The MDX rides like your daddy's caddy. ;^) (archive)

Let me start out by agreeing with most here that honest MDX comparisons are indeed appropriate for this board. However, most of us can do without the silly stuff about egos and envy, et. al., on both sides.

I drove both the MDX and X5 before deciding on the X5. What made the decision for me was the superior transmission, handling, and the better fit and finish of the BMW's interior. I can see where saving $6-$8K, getting more interior room and two extra seats would be the deciding factors for others.

The MDX drives like the minivan its chassis is taken from. It's a front wheel drive vehicle - it's not permanent all-wheel drive like the X5. The MDX's rear wheel drive kicks when it thinks you need it, if you're at slow enough speeds. I experienced this firsthand driving around a corner up a fairly steep hill - the rear wheels chirped and I felt the rear end jitter outwards. As a whole, the ride is too soft and body lean to too much for my tastes. Downhill, you can't get engine braking in the D3, D4, or D5 tranmission selections, and the 1-2 selection is too low for my daily hill driving.

On the other hand, the X5 handles like a BMW sedan. I took a 270 degree on-ramp at almost double the posted speed without a squeal - I could probably go faster after knowing it a bit better. Swerving is safe and secure. The transmission has a sport mode that's easily engaged, and you can with a touch go into manual mode for your choice of shift points or engine braking at all speeds.

In terms of drivetrain, it's interesting to note that Acura has a separate "towing prep package" that you need to get a tow hitch installed. BMW apparently feels it's standard engine and transmission cooling are already up to the task of towing 5000 lbs.

Interior wise, I like the X5 better. The 3-spoke sport steering wheel makes living with an airbag tolerable, the seats are extremely comfortable, and the quality of everything you see and touch just feels right. The MDX is no slouch in this regard, just not as good IMHO. The MDX has a nicer NAV system, and all the rear seats fold flat, giving you a really big and useful cargo area, though.

Is the X5 overpriced? Depends on what's important to you. The X5 3.0's price is variable over a $10L range by what options you get. So, what does the $7K or so for the BMW buy you?:

- Full time permanent all wheel drive
- Dynamic Stability Control
- Transmission with manual and sport modes
- Self-leveling rear suspension
- Better interior fit and finish
- More comfortable seats

Bottom line, these are different vehicles, aimed at people who want different things. Neither is junk, neither is clearly superior in all aspects.

All in all, the MDX is a better value. Not just the 10 grand I saved over the X5 with the same equipment. And a better navigation system on the MDX, but also when it comes to resale. Acuras have held their value as well and in some cases better than BMW. If the difference was only 5,000 , I might have gone with the X5. Honda builds a very reliable machine and I feel good about my choice, especially when The MDX is the Sport Ute of the year.

Follow Ups:

Please no more JUDGING...this is starting to bore __eN_v_Us__ 20:03 11/08/2000 (0)

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