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Acura RDX vs Infiniti EX35

62 messages,  Last post on Oct 18, 2010 at 6:36 PM

You are in the Acura RDX Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura RDX, Infiniti, SUV

Messages Page 6 of 7

#43 of 62 Re: Just purchased a G35, now looking at RDX and EX35 [wwest] by garandman

Nov 22, 2008 (6:37 pm)

Replying to: wwest (Nov 21, 2008 9:19 am)
Have you ever owned an AWD vehicle? The benefits of delivering power to all four wheels are not restricted to engine braking.
 
"I also think that any FWD or F/AWD can too easily lend a false sense of security to a driver not fully knowledgeable or experienced in the dynamics of handling these on a low traction surface. "
 
As that represents the vast majority of cars and crossovers sold in the Us today, I hope not......

#44 of 62 Re: Just purchased a G35, now looking at RDX and EX35 [garandman] by wwest

Nov 23, 2008 (11:29 am)

Replying to: garandman (Nov 22, 2008 6:37 pm)
"The benefits of delivering power to all four wheels is not restricted to engine braking.."
 
Not what I said, NOT nearly what I said.
 
There are LOTS of advantages of AWD...
 
But all of those advantages will be easily overcome if engine compresssion braking is primarily at the front wheels, as it is in most F/AWD systems. The new Acura TL is getting a manual transmission, that would NOT be a viable option except for the ability to have rear torque biasing upon a downshift, or severe throttle lift, on a low traction surface.
 
That's why there are very few stick shift FWD vehicles in the marketplace, and getting fewer every year. In the hands of an inexperienced driver they are PATENTLY UNSAFE in wintertime conditions. Even with FWD automatic transmissions the AAA is recommending that owners practice quickly shifting into neutral in preparation for doing that safely should the need arise, severe "plowing", understearing, on a low traction surface.
 
Personally I would add my suggestion, gained from real life experience. In those same circumstances the use of rear implemented e-brake, judiciously/slightly, can be a tremendous aid in both holding the "line" and slowing the vehicle to gain more "bite" for those front wheels.

#45 of 62 Re: Just purchased a G35, now looking at RDX and EX35 [garandman] by wwest

Nov 23, 2008 (11:40 am)

Replying to: garandman (Nov 22, 2008 6:37 pm)
"Have you ever owned an AWD vehicle...?"
 
Yes, first an '85 Jeep Cherokee Limited, then a '92, both with RWD/AWD/4X4hi/lo modes. The '92 has been retired to a north central MT cattle and wheat ranch and is still doing stellar duty.
 
A '94 AWD Ford Aerostar, "donated" to son.
 
A '00 AWD Chrysler T&C, "donated" to daughter.
 
An AWD '00 RX300, traded.
 
Currently...
 
A '94 AWD Ford Aerostar.
 
2001 Porsche 911/996 C4
 
2001 AWD RX300.
 
The '00 Lexus RX was primarily FWD using a VC, Viscous Clutch, to apportion torque to the rear if the front wheels slipped consistently, for a prolonged period. The '01 primarily uses TC braking to apportion torque and has a more flaccid VC for backup. The VC in my '01 has failed completely, ~80,000 miles, so I only have TC for AWD fucntionality.

#46 of 62 by garandman

Nov 26, 2008 (1:20 am)

Your experience with modern AWD systems could use some updating.

#47 of 62 Re: [garandman] by wwest

Nov 26, 2008 (11:03 am)

Replying to: garandman (Nov 26, 2008 1:20 am)
Sure...
 
Currently looking closely at the CX-7, RDX, and Ridgeline.
 
I Like the RDX's SH-AWD system, the CX-7's DISI engine, and the Ridgeline's utility. But I would settle, quickly, for a CX-7 with the FEH/MMH/Tribute's hybrid drive.
 
Suggestions...??
 
But expect knowledgeable rebuttals.
 
But for the moment I'm awaiting the details of the 2010 RX350 AWD system.
 
Otherwise I will probably be converting my F/AWD '01 RX300 to R/AWD.

#48 of 62 Re: RDX "AWD" [garandman] by 645e3a

Mar 01, 2009 (12:30 pm)

Replying to: garandman (Nov 15, 2008 2:53 pm)
> Instead, the rear differential is constantly overdriven by 1.7 percent. During straight line performance, that difference is scrubbed off by the clutch packs.
 
Hmm.. I can't see how this can possibly help on fuel economy.. I look forward to the 2010 RDX rumoured with FWD as a powertrain option.

#49 of 62 Re: RDX "AWD" [645e3a] by wwest

Mar 02, 2009 (10:00 am)

Replying to: 645e3a (Mar 01, 2009 12:30 pm)
"..scrubbed off by the clutch packs..." "...During straight line performance.."
 
In this case the only time the rear clutch packs are seriously engaged is during moderate to heavy acceleration, and you can't accelerate forever.
 
The RDX already has a FWD mode, all you need do is install a DPST switch to interrupt the flow of electricity to the rear clutch packs. Since they have positional feedback you would probably get a "don't care" failure code.

#50 of 62 went with EX by schnellesauto

Apr 07, 2010 (7:31 am)

I chose the EX35 over the RDX due to the fact that the EX35 is rear drive based on the FM platform, (no rebadged Nissan version, where as the RDX is a rebadged Honda CRV with a turbo, other enhancements) handled better, nicer interior, more refined in my opinon vs the RDX. I like the EX styling better. The only plus of the RDX was that it has more room in the backseat/cargo, but not a lot more. There was very good pricing last month on the EX, $7k under MSRP. The best RDX pricing was only $2k or $3k under MSRP. IN the end the EX was nearly $3k cheaper than RDX.

#51 of 62 Is Ride Quality a Priority by smarty666

Apr 08, 2010 (6:09 pm)

If ride quality is a priority of you then I would suggest the EX35 over the RDX. The ride on the EX35 was much smoother when I test drove it compared to the RDX, especially the models with AWD. The RDX with FWD had a slight improvment in ride quality over its AWD counterparts but still was much more harsh/choppy on the majority of surfaces compared to the EX35.
 
I also liked the body style a little bit better on the EX35 than on the RDX. Don't get me wrong the RDX is a great looking vehicle with lots of power with that turbo I4, but if ride quality is a priority then get the EX35.
 
Please, don't think I'm hating on Acura because I do drive a 08 TL

#52 of 62 Re: Is Ride Quality a Priority [smarty666] by schnellesauto

Apr 10, 2010 (7:40 am)

Replying to: smarty666 (Apr 08, 2010 6:09 pm)
The only negatives of the EX35 is the rear seat legroom and cargo is less than RDX. Otherwise in my extensive test drives and opinion it wins in every other category. I didn't like the turbo lag or handling on the RDX, RDX is front Wheel Drive based. RDX has poor fuel economy for a 4 cylinder vehicle. The EX's V6 gets same or better. Both use premium gas, so no savings there.
 
 The EX35 has no lower Nissan equivalent branded vehicle. The EX35 is on the G35/G37 FM REAR drive platform, where as the RDX is an over-glorified Honda CRV, same platform. It looks similar, from the sides, etc.
 
With the deals going on now, the EX was cheaper than RDX out the door.

Messages Page 6 of 7

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