[Lockman2]

I thought since there has been so much discussion on Murano vs MDX, I would post it as a new topic.

I have yet to drive the Murano, but I really liked the MDX when I drove it a few months ago. However, The $37,500 base for the touring version was just too much $$$. Sure I could pay it, but I just don't want to pay that much for any vehicle.

So I have been anxious to see/drive/touch the Murano and plan on looking very hard at a SE (2wd) with the Popular Package that hopefully will top out at around $32,500. I would like the AWD for handling, but it is hard to justify in Central Florida.

I like what I see so far in Murano, but I will not pay a premium just to be one of the first owners. I plan to wait at least until the end of January to start looking seriously.

In terms of performance between the two, I think quickness should go to Murano. It has more HP and weights ~ 500 lbs less than MDX (4392 -vs- 3900 i read). This weight difference should also help the Murano out-handle the MDX on the curves.

Another factor is the Murano engine pumps out 290 HP in the 350Z. So I will be looking for Nismo upgrades for the engine as long as the CVT can handle it. And yes, I am planning to build a Murano Z
:twisted:

The one thing that did really impress me with the MDX was the very short turning radius. I read another Murano review last week that claimed the Murano turning radius was large, leading to difficulity in parking (for the reviewer). Any of you Murano drivers check that out?

Anyway, Im sure one of the Auto Mags will run a head to head with Murano, MDX and others. It will be good to see how they each stack up during "sport" driving.

Later

 

[davmp]

Test driven both

I've test driven both the Murano and MDX and also done a fair bit of feature comparisons via the internet.

The Murano's CVT and lower weight *definitely* gave it better performance, especially in highway passing-type manuevers. In the blink of an eye we zipped by an 18-wheeler we'd been following while waiting for traffic to clear up a bit.

In regards to turning radius, the Murano has a longer wheelbase but according to Intenet figures at either Carsdirect.com or Edmunds, I forget which, they are within 0.3 of each other in turning radius.

 

[muran03]

Don't worry about the turning radius. Parking the Murano is a piece of cake... better than my Pathfinder. About the extra power, you may be disappointed with the CVT when accelerating from a stop. I would guess that the CVT is about 2-3 seconds slower from 0-60mph than a regular tranny. It has awesome power when you need it on the highway, but if you are into drag racing ...forget it. Spend the cash on a real Z.

 

[davmp]

TOTAL agreement on the lack of take off from 0mph with the CVT. It just takes awhile to get up and go, so you aren't going to win any drag races.

However, at any speed over about 15 mph or so, flick the shifter onto the S side, and the CVT keeps the RPMs above 3000 and revs up to almost redline so as to maximize HP and torque. As a result, you'll easily be able to beat most other drivers to switch lanes, etc. when starting at a stop light or something similar. Especially since they're getting shift jumps in and out of the powerband.