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Acura MDX Sport vs Tech. Opinions on Handling

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#1 of 37 Acura MDX Sport vs Tech- Opinions on Handling by chefjoe Nov 24, 2007 (9:25 pm)
Buying a 2008...trying to decide whether to go with the sport model. Difficult to assess what long range ride comfort will be like on a short test drive. Any opinions or thoughts would be welcome. Main concern is that sport may be a little stiff ride- realize this can be disengaged, but then why buy the sport if I turn it off? Any folks with the base unhappy with too much roll in stops and turns? Thanks for any input! Replies to this message: mvs1 (Nov 25, 2007 8:13 am) upstatedoc (Nov 26, 2007 7:28 am) dms9 (Nov 26, 2007 4:09 pm) kingtroll1 (Dec 22, 2007 9:30 pm)
#2 of 37 Re: Acura MDX Sport vs Tech- Opinions on Handling [chefjoe] by mvs1 Nov 25, 2007 (8:13 am)
Replying to: chefjoe (Nov 24, 2007 9:25 pm) My wife and I just test drove a sport and non-sport equipped model on Friday, as she looks for a replacement to her leased A4. We drove the sport first and we both asked the salesperson many questions about the differences of this option, specifically the ride and handling. He stated some of his customers cannot tell the difference while others can.   I would recommend driving them both back to back. We did and noticed the sport to feel grounded to the road, we took the same twisting roads and the differences between the two were noticeable. I was very uncomfortable in the non-sport model. It felt like a traditional SUV, heavy, while the sport felt balanced and confident.   We did not find the sport equipped model to be harsh in either mode. However we did not notice much difference with it engaged or off, but we also did not take the same road with this feature on/off, simply toggling between the two periodically.   The Acura website offers details on the differences what we noticed were the suspension and the perforated seats.   My wife is currently driving an A4, so her bias leans toward a better handling ride. She likes the MDX, and we would not purchase one without the sport option. She's still undecided...so the search continues.
#3 of 37 Re: Acura MDX Sport vs Tech- Opinions on Handling [chefjoe] by upstatedoc Nov 26, 2007 (7:28 am)
Replying to: chefjoe (Nov 24, 2007 9:25 pm) I have an '07 sport and can easily tell the difference between comfort and sport modes. You need to take an extended test drive over various terrains to see the differences. With any luck, they might let you take one for the weekend. As for engaging/disengaging the sport mode, that's the beauty of it. If you're on a smooth highway keep it sport for a more spirited ride. When on the back roads, comfort is a much better ride. My wife loves it (sarcasm) when I announce "we're going sport!"
#4 of 37 Re: Acura MDX Sport vs Tech- Opinions on Handling [chefjoe] by dms9 Nov 26, 2007 (4:09 pm)
Replying to: chefjoe (Nov 24, 2007 9:25 pm) BUY THE SPORT   You don't "disengage" it, you temper it. I drive most of the time in the comfort mode, but that doesn't mean it's off. The shocks have iron filings in them. The car adjusts the stiffness of the ride to each shock separately by running current through the shock. Even in the comfort mode, its working. You notice it when you break hard and the nose doesn't dive very much, or when you take an off ramp just a little too fast and the car stays flat. If you are going to buy the NAV system anyhow, buy the sport, you will enjoy it much more. It's always on and works even better with the SHAWD. You also get some nicer finishes, some metal on the dash instead of plastic, (much) nicer leather, better tires and better rims (which are easier to clean).
#5 of 37 Re: Acura MDX Sport vs Tech- Opinions on Handling [chefjoe] by kingtroll1 Dec 22, 2007 (9:30 pm)
Replying to: chefjoe (Nov 24, 2007 9:25 pm) I have the sport package on my 07 MDX, I can definitely say there is a "big" difference in the ride characteristics of sport and comfort. I always use the sport setting, particularly at highway speeds. I find the comfort setting to soft and bouncy, but the ride is similar to what you'd expect in a luxury vehicle.   I recommend the sport package, since it's nice to have the choice.
#6 of 37 Thanks for all the advice! by chefjoe Dec 26, 2007 (5:02 am)
Will test drive both today and see how they ride in comparison J
#7 of 37 SPT vs. non-SPT - more feedback please by rmrc Apr 10, 2008 (7:20 am)
^^bump.   I'm currently debating the same thing (SPT ENT vs. TECH ENT) for my wife. I drive a BMW 335i spt 6-sp manual trans and so I obviously prefer a sportier ride. My wife currently has a Merc R350 (avoid!!!) so I'm having trouble deciding if she'll appreciate the Sports suspension. Or, will I appreciate the sports suspension enough while I'm driving to justify the $2,000 charge. I'm thinking it's worth it but any additional feedback from both SPT and non-SPT owners would be greatly appreciated! Replies to this message: upstatedoc (Apr 11, 2008 9:59 am) rmrc (Apr 11, 2008 11:36 am)
#8 of 37 another A4 owner opinion by jmpage2 Apr 10, 2008 (9:52 am)
While I didn't get a chance to extensively test drive both versions I did drive both the Sport and non Sport models several times before making a decision. I did notice that the sport model in sport mode had tighter turn in and felt like it could pull more lateral-G than the non sport model.   On the other hand I still found the handling of the non sport model very very good for such a large heavy vehicle.   We have lots of seamed concrete roadways around here and I found that the sport model pounded over them quite hard in either comfort or sport setting... this was too much like the rock hard suspension on the FX35 for my wife's comfort.   Additionally the residual value on the sport model is not as good as the base or tech models so ultimately I crossed sport off my list for those reasons. Replies to this message: rmrc (Apr 11, 2008 5:27 am)
#9 of 37 Re: another A4 owner opinion [jmpage2] by rmrc Apr 11, 2008 (5:27 am)
Replying to: jmpage2 (Apr 10, 2008 9:52 am) Thanks for the input. Another draw of the SPT is the always active suspension but again is it worth the extra $2k....? Well at least after a little more haggling I've secured $500 over invoice on both models. While I've driven both the SPT and non-SPT I haven't driven them back-to-back. That will change tomorrow (Saturday) morning. Hopefully a back-to-back comparison will make the decision easier.
#10 of 37 Re: SPT vs. non-SPT - more feedback please [rmrc] by upstatedoc Apr 11, 2008 (9:59 am)
Replying to: rmrc (Apr 10, 2008 7:20 am) I chose the Sport model because I was coming from a TL and also having an "04 MDX which is rather squishy, I wanted the option of being able to switch back and forth because it was going to be my primary driver. However, things change, my wife has now comandeered it and I am back to driving the '04. I did even things out a little and got my self a "fun car" for the summer, an '08 VW GTI. My opinion is if you are not going to be the primary driver and your wife doesn't care either way, save your money. Even when I was the primary driver of the '07, it was in comfort mode for 95% of the time. Replies to this message: rmrc (Apr 11, 2008 11:36 am)

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