[vip9]

Although mentioned in several places, I did not find a specific thread that compares MDX to Subaru Outback or Forrester.

I sold my '96 Subaru to get MDX. I worshiped that car. I loved every moment of owning it except it being TOO SMALL both for me personally and for my family's needs. Every now and then I see it on the street, since I sold it to a neighbor (kind-of), and my heart skips a beat.

Subaru "influence" was one of the major reasons I waited for and shelled extra $$ for Acura rather than getting an Odyssey.

I honestly do not think there is a lot of common grounds between MDX and Subaru to compare these cars, but there is one particular area of interest to me - inclement weather handling.

Many of you remember (and those of who don't - do a search, I am not repeating for the fear of being attacked again and again ) that I was quite critical of MDX during last winter as it did not go through certain conditions as reliably as that Subaru.

So, with a new winter season coming, I would like to hear some additional comments. I know that some of you either owned Subarus and replaced them with MDX, or ( remery!!!) currently own both vehicles.

I really do not intend this thread to turn into another "VTM4 rules!!!" rallying ground or, "Acura sucks - go get ML instead" trolling. Just objective opinions from people who like (love) their MDX and have high respect (deservingly so!!!) for their Subaru.

Thanks.

P.S. If only they made a Subaru "MDX"

 

[vip9]

I know there is another Subaru in my driving future... I cannot say the same about Acura. Not that I do not like MDX - quite the contrary. And I am sure that in the years to come, if MDX is as reliable as Subaru was (hopefully, I'll forget about all 1st MY problems and a dozen or so trips to a dealer ), I will like it more and more.

But as it stands right now, Acura will be the last one on my list if I need another car and Subaru makes a similar one.

To echo what Starview said in his post (w/o going into technical details) in all 5 years of owning Subaru, I NEVER had a wheel spin nor fishtailing! The only time I had a "difficulty" was during a blizzard of '96 (in NYC) when my driveway got about 1' to 2' of snow so that it almost reached a radiator grill. I still got out!!! but it was hard

Ghost is right, and I said it before as well, Subaru and our 'X are just too different to compare one-for-one. But, with all the talk of "smart" VTM-4, "no need" for traction control, etc., I am just curious what other "people in the know" think about MDX vs Subaru handling.

I also looked at new Outback and Forester before buing MDX. Surprisingly, not only Outback has more interior room and a nicer design, but both those cars are significantly smaller than my '96 was (and I thought it could not get any smaller for my 6'1" 200+lbs frame)
However, as remery said when he bought his (or, actually, hers ), you could get VDC close to invoce. Add to that free scheduled maintenance and the real price difference climbs to $5-$7K. Once again, though, it's like comparing apples to oranges.

 

[vip9]

William, my recent knowledge of Subarus is a hear-say. Remery is a better source since he got a VDC not long ago. I believe VDC or VDC-"Some stupid-designer-name-edition" comes with free scheduled maintenance and On-Star (or something similar).

WRX looks like a GREAT toy car - did you see those 0-60 numbers and stuff???

I am not sure about side curtains though.

I know that VDC has a different kind of AWD from all other Subarus.

If I remember correctly, in my '96 I had a permanent 80-20 torque split going to 50-50 when needed.

I do not know if they offer VDC as a sedan as well or only as a vagon. Although, IMO, Outback sedan is not as "pretty".

Be prepared to have a feeling of "riding on you butt" especially after MDX. Subarus are really low-driving-position cars.

IMO, you cannot go wrong if you choose Subaru!

Passat is also so cute! But Outback is better!!!

 

[vip9]

A quick afterthought...
I think I saw Subaru ad recently with 0% or another quite low financing % for all 2002's.

 

[vip9]

...Some folks will assert that the Subes made in Japan are significantly better in quality and reliability than the Subes made in North America.

Mine was made in Indiana - never any problem. Oil changes and other "standard maintenance" twice a year for 5 years.

 

[vip9]

Re: A true Subaphile Speaks Now!

As vip9 says my my signature confirms, I am the proud owner of both vehicles but with a $11K price differential. I paid $29.5K for my (oops hers) 2001 Subaru VDC H6 Wagon and $41.5K for the MDX with includes the accessories.

That's a $12K difference, but it's OK

Looking forward to seeing your comparo once the white stuff shows up.