X5 safer; no side head airbag protection in MDX (archive)

I just want to second the two main points just made: (1) Look at the X5 3.0. It's closer in price and will be easier to justify. (2) The X5 is safer than the MDX.

I wrote a bunch of web pages that I mention on this board from time to time about why I think the X5 is so safe (the safest vehicle you can buy). A lot of newbies have come along since I last gave the link, so it's probably worth providing the link again (also linked below): http://www-cs-students.Stanford.EDU/~kpfleger/auto/

I don't talk specifically about the MDX in those web pages so let me point the 3 main issues in comparing safety with the MDX: (1) Crash tests: The X5 is excellent, the MDX hasn't yet been tested and the Odyssey on which it is based is good but not as good as the X5. Plus, the Odyssey's test is not an assurance that the MDX will do as well. With the X5 you can be confident it has already been tested. (2) Handling: The X5's handling is better based on skidpad numbers and subjective impressions of those who have test driven both. Be sure to at least test drive the X5 before purchasing the MDX. (3) Side head airbag protection: The X5 has it standard, the MDX doesn't have any side head airbag protection. In fact, no Acura or Hondas appear to at the moment according to: http://www.highwaysafety.org/vehicle_ratings/side_airbag.htm

So it comes down to safety vs. space mostly, with luxury and driving fun being probably lesser issues in this case, but definitely on the X5's side. Only if you REALLY need to carry more than 5 people, or REALLY need the extra cargo space, or REALLY can't afford the price difference between the MDX and the X5 3.0 should you get the MDX. And if people and cargo capacity are that important, you should probably get the Honda Odyssey instead unless you REALLY need to go off-road.

Have your dad read this post and my web pages if you think it will help. Good luck.

-Karl

We test drove the MDX, RX300, and X5. We had already had a preference towards the BMW for many reasons, and I have very little that it is probably the best, although not the cheapest. Getting over the price was very hard, but I think if you are comparing the MDX and 4.4i, I think you should go for the 3.0. MDX is great pricewise, and 4.4 is great productwise. If you are deciding between an X5 and an MDX, then price might be somewhat of a concern. Therefore, in my opinion, you should do what I did, get the 3.0. It sacrifices some of what the 4.4 has, but isn't that much more than an MDX. As far as convincing your dad, if he has the MDX in mind, then maybe the 4.4 isn't worth arguing for. Either way, the X5 is the best route to go. It is pretty much the safest SUV. Not that Acura handling and capability is aweful, but the BMW is better. If you have test driven the two, you might have noticed that the BMW has much more luxury and thought put into it. Although the MDX has a nice Navigation system and extra seating, BMW is still worth it. Go to the insurance institute website, make sure your dad knows just how safe the X is. So basically, in my opinion, you should go with the 3.0. I don't know your exact situation, but 3.0 is a great compromise between 4.4 and MDX.
PS. Good luck buying this week. As I have heard the MDX is kind of hard to find, and you're probably better off ordering the X if you are going for the 3.0.
I hope I have helped.

Follow Ups:

Yeah, Dad should... Wanting an X5 20:27 4/08/2001 (0)
importance of side head airbag protection Karl Pfleger 19:39 4/08/2001 (0)
forgot hyperlink Karl Pfleger 19:29 4/08/2001 (0)

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