Hey guys,

I'm going to be trading in my 2005 6MT for a 2007 5AT or X when they come out. I love my 6MT, but I'm now driving upwards of 25K miles/year and need something less annoying in day to day gridlock.

What are the key performance differences between the X and the 5AT RWD models? I'm not only asking about HP differences and curb weight, but also handling, braking, cabin noise, etc. How do these two models compare?

Thanks in advance.

 

Since you live in WA the AWD will be useful in the winter... otherwise I don’t know why you would want it. - not slamming the X, I just don’t see a benefit in fair weather states.

 

Well, the X can lap a track faster than the RWD sedan or coupe. There's one advantage right there. Oh, and before anyone goes off on my, that's not my opinion, it's Car and Driver, MotorTrend and several others.

 

X = better handling + it can be turned off

RWD = quicker in a line

The X will get you around the track quicker but a the RWD will get you down the strip first. about .4 seconds quicker. The X suspension is also stiffer than the regular RWD suspension (but softer than the sport). Some people say they become "addicted" to AWD. You can toss the X around like nobody's buisness. Def. a safer vehicle

but realisticly...the 2007 may be an entirely different beast. Maybe infiniti lightened the X to the point where the X will be the quicker model

 

the X is addictive to gas.

but with the whole global warming cr@p i say go with the anti x. slap on some winter tires and giddy up... my .02

 

my X gets 17 in the city with my new intake. not too bad. but I do agree winter tires maybe just as effective.

 

ya my x gets a slappy 17 in the city too. I once got it up to 19.3 then it went down and i spent the whole week driving all different ways to get it back to 19. I did not prevail.

 

I got 19 once also. I did a ECU reset and it returned to 19. it eventually adjusts back since I can not cope with the reduced performance. I had a rwd 04 G35 loaner with 30 k on it once, and that thing sipped gas the entire time I had it.

 

I love my X. Oh and its amazing in the winter

 

Stock to stock comparison's do go the X's way as far as course times go. However, with zero aftermarket support on the X's suspension. The RWD's car's ability to switch the tables is only a well thought out shopping list away.

 

I thought they only had cows and trucks in Duvall? hehe. j/k I'm in Seattle. Does the weather down there really justify the weight penalty of AWD? You should really dig up the old Automobile mag issue where the compare the RWD and AWD G sedans back to back. Very interesting article. I've mentioned the issue before.

 

I haven't seen and specs on the 2007 but there is the fact that the 2006 X weights 183 lbs or 4.5% more than the 2006 sedan/coupe (5AT) and 139 lbs or 3.8% more than the 2006 6mt. The AWD weights more than the RWD setup. I'm sure this will also be the case in the 2007 as far as the increase in weight between models. This weight differance is why the RWDs are slightly quicker in a straight line. It really just depends on what you are going to do with it. As far as the X having a faster lap time, I think that is all up to the driver. Some people can handle AWD cars better and some can handle RWD better. You should test drive a few AWD and RWD cars before you settle on one. I perfer RWD over AWD. I've had both. In my opinion, AWD are a little more stable than RWD cars. But, thats why I like RWD. Its such a great feeling to hang you rear end out in a corner and stab the gas. Thats maybe not the quickest way to get around a corner. But it sure it fun for me. Although, the X is RWD bias. I think the split to something like max 40% front and 60% back. That might not be a bad combo. Just test drive a couple times before you buy. If you test drive an X a few times at the same dealer, the salesman might be inclined to let you ring it out a little more. Anyway, I don't think you will be disappointed with either one.

 

My $.02

The x is not just good in snow. It's killer in the rain. You can still have fun if you turn the VDC off.

I don't believe the x is slower b/c of the extra 180 lbs. I think it's b/c of the gearing. (I could be wrong)

It is 50/50 front & rear from a stop, then over 10 or 15 mph it switches to 100% rear. If one of the rear wheels slips during acceleration, it transfers up to 50% to the front. Snow mode locks it in 50/50 until you reach 35-40 mph. (Past that you should not "need" AWD to make it through any condition...VDC is saving your *** at that point)

There are little to no susp mods available. No front sway bars, no suspension & you can't use diff size tires/wheels (like the coupes).

Personally, I had to get the x. I traded in my Titan & the wife's compromise was that I kept it AWD so her Murano would not become the mountain car. Bought a roof rack & I'm all good.

I hope they offer the redesigned coupe (2008?) with an x package.

 

100% rear!!! just pull the AWD fuse!

I dont believe that too many people reallly need AWD. most people get it just for safety sakes.

 

Tru dat...