CR-V vs CX-7 Commercial
- Thread starter cmdavis3rd
- Start date
Psychobroker
Member
1killercls said:
I don't see us as being touchy, just debating is all (peep)
Psychobroker said:
MSRP on the RDX tech pkg in Canada - $46,775 (incl dest)
Discount... from what I was being quoted, "maybe $500"
(for reference, invoice on the RDX is $42,930)
CX-7 MSRP (loaded, bose, keyless, moonroof, navi) - $42,735 (incl dest)
What I paid - $39,417 (invoice) + wear care (I can turn it in with bald tires, cracked windshield, door dings, scratches and it wont matter) + tax
net (cash) difference on the two is roughly $6500.. plus 1.9% lease rate for 24 months on the CX-7 (which is what I did), versus 5.9% on the acura... means a payment difference of (about) $500 a month.
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Psychobroker said:
well, i guess if u read some of my first initial posts, where i said ive test driven the rdx about many mant times, back to back with the 7, then that should answer the have i ever sat in one before remark. u make it sound like the RDX is a lexus on the inside - it isnt, not even close. At the time i owned my 04 Accord V6 2 dr and i felt like i stepped back into it in the RDX. Silver trim everywhere, same buttons, shared materials, ive been in the Honda family for over 14 years and the RDX was no premium cabin compared to the CX7 and my loaded Accord. There was no "sport", it obviously stives for the luxury feel, but i felt like i did in my crv, propped up in the seat like i was driving a truck, not a sport wagon. the acura isnt worth the extra dough, especially the base model. period. If you, however, are really going to drive the truck like a rally car and use the SHAWD, then that sure is a benefit, but for most regular driving the SHAWD is more or less a great tech toy for no reason. DVD- Audio, im sure most people dont even know how to create a dvd (super audio disc) to even utilize that. but thats just an assumption and i could be dead wrong. Im not sure why you think the ELS is stunning compared to the Bose in the 7, in the front seats of the 7 the sound is superb, I jacked the XM radio up to around 38 on my test drives in the RDX and it sounded awful (base model), i played a few cd's too, and it was great, but to truly get the good system u need to move into the tech package which adds the wattage and sub.
thats great ur happy with ur decision, and if u have read many other posts on the board, i basically paid cash for a lemon Mazda, i kind of regret not buying the RDX. the mazda is still a better value and i could have bought either.
ur exactly right on the comparison shopping price wise. Most people shopped the RDX because on paper, the RDX was exactly the same vehicle as the MAzda, and most consumers probably wanted to know what was up, and cross shop just like any purchase we make, and i bet many people who bought a GT loaded with NAv could have easily gotten the RDX if they wanted to, price warranted the decision and the Acura wasnt worth the initial 5-7k price gap when it first came out. Now since they arent selling well, and the gap has closed to within maybe 3k, 2k, that is more realistic for the RDX and probably would have swayed me more. The Acura still looks like a short bus and has nothing in terms of road presence. and my initial thought was if im gonna buy something that is 35k+ tax at least look expensive.
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The Acura RDX is nice, no doubt. But, as with all car decisions, logic is usually backed into to somehow justify an illogical decision based on taste and learned values. The Acura certainly has more brand recognition as a premium label versus Mazda. For some, this value is worth the extra money. I did not get the NAV package to make my my CX-7 GT about $2500 less than fully loaded, but, even so, at less than $26,000 it was much less than the $31,000 for the RDX w/o the technology package. I opted for the CX-7.
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Psychobroker
Member
mikey1981 said:
Yep, pretty much all your assumptions make you dead wrong. Why don't you counter each and every one of the advantages I laid out for you?
LOL your assumptions keep digging a deeper hole. I have one thing to say about Acura's ELS system (tech package): DVD-Audio, which, of course, you probably know nothing about since you think it's all about wattage and subs (an OEM one at that? hah). DVD-Audio = 5.1 surround sound. CD-Audio = 2-channel stereo sound. And let me tell you, there IS a big difference. Read about it here, then come tell me what you think: http://www.elssurround.com/ELS_surround.asp
By the way, Who told you satellite radio sounds as good or better than CD quality? At least, I assume that's what you're comparing it to. Just because it's digital doesn't mean it's the best. Sat radio signals are compressed quite a bit, reducing them to MP3-quality. Better than FM? Sure. Better than CD? Nope. DVD-Audio? lol no. 38 on the volume control? That's WAY too loud anyway...I'm sure your Bose system sounded just as distorted when cranked up to a level that could kill the elderly.
Although, I must say I have yet to hear any distortion/rattles from my speakers up to low 30's.
Funny how, in one sentance, you say you regret not buying an RDX, then try to justify your decision, then move on to convincing yourself you made the right decision. It's even funnier when compared to your total BASHING of the RDX in your first paragraph.
Look, you feel strongly about the CX-7, and I agree, it's a great car. It just didn't deliver enough for it's $31k price tag (GT/AWD/Tech), which was the low end of my price range. The RDX was only $2,500 more (yes, in actual prices), and was a no-brainer to me.
100% your opinion. Appearance is subjective. There's just as many RDX owners that feel strongly about the appearance of their RDX vs the CX-7.
And my thought could have been - if I'm going to pay $31k for a car, it had better not be a Mazda. Psst, the CX-7 doesn't "look" expensive anyway...who fed you that lie?
i actually was considering the rdx, but what really swayed me to get the cx-7 is the exterior.. imo the rdx exterior looks so ugly, even my gf didnt like the exterior...... been driving my cx-7 since august.. and still loving it.. i am starting to see more and more cx-7 everyday driving to work now, where in august i prob only saw one in like 2 weeks...
yo phsycho -
1. never assumed XM was supposed to sound "digital", sound as good as a CD, or even come close to a CD. Those words were never written. What i was saying was that the XM sound sucked. What i was inferring, was that the power coming out of the radio for XM didnt cut it. Never assumed anything that i didnt write. and, with the volume on 38, the stereo was soft. regardless that it was close to "max", it was still soft. When my bose is on 40 (it has alot more head room after 40, too), its crystal. I have a small recording studio in my home, and for arguments sake, i like to leave technical talk out of this internet chat. It tends to confuse the lay person.
Thanks for barely elaborating on the ELS system, tho, to each their own, its hard to even find a DVD Audio disc, and alot of people (inlcuding even those who like to call themselves tech-savy) had no clue as to what dvd audio is and/or that they even had that capability in their car. And, in order to take advantage of such capability, the DVD better be a prof. mastered disc & recording. It really makes no sense for people who use iTunes and the linke to take a digitally condensed track and try to make a 5.1 disc out of such compressed formats. Most people dont download in .Wav formats, and im not even sure you can download from iTunes etc in .Wav format. At least in a .Wav - u would have a more uncompressed recording that will sound better if you attempt to make some dvd audio yourself. Again, im leaving many technicalities out of this, DVD Audio is great, but just like the SHAWD - if you arent using it how it is meant to be used, its more or less meaningless. What matters is the master recording and to all the people dl'ing music and making cd's, dvd audio really wont make ur digital dreams come true unless you are producing and authoring DVD Audio - (Steinberg Wave Lab is a great tool)
Your intent to make my remarks sound foolish is pretty good tho, however, i tend to disagree. I like to write in a more commen sense approach when it comes to cars, you want to negate some of the premises ive written about by saying go blow for blow by the points YOU think the RDX is better. I chose to stick to one big feature that sets the RDX apart from the 7; SHAWD. after that, these cars are almost identical on paper.
I knew alllllll about the ELS, we have a TL and a new RL in the family.
if you are taking my comments as BASHING the RDX, ur approach is wrong. Its comparison talk. I stuck to price and features. Im not convincing myself of any decision ive made - given what ive gone thru with Mazda id much rather bought the Acura, put up with the stuff i didnt like in the car, but gain the better reliability. No bashing here.
WHo fed me that lie? hmmmmmmmmmmmmm about every single person who thought it was a new lexus, every valet, every client who comes in and goes what the hell is that parked in front, every person who stops you at the market, at the mall, at the store to ask what it is, the list can really go on and on and im sure other posters can back me up on that one. People are attracted to the 7, the RDX - altho looks are subjective, does not play the part of a premium truck. its forgettable. Sounds like you are stuck in the land of buying things for name-sake (if I'm going to pay $31k for a car, it had better not be a Mazda) You should tell motor trend that, who just ranked the Mazda over the new (cha-ching) MDX
1. never assumed XM was supposed to sound "digital", sound as good as a CD, or even come close to a CD. Those words were never written. What i was saying was that the XM sound sucked. What i was inferring, was that the power coming out of the radio for XM didnt cut it. Never assumed anything that i didnt write. and, with the volume on 38, the stereo was soft. regardless that it was close to "max", it was still soft. When my bose is on 40 (it has alot more head room after 40, too), its crystal. I have a small recording studio in my home, and for arguments sake, i like to leave technical talk out of this internet chat. It tends to confuse the lay person.
Thanks for barely elaborating on the ELS system, tho, to each their own, its hard to even find a DVD Audio disc, and alot of people (inlcuding even those who like to call themselves tech-savy) had no clue as to what dvd audio is and/or that they even had that capability in their car. And, in order to take advantage of such capability, the DVD better be a prof. mastered disc & recording. It really makes no sense for people who use iTunes and the linke to take a digitally condensed track and try to make a 5.1 disc out of such compressed formats. Most people dont download in .Wav formats, and im not even sure you can download from iTunes etc in .Wav format. At least in a .Wav - u would have a more uncompressed recording that will sound better if you attempt to make some dvd audio yourself. Again, im leaving many technicalities out of this, DVD Audio is great, but just like the SHAWD - if you arent using it how it is meant to be used, its more or less meaningless. What matters is the master recording and to all the people dl'ing music and making cd's, dvd audio really wont make ur digital dreams come true unless you are producing and authoring DVD Audio - (Steinberg Wave Lab is a great tool)
Your intent to make my remarks sound foolish is pretty good tho, however, i tend to disagree. I like to write in a more commen sense approach when it comes to cars, you want to negate some of the premises ive written about by saying go blow for blow by the points YOU think the RDX is better. I chose to stick to one big feature that sets the RDX apart from the 7; SHAWD. after that, these cars are almost identical on paper.
I knew alllllll about the ELS, we have a TL and a new RL in the family.
if you are taking my comments as BASHING the RDX, ur approach is wrong. Its comparison talk. I stuck to price and features. Im not convincing myself of any decision ive made - given what ive gone thru with Mazda id much rather bought the Acura, put up with the stuff i didnt like in the car, but gain the better reliability. No bashing here.
WHo fed me that lie? hmmmmmmmmmmmmm about every single person who thought it was a new lexus, every valet, every client who comes in and goes what the hell is that parked in front, every person who stops you at the market, at the mall, at the store to ask what it is, the list can really go on and on and im sure other posters can back me up on that one. People are attracted to the 7, the RDX - altho looks are subjective, does not play the part of a premium truck. its forgettable. Sounds like you are stuck in the land of buying things for name-sake (if I'm going to pay $31k for a car, it had better not be a Mazda) You should tell motor trend that, who just ranked the Mazda over the new (cha-ching) MDX
cruzdreamer
Member
- :
- Former owner of Mazda CX 7 GT Electric Blue
Wow....lots of talk about this topic....civilized as it should be....both cars have advantages and it's a matter of personal preference and what you want in a vehicle for your $$. Again for me, I like the exterior of the CX7 and it's price and as far as reliability, Acura will win, but you have to pay for that....which is good and worth it ....reliability is extremely important. Price did it for me and exterior styling. Have not driven the RDX though so not sure what the differences are there. Both cool, worthwhile vehicles.(spin)
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- :
- 07 CX7 GT AWD W/Tech Pkg; 03.5 Mazdaspeed Protege
I happen to agree with Mikey1981 in terms of these two vehicles. I have been cross comparing these to vehicles for the last month and still have yet to make my decision on them. I'm leaning towards the CX7 and here's why, yes the Acura's interior appointments are nicer in touch, but the actual physical appearance and driving position in the CX7 to me were more in line with the type of vehicle I am trying to buy. In the RDX I felt like I was sitting in the drivers seat of my gf's old Mountaineer with a very upright position and the seats were not all that comfortable despite the better leather quality.
In terms of the audio again the Acura on paper has the advantage though the only thing to me that's crazy for the CX7 not to have is an Ipod link of some type whether it be an Aux line or a true link outside of that I can get blue tooth with voice recognition added for under $400 via aftermarket so that's not worth the $5K difference that RDX has. In terms of the DVD-Audio, I think I own one if that and that is the only place I found the acura to sound better. I was thoroughly disappointed with the quality of the sound in the RDX in every other medium. It sounded underpowered and quite muddy. I've been involved with car-audio for over 10yrs, and home audio for about the same time including spending time working in professional studio's and doing production in my own home studio. I'm not saying the Bose in the Mazda was lights out either, but the sound reproduction was much more acurate and tight at any volume than the Acura was. Bottom line you can do much better than either by going to the aftermarket but my goal at this point in my life is to limit the amount of extra's I put into a car in that space as I have another vehicle for my car audio enthusiasm.
Driving wise I felt like the Acura's turbo was constantly searching for it's boost point where the mazda was a tad bit smoother. Handling wise about on par for everyday driving and I'm not going to be pushing either vehicle to the point where I'm going to find it's limits though I'm sure the acura would be more performance tuned based on it's handling bias but again they felt so close during standard driving that the advantages are a moot point. Appearance wise the CX7 makes a statement, the RDX unless you spend the money for the underbody spoilers 19" wheels and roof rack looks like a tad bit nicer CR-V albeit without the smile in the grill... just my thoughts though and I still may end up with the Acura over the Mazda but these are my impressions at this point.
In terms of the audio again the Acura on paper has the advantage though the only thing to me that's crazy for the CX7 not to have is an Ipod link of some type whether it be an Aux line or a true link outside of that I can get blue tooth with voice recognition added for under $400 via aftermarket so that's not worth the $5K difference that RDX has. In terms of the DVD-Audio, I think I own one if that and that is the only place I found the acura to sound better. I was thoroughly disappointed with the quality of the sound in the RDX in every other medium. It sounded underpowered and quite muddy. I've been involved with car-audio for over 10yrs, and home audio for about the same time including spending time working in professional studio's and doing production in my own home studio. I'm not saying the Bose in the Mazda was lights out either, but the sound reproduction was much more acurate and tight at any volume than the Acura was. Bottom line you can do much better than either by going to the aftermarket but my goal at this point in my life is to limit the amount of extra's I put into a car in that space as I have another vehicle for my car audio enthusiasm.
Driving wise I felt like the Acura's turbo was constantly searching for it's boost point where the mazda was a tad bit smoother. Handling wise about on par for everyday driving and I'm not going to be pushing either vehicle to the point where I'm going to find it's limits though I'm sure the acura would be more performance tuned based on it's handling bias but again they felt so close during standard driving that the advantages are a moot point. Appearance wise the CX7 makes a statement, the RDX unless you spend the money for the underbody spoilers 19" wheels and roof rack looks like a tad bit nicer CR-V albeit without the smile in the grill... just my thoughts though and I still may end up with the Acura over the Mazda but these are my impressions at this point.
Psychobroker
Member
mikey1981 said:
Instead of trying to elaborate on it myself, I gave you a link directly to the creators of the ELS system. I figured you'd appreciate it more than me just trying to explain it or saying "mine's better than yours" crap.
re bold: You're right, it makes no sense to try to turn a compressed track into 5.1 quality sound. Is it even possible? I've said it before - you get what you pay for. You want to pay $.99 per song from iTunes? Great, so do I, but I know it'll have it's drawbacks. it will be compressed for speedy download purposes and fall short of CD-quality, let alone DVD-quality. It's pretty simple. DVD-Audio is starting to catch on, just like CD's did back in the early 90's. As such, they're becoming more and more available. You can buy them online at sites such as:
http://www.cduniverse.com/browsecat.asp?style=music&cat=1028&cart=345527143&cat2=221&mode=top
http://www.musicdirect.com/products/category.asp?category=70
http://www.towerrecords.com/Music/D...rmat=DVD+Audio& <--- Tower Records
http://www.quadraphonicquad.com/ <--- good info
Most are now being released in CD+DVD-A DualPacks, which is really the BEST way to buy music. You get a CD for your "other" car, walkman, ripping to MP3, and a HiRez DVD-A for your Acura and home surround system. Hopefully, this will become the standard, then everyone will be happy.
Also, it's not like they cost THAT much more than a CD, but the quality difference is IMMENSE. Have you listened to a DVD-Audio disc?
You want to create your own DVD-A's? Ok, but you have to start with HiRez, uncompressed data anyway. You can't take a MP3 file and "add back" the missing channels. It doesn't work that way. BUT, you CAN buy DVD-Video discs and use an extraction/creation tool to make your OWN DVD-A's. For example, there's a program call "DVD Audio Extractor".....load your dvd into your computer and the program will show you each audio track on the disk. Select the tracks you want, click next and "direct stream demux". You then save each dts song to a folder on your computer. Then burn just the audio to a dvd. The files are small enough you could fit about 90 songs on one dvd. Did I need to produce or "author" my own content? LOL no.
What happened to BUYING music on a freakin' CD/disc? You just bought a $28k-$30k car...you can't afford to buy CD's? If you can, you can pay a couple extra bucks to get a DVD-A/CD DualPack. Your argument is pointless.
Wow, where to start...I thought I laid out every advantage in my previous post? SHAWD was but one of those things. And yes, I DO feel it working during everyday driving - for example, taking the 710S - 91E interchange, I can push it into the turn and FEEL the rear right wheel push me through and keep me stable. Driving the twisties on PCH, Kanan Dume Rd, or many others, I FEEL SHAWD working. I don't need to drive carelessly, wrecklessly, or more importantly, above the law to FEEL it working. There's reasons WHY CanadianDriver reviewers love the RDX: http://www.canadiandriver.com/testdrives/07rdx.htm and its SHAWD system: http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/acura_awd.htm.
I am posting these links so you can actually READ them. If not, you're just being ignorant to the facts.
Your "comparison talk" comes from 100% bias for the CX-7. Comments such as:
"he RDX was no premium cabin compared to the CX7 and my loaded Accord."
That is your opinion. It is not a fact. It IS a fact that Acura used higher quality interior materials than Mazda. I am sure most here who have truly compared the two can agree to that
"There was no "sport", it obviously stives for the luxury feel, but i felt like i did in my crv, propped up in the seat like i was driving a truck, not a sport wagon."
Again, your opinion. Did you TRY to adjust the seat height down? Eh, probably not. Perhaps you just like putting your biased spin on everything.
"the acura isnt worth the extra dough, especially the base model. period."
Opinion is fine, but this is PURELY a subjective comment. A $2,500-$3,000 price difference between the two cars is nothing when already spending $30k+ on a CX-7 GT/AWD/Tech. Remember, you simply CANNOT compare a Sport CX-7 to even a base RDX - they are apples and oranges, target different market segments, and aim for different competitors. The ONLY similarities are turbo-4 CUV. That's it. Would you consider a Dodge Neon SRT-4 as being similar to a Subaru STi? I wouldn't, but I bet you dollars to doughnuts the SRT-4 *cough* Neon *cough* owner will say they are competitors (lol). Sure, each one comes with a turbo-4 engine, 4 doors and 4 wheels, but that's where the comparison ends. Of course, testers, magazines, and consumers will compare them together because they share some similar traits. THEY ARE NOT THE SAME CAR, that is for sure.
Truck? I don't know about you, but my RDX handles much more like a sports car than the 3 CX-7's I've driven. I've not had to TRY to use the SHAWD, it just does it's thing. One of the coolest parts about the RDX w/ Tech is that it comes with a multifunction display that can display, among many other things, exactly how/when SHAWD distributes power - to each wheel. Example:
Sure, and that big Mazda seagull/M/whatever on the back doesn't tell people what it is? Again, your OPINION about the RDX' appearance is 100% subjective. Personally, I feel the RDX is MUCH more striking, yet much more SUBTLE, than the CX-7. It doesn't scream "look at me!", and I LOVE that about it. My opinion - I prefer SUBTLETY and RARITY over pretentiousness and flamboyance. I'm guessing other RDX owners feel the same way.
I could have felt that way, but the determining factor for me between the two was overall driver/driving experience. The RDX w/ Tech gave/gives me an abundance of things and technology, whereas the CX-7 GT/AWD/Tech left me feeling empty, like it had been tossed together, not purpose-built.
You mean the CX-9 vs. the MDX? I don't believe this is www.mycx9.com, is it? Who cares about either one? Neither are in my segment - nor yours - so stay on topic. To help you BACK on topic, I'll give you this tidbit, strait from Motortrend:
SOURCE: http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/suv/112_0610_crossover_comparison/conclusion.html
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no mark left, you didnt add anything that was already not said. You just regurgitated everything. my remarks about the DVD audio you just spit back out. you proved my point even more so - u cant make dvd audio out of itunes songs, so basically unless you are buying a true dvd audio disc there is no sense in having the drive in the car. dvd-audio catching on? quite the opposite, along with Super Audio, these players have been on the market for quite some time and yes they are far superior, take a stroll thru ur nearest electronics store and ask another person what dvd audio is or super audio. matters zero in todays consumer market.
do you really think i am a village idiot? you think i didnt adjust my seat? i cant even carry on this conversation. but, you must have taken a nice chunk of time especially including a picture of the , wow, dash !
im not bias, my car has been in the ******* shop for 3 months, and more and more i think Mazda is s***. But ill talk comparison all day, and i call it as i see it. Again, good for u with ur bluetoothed out RDX...im glad you enjoy it so much, but ur just as biased in your opinions as any other owner.
and yea i was talking about the 9...because of your too expensive MaZda comment and you get what you pay for, the mazda 9 product is cheaper than the ACURA and got ranked better. I am on topic. Nicequote from motor trend, i could quote car and driver and edmunds in support of the 7, but im not going to, so whatever. whoopidy do rdx.
do you really think i am a village idiot? you think i didnt adjust my seat? i cant even carry on this conversation. but, you must have taken a nice chunk of time especially including a picture of the , wow, dash !
im not bias, my car has been in the ******* shop for 3 months, and more and more i think Mazda is s***. But ill talk comparison all day, and i call it as i see it. Again, good for u with ur bluetoothed out RDX...im glad you enjoy it so much, but ur just as biased in your opinions as any other owner.
and yea i was talking about the 9...because of your too expensive MaZda comment and you get what you pay for, the mazda 9 product is cheaper than the ACURA and got ranked better. I am on topic. Nicequote from motor trend, i could quote car and driver and edmunds in support of the 7, but im not going to, so whatever. whoopidy do rdx.
Track Day For Suv
Japanies did a funny track competition.
There where:
1. Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero
2. Honda CR-V
3. Mazda CX-7 (yippy)
4. Lexus RX400h (Toyota)
and last but not least
5. Porsche Cayenne Turbo (2thumbs)
What happened -> well you can check out here (drive)(drive2)(wrc)(drive2)
Japanies did a funny track competition.
There where:
1. Mitsubishi Pajero/Montero
2. Honda CR-V
3. Mazda CX-7 (yippy)
4. Lexus RX400h (Toyota)
and last but not least
5. Porsche Cayenne Turbo (2thumbs)
What happened -> well you can check out here (drive)(drive2)(wrc)(drive2)
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Psychobroker
Member
Dalton said:
LOL that's great
As for Mikey - we can go round and round on this. I won't bother anymore. You just don't get it.
To Mazda3 - I am done, sorry for ruffling any feathers
