FX45 vs v8 Toureg vs X5 vs A6 Allroad vs You Decide...

xplay · 02-12-2004, 11:20 PM

Looking for the next car. Know it needs to be AWD and it needs to have some decent space. Here are my big requirements:

1. Handles excellent on dry/wet pavement. Has to corner well, accelerate well, responsive. Car-like, but not stiff or jarring like some sports cars.

2. Inspires confidence on those trips up to the ski mountains and summer hiking and mountain biking destinations. Surefooted on snow and ice with great control. Doesn't need to go "offroad" but does need to effortlessly cruise through 12" of fresh snow or over rutted dirt roads.

3. Needs to be worry-free.

4. Ideally can be had for $45k or less new. Typically I avoid used cars.

It's looking like the Toureg, but I want so bad to want the FX45 because it's so sexy. But I have big questions as to value--why is the FX so expensive? It should cost no more than the Acura MDX or Lexus RX. And I have never heard of Nissan making an amazing AWD system, so that worries me as well.

The Toureg on the other hand shares its platform with the Cayenne and is supposedly god-like offroad, but I have heard that the v6 is sluggish and I haven't heard anything about the v8.

And what about the X5. It's not too outdated yet, is it? I have heard nothing but bad things about the X3, but there's been nothing said about the X5 lately... is it just outclassed by the newer cross-overs on the market?

Am I missing any? (I considered the Volvo XC90, but consumer reports just gave it a really bad reliability rating...)

NISSANSPDR · 02-13-2004, 02:48 AM

FX45...just the damn sexiest SUV ever!

crayzayjay · 02-13-2004, 05:43 AM

The X5 is far from outclassed, dynamically it's probably still the best off-roader on-road, if you exclude the Porsche Cayenne of course. The A6 Allroad is supposed to be very good on the road as well but i'm not a big fan. The Touareg looks too anonymous for my liking though the V10 Tdi offers heaps of torque, im not sure if its sold in the US though.
The FX 45, i'll be honest, i dont know a lot about, but it does look good. And as for Nissan never making an amazing AWD system? Uh... hello? Skyline?

freakonaleash1187 · 02-13-2004, 06:41 AM

the x5 is outdated and outclassed, never thought i would say that of a bmw. the toureg is too plain of styling and i still cant get that its a vw. the audi looks to much like a station wagon for my tastes. the fx45 is the best one out of these, actually, i think it is the best suv beside the cayenne. i love how it looks and it is the only suv (again, besides the cayenne) that i actually stare at when i see one.

Jimster · 02-13-2004, 06:52 AM

The Touareg here is the only one that can actually tackle the rough stuff and if you were to get the V10 TDi (Coming to the US soon) you're instantly onto a winner, I also like the styling and the innovative interior. So naturally, the Touareg is my choice.

Of course, due to it being a proper Off Roader the on road ride isn't as good as an X5, but it's not so bad that you'll notice any real difference.

crayzayjay · 02-13-2004, 07:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freakonaleash1187

the x5 is outdated and outclassed

Oh i see, you've driven one, have you?
The X5 may have been around for longer than most but it's still the creme de la creme on the black stuff.

freakonaleash1187 · 02-13-2004, 07:20 AM

im just saying that from people i have talked to. plus, the design is really aging and when i see one, i just look aways cuz it is not interesting to look at. give me a chance to drive it and i will, i will drive any car that you give me a chance to.

crayzayjay · 02-13-2004, 07:22 AM

In that case, "these people you've talked to" dont know how to drive. The truth hurts..

NISSANSPDR · 02-13-2004, 07:55 AM

The FX45 is powered by the same V8 engine that is in the Q45...so 4.5 liter V8 creating about 315hp & 329tq...other cool things...optional 20 inch wheels...yeah....dubs from the factory baby...lol...11 speakers...weight distribution 54/46...0-60 in 6.3 seconds (remember...SUV here)

Definitely the best SUV out of the bunch...

(sidebar: Cayenne Turbo is just sick)

xplay · 02-13-2004, 08:28 AM

So could somebody tell me about the FX's AWD, traction control, and suspension systems? I know it's fast. What I don't know is this: is it just an altima with nice sheet metal and a big engine (this is the complaint I have heard of the new Z, which many have said is beautiful but underwhelming compared to similar cars in its price range (PLEASE: do NOT reply about the Z!!! I do not want to turn this thread into a debate about the Z, if you have an issue, feel free to PM me, but I'm not in the market for a 2-seater) or is it really a well-engineered all-weather vehicle?

Can the FX take the rough stuff as well as, say, the Toureg? I don't know anything about the skyline and it has never been sold in the US.

Outside of the US, what is the price difference between the Toureg v8 and the v10. We don't have the v10 here and I would consider it, although I'm concerned if I start to push the gas mileage any lower than the v8 and I will probably never tow anything.

freakonaleash1187 · 02-13-2004, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crayzayjay

In that case, "these people you've talked to" dont know how to drive. The truth hurts..

i was just saying what i heard and the truth isn't hurting me. but hey, if you say the x5 isnt outclassed, then thats cool. i dont pay much attention to suv's except the fx45 and the cayenne. sorry if you thought i was bashing on the x5.

NISSANSPDR · 02-13-2004, 02:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xplay

So could somebody tell me about the FX's AWD, traction control, and suspension systems?

The AWD system is probably the same they use on the G35x and the Skyline GTR...the ATTESSA system...which is really an on demand AWD system...normally it's a RWD car...but when trouble hits...it can distribute torque to the front wheels...very sophisticated and very good.

Jimster · 02-13-2004, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NISSANSPDR

The FX45 is powered by the same V8 engine that is in the Q45...so 4.5 liter V8 creating about 315hp & 329tq...other cool things...optional 20 inch wheels...yeah....dubs from the factory baby...lol...11 speakers...weight distribution 54/46...0-60 in 6.3 seconds (remember...SUV here)

Definitely the best SUV out of the bunch...

(sidebar: Cayenne Turbo is just sick)

It's the best SAV

Gotta love BMW for coining that class name

xplay · 02-13-2004, 10:43 PM

So autos.msn.com says that the AWD system is from the QX45.

One reviewer, Dan Jedlicka, says, without explanation:

Quote:

The FX comes with rear-drive or an all-wheel-drive system not designed for off-road use.

What does *that* mean? And where does onroad become offroad... how much snow must fall between me and the road before it's considered offroading?

NISSANSPDR · 02-13-2004, 11:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by xplay

What does *that* mean? And where does onroad become offroad... how much snow must fall between me and the road before it's considered offroading?

I'd say that what they mean is if you want to go offroading, go get stuck or do some hill climbs a la Camel Discovery style...this is not your SUV/SAV

But if the roads become snowed, iced or slippery due to rain, mud, sand, etc...it'd be ok there...

That's how I may interpret it

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