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SUVs BMW X3 & X5 BMW X3 vs Acura RDX
327 messages, Last post on Nov 24, 2009 at 11:53 AM
You are in the BMW X3 & X5 Forum. Your Hosts are steve_ & tidester
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Replying to: jblaze13 (Dec 31, 2006 10:48 am)
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Replying to: wwest (Dec 31, 2006 11:10 am) |
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Replying to: wwest (Dec 31, 2006 11:10 am)
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Replying to: robertsmx (Jan 01, 2007 9:45 am) The RDX is the first example I have seen of a reasonably functional AWD system on a FWD base. But almost doesn't get them my cigar. While it doesn't hurt to have an AWD system in a RWD base it certainly isn't as necessary from a safety standpoint as adding a functional AWD capability to a FWD "base". I keep hoping the next version of the Lexus RX will have adopted the RDX AWD concept.
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Replying to: wwest (Jan 01, 2007 11:34 am) I wasn't talking about FWD but RWD. Apparently, according to you, there is no need to mitigate low traction roadbed hazards of RWD, so AWD is unnecessary. True?
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Replying to: robertsmx (Jan 01, 2007 8:47 pm) Obviously the RDX is headed in the correct "direction" in those respects. |
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Replying to: wwest (Dec 31, 2006 11:10 am) Frankly, I'm not even sure about the race track as Mazda and Acura have been routinely beating BMWs in motorsports using FWD vehicles to do it. When comparing them from a market perspective (not as a race car driver), I think Jblaze has a point. It's not completely dissimilar to the sales floor competition between the RDX (mid-30K range) and the old MDX, which was also priced in that range. The larger market doesn't care about RWD-bias and will purchase as much vehicle as they can get for their dollar. The same will happen to the X3 and BMW will either need to offer better deals or allow sales to slump a wee bit until they give it a full redesign. Nothing wrong that that. It happens with just about every vehicle. The older a car gets, the more competitive the competition gets. To keep the drive train comparison alive for a second, the TL bested 3 series sales for almost two years until BMW refreshed it. And that was FWD vs RWD, not this over-blown AWD-bias debate. |
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| I keep reading all of these points here about AWD bias, performance, luxury, etc. and though each of these items are pretty subjective, I think there are a few things I would tend to lean towards. First, having relatives that own X3s, they are beautiful vehicles inside and out. The biggest knocks to them that I can find are that they ride pretty stiff and the servicing from the dealerships are much below average (i.e. once they get your sale, they aren't too interested in helping you out). I also took a test drive of the RDX and find that it performs quite well and is certainly as much fun to drive as the X3. It is rare, if ever, that one would get into an actual driving situation where the difference between the performance of these two vehicles would be appreciated. So any real claimed advantage for X3 in performance may actually be a negative in real-world driving (i.e. not having all-wheel drive or not being able to utilize its full potential). The biggest difference though is UI (user interface). I don't know what it is about German cars, but even a boat-load of money can't buy you a car with a decent UI. I think it is a real shame. BMW and Mercedes both suck at this... their technology is just not well integrated or intuitive. How buyers put up with this for the price they pay is amazing. If the iDrive system were even remotely intuitive, they would get good marks and would definitely "rule the roost". But as physical performance in vehicles is only making refinements rather than "big" leaps, technology and the user's experience comes more into play. This is, ironically Acura's strength. Their navigation systems and overall audio/video integration with their vehicles are truly the best, no question. Even sitting in a Lexus, it was obvious to me that they were at least a year or two behind in this category. However, whether that is enough of a compelling selling point for the RDX is a big question. For me, the overall package for the RDX is still a little better than the X3. Contrary to some other comments here, the "wow" factor of technology may wear off initially, but the use of it actually grows as one learns more about the advantages offered. My only real major concern comes down to engines. Why Acura didn't lift the V6 from the TL I don't know. I much prefer BMW's X3 inline six to Acura's turbo-charged 4. The 2007 X3 has a much stronger and more fuel-efficient engine and the BMW's engine has proven itself over time to be quite reliable. Add to that no maintenance costs for 4 years, and the "gap" narrows considerably. If I could wrestle away an X3 for close to the RDX's price, I may do so, but honestly, it isn't going to happen and I like to be treated well at a dealership when I go in for servicing. Hopefully other options will pop up soon or more competition will keep them both on their toes. However, I don't think either vehicle is a bad choice. They are both, without a doubt, at the top of their class. Even the Lexus RX 350 is significantly less of a vehicle (lacks performance and handling though has a softer ride). So it is just a matter of what is going to be one's preference and how much they are willing to spend to get it. | |
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