Volvo XC90 or Acura MDX?

[meep]

even the previous version of their AWD is pretty neat as far as handling. We have an 02 and it has been in the family since new. It's had a couple more issues than some of the classic "honda" name suggests, but the important stuff has all been good. Trans is great, engine is smooth and peppy, and it handles like a cat.

the rear drive is limited to about 155ft/lbs per rear axle (IIRC) for torque, but that seems to be enough to mostly hide the fact that it is a primary FWD vehicle on a launch or turn/launch. the driving dynamics are nicely sorted. The steering is a bit heavy for my taste but besides that it does have a nice blend between comfort and road feel.

 

[gofast182]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: SteveSRT8
Not only the above, but the torque vectoring tricks and inside wheel braking make the MDX delightfully NOT like most SUV type vehicles when you are in the driver's seat!


Very true. The SH-AWD system is pretty durn cool.

There's a familiar on-ramp near my house that I can take in the [4500lb] MDX faster than my TSX and nearly as fast as my S2000. You can't really feel SH-AWD shifting the power around but you know it's doing it by the way it hooks up and just pulls/rotates you through a corner. It's quite remarkable; you find yourself saying, "Wow, this shouldn't be able to do that."

 

[Hokiefyd]

Originally Posted By: gofast182
There's a familiar on-ramp near my house that I can take in the [4500lb] MDX faster than my TSX and nearly as fast as my S2000. You can't really feel SH-AWD shifting the power around but you know it's doing it by the way it hooks up and just pulls/rotates you through a corner. It's quite remarkable; you find yourself saying, "Wow, this shouldn't be able to do that."


When it comes time to sell or trade our '05 MDX we will most likely replace it with a 2nd generation (or, at the rate it's going, with a 3rd generation) car with that system. I've driven one once, and you're right. "This shouldn't be able to do that," is a great description of the impression you get driving it.

 

[jrustles]

Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: gofast182
There's a familiar on-ramp near my house that I can take in the [4500lb] MDX faster than my TSX and nearly as fast as my S2000. You can't really feel SH-AWD shifting the power around but you know it's doing it by the way it hooks up and just pulls/rotates you through a corner. It's quite remarkable; you find yourself saying, "Wow, this shouldn't be able to do that."


When it comes time to sell or trade our '05 MDX we will most likely replace it with a 2nd generation (or, at the rate it's going, with a 3rd generation) car with that system. I've driven one once, and you're right. "This shouldn't be able to do that," is a great description of the impression you get driving it.


Wow, that sounds impressive. I have never had the opportunity to experience a torque vectoring vehicle before, but it really sounds similar to the "push" through a turn that comes from negative camber, without the uneven treadwear

 

[SteveSRT8]

Originally Posted By: jrustles
Originally Posted By: Hokiefyd
Originally Posted By: gofast182
There's a familiar on-ramp near my house that I can take in the [4500lb] MDX faster than my TSX and nearly as fast as my S2000. You can't really feel SH-AWD shifting the power around but you know it's doing it by the way it hooks up and just pulls/rotates you through a corner. It's quite remarkable; you find yourself saying, "Wow, this shouldn't be able to do that."


When it comes time to sell or trade our '05 MDX we will most likely replace it with a 2nd generation (or, at the rate it's going, with a 3rd generation) car with that system. I've driven one once, and you're right. "This shouldn't be able to do that," is a great description of the impression you get driving it.


Wow, that sounds impressive. I have never had the opportunity to experience a torque vectoring vehicle before, but it really sounds similar to the "push" through a turn that comes from negative camber, without the uneven treadwear


Note that it also brakes the inside wheel to help with turn in now. Actually others are doing it too, but Acura has it developed to amazing efficiency and transparency.

 

[Vikas]

What is the track record for maintenance of that system? I recall it is fluid based and has some stringent requirements. Is it easy enough to check it out as a part of pre purchase inspection?