baaaack.......

#3191 of 6854 Re: Nissan Diesel [vic10] by tjc78

Sep 11, 2007 (12:52 pm)

Replying to: vic10 (Sep 11, 2007 12:47 pm)
"They're baaaack....... "
 
Great... why not combine it with a CVT and a have really sterile driving experience.

#3192 of 6854 Re: Nissan Diesel [tjc78] by vic10

Sep 11, 2007 (1:00 pm)

Replying to: tjc78 (Sep 11, 2007 12:52 pm)
Well, maybe the one I think Honda has that works with a V6 would be a bit, ah, muted. But the one in my hemi 300C is not at all. And you definitely see the difference in fuel burn when you're on 4 cylinders.

Messages Page 320 of 687

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