'04 G35x vs. '08 Acura RDX - First Thoughts

[jerdubois]

Hello All -

I just purchased a replacement car for my wife's '99.5 Pathfinder LE. We decided to go edgier with a brand spanking new '08 Acura RDX w/ Tech.

First impressions are very good. Though I haven't mashed the gas (only 250 miles on it so far), the tester we drove is quick. Real quick (0-60 in 6.5). Quick enough to make it feel faster then the G35x (granted it's an '04, but still).

The interior build quality is about even, with a slight edge given to Acura so far. In addition, the additional features (nav, blue-tooth, trip-computer, memory seats and mirrors, rear-tipping side-view, voice recognition, etc) is far superior in the Acura.

What surprised me the most was the handling. This car handles and corners on par if not slightly better then the G35x. The SH-AWD really is NOT a marketing gimmic. It works amazingly well. You can really get into a turn with it and it does NOT budge. This is on "grand touring" tires.

I am disappointed with the lack of a V6 on the RDX, but the i-4 Turbo has some kick (240 hp) and will be pretty fun to drive. But the mpg is not nearly as bad as they advertise (closer to 22 vs. an advertised 19) -- of course that's with me babying the car through its first tank

All in all, I have to say I am impressed. Acura always was a 2nd or 3rd option for me, but now I will have to seriously consider a AWD TL or RL as a replacement for the G35x in a couple years.

Would I trade my G for my wife's RDX? Heck no. The G is plenty of fun, I enjoy the looks, and now, after driving the RDX, it feels more raw (ironic, huh?) then the RDX. The RDX is definitely tailored to the urbanite / women scene. The G has a bit more testosterone built in and still rumbles a lot more. And besides, I love the sound of the VQ35 and exhaust.

Just some thoughts. If you are looking for a mid-size CUV/SUV, I definitely recommend looking at the RDX.

Cheers!

[madchef]

We're talking about an SUV right? I've driven both and I certainly don't think the Acura SUV out handles the Infiniti sedan. I respect the technology and fit and finish of the RDX, but I'd have to give the performance edge to the G in every respect. I like the turbo model as well, but I think if I was in the market I'd be hard pressed to pass up the EX

[jerdubois]

Madchef - you would be surprised how well this thing handles...

But having drove my G into work today, I LOVE the sound that VQ makes!

[05Scoobyroo]

We test drove the RDX for my fiance when we got her the CR-V, it handled amazingly, almost a little scary, cause the ground is further away that normal (car vs. min SUV), we would have gotten the RDX instead of the CR-V if they didn't rake you over the coals (at that time) with the pricing.

[jerdubois]

Originally Posted by 05Scoobyroo

We test drove the RDX for my fiance when we got her the CR-V, it handled amazingly, almost a little scary, cause the ground is further away that normal (car vs. min SUV), we would have gotten the RDX instead of the CR-V if they didn't rake you over the coals (at that time) with the pricing.

Yah it's not cheap. But if you compare it to the X3 or Lexus RX330 (both similar footprint) it's actually a bargain. It comes pretty well loaded as a base model ($33K), but the Tech package ($37K) puts it over the top.

[Shuric]

Originally Posted by jerdubois

All in all, I have to say I am impressed. Acura always was a 2nd or 3rd option for me, but now I will have to seriously consider a AWD TL or RL as a replacement for the G35x in a couple years.

Are they coming out with AWD TL in the future? I just checked KBB and all 08 models say FWD. If that's the case, i will seriously consider an AWD TL in a couple of years.

[accordsirrus]

Originally Posted by jerdubois

Hello All -

I just purchased a replacement car for my wife's '99.5 Pathfinder LE. We decided to go edgier with a brand spanking new '08 Acura RDX w/ Tech.

First impressions are very good. Though I haven't mashed the gas (only 250 miles on it so far), the tester we drove is quick. Real quick (0-60 in 6.5). Quick enough to make it feel faster then the G35x (granted it's an '04, but still).

The interior build quality is about even, with a slight edge given to Acura so far. In addition, the additional features (nav, blue-tooth, trip-computer, memory seats and mirrors, rear-tipping side-view, voice recognition, etc) is far superior in the Acura.

What surprised me the most was the handling. This car handles and corners on par if not slightly better then the G35x. The SH-AWD really is NOT a marketing gimmic. It works amazingly well. You can really get into a turn with it and it does NOT budge. This is on "grand touring" tires.

I am disappointed with the lack of a V6 on the RDX, but the i-4 Turbo has some kick (240 hp) and will be pretty fun to drive. But the mpg is not nearly as bad as they advertise (closer to 22 vs. an advertised 19) -- of course that's with me babying the car through its first tank

All in all, I have to say I am impressed. Acura always was a 2nd or 3rd option for me, but now I will have to seriously consider a AWD TL or RL as a replacement for the G35x in a couple years.

Would I trade my G for my wife's RDX? Heck no. The G is plenty of fun, I enjoy the looks, and now, after driving the RDX, it feels more raw (ironic, huh?) then the RDX. The RDX is definitely tailored to the urbanite / women scene. The G has a bit more testosterone built in and still rumbles a lot more. And besides, I love the sound of the VQ35 and exhaust.

Just some thoughts. If you are looking for a mid-size CUV/SUV, I definitely recommend looking at the RDX.

Cheers!

RDX can be cheaply modify by HONDATA ecu reprogramming as what i read from HONDATA website.It says 350 HP/340 trq. for $800.