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Acura RL vs. Infiniti M35
Hey guys I know that there are already loads of discussions going on about this but its very confusing to keep reading pages on pages of subjective opinions. I will really appreciate if someone were to advice me which one is better in this discussion.
I have never driven any of them. I like the Infiniti M45 for its power but I feel that the technology in Acura RL is better. Is that true, because if the INFINITI technology matches ACURA RL then i'll go for the INFINITI. For someone who has driven these cars can you advice me.. I will really appreciate it.
Thanks
I have never driven any of them. I like the Infiniti M45 for its power but I feel that the technology in Acura RL is better. Is that true, because if the INFINITI technology matches ACURA RL then i'll go for the INFINITI. For someone who has driven these cars can you advice me.. I will really appreciate it.
Thanks
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Comments
You can probably tell which one I like better, but I would still definitely suggest that you do lengthy test drives of both cars.
This is from a person who has always "liked" Acuras, especially the last 1991-1995 Legend. That was an Acura I would have taken over anything from Infiniti or Lexus at the time. Now however the M is the better car to me, especially since its a real rwd layout. Acura has hit a wall with their hi-hp V6s because no matter what they do from here on they're stuck with awd mandatory because they want to compete in hp with the V8s, yet don't have the proper layout. Sure 300hp looks nice on paper, but the M35's V6 is the better performer. I like the RL, but not at its 50K price. Innfeenati.
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M
Then most certainly, drive them first. ***without*** the stereo on so you can detect any rattles and such. My 2005 RL handles superbly and the Bose sound system is the best I've heard. But...the suspension has a rattly sound and they're checking into it today. It must have been there from day one but the first few weeks I loved the sound system (XM satellite radio) so much I didn't ever drive without the radio on so I did not hear it!! The dealership is short of loaner cars whereas with Lexus they always had a loaner car available. Overall I wish I'd waited two months to get the new Lexus GS300 AWD.
Raja
The M35x with Journey and Technology packages has the lead in technology IMO. Over the RL, it has Intelligent Cruise Control, a cool and useful Rear-View Monitor, Cooled Seats, and the Lane Departure Warning system. The RL has on-star, XM traffic link, and the power rear sunshade over the M35x. You will have to decide which features you would rather have.
The M35x will also handle and perform better than the RL, if that is important to you. If it is not, then you should consider the Lexus, as someone else suggested.
Most of all, sit and drive in them and pick the one that speaks to you. After all, they are all great cars.
Enjoy, cybersol
Hi there, every model in the Lexus line has a slightly different implementation of the Mark Levinson. I believe the new GS300 2006 has 13 speakers!!! Wow. Its too late now, there's no question of selling my RL and losing $5000 just to buy the GS300!!
Raja
when the lexus first came out ,simultaneously with he infinity q 45 my reaction was
the lexus is a $50.000 car selling for $35,000.
the infinity q45 is a $30,000 car selling for 45,000. that was back ,amy years.
now 2005
the lexus is a $50,000 car selling for 65,000.
the infinity Q 45 is still a $35,000 car selling for $60,000.
and now acura vs infinity m
the acura is a $38,000 car selling for $ 50,000
the infinity m35 and m45 are priced right on as compared to others.
having driven all of the cars i can tell you that the acura rl is impressive but suffers from tire noise and every now and then wind noise came in.
a glorified honda accord for twice the price.
the infinity will be a tiring car over long ,all day trips .but most fun cars are so.
Chintan has previously been referred to the combo comparos that include the others that have come up. He said at the beginning he wants to decide specifically between the two subject vehicles. He knows where to find the discussions that include these others.
We haven't heard from him since he opened this discussion the other day. Let's see if he's still around and where he is in his decision process - then we'll decide where to go.
Meanwhile, maybe some of you could offer your reasons to pick one of the RL or M45 over the other - that's what he asked us to help him with.
INFINITGUY FOR LIFE!
I hope she doesn't break your heart!
The M35x on the other hand, when similarly equiped with the features that the RL comes with as standard equipment, has a similar price tag.
Just 2 days ago I was kind of gripy and not too enthused with my RL because it had a clanky rattle going over ruts and bumps. Gee whiz I thought, Acura's flagship car is this poor in final quality?? Turned out it was a loose brake pad, they trouble-shooted it, fixed it, and now it rides as quiet as any luxury sedan. Handling is superb. Sound system, and integrated electronics including Satellite radio, Navigation system and OnStar, are all outstanding. All in an all-wheel-drive car. The Onstar Verizon phone that came with it was defective so they replaced it yesterday and it works fine now. But it does have a new phone # I have to get used to.
Therefore I'm absolutely not wishing I'd waited for the Lexus GS300. I'm very enthused with the car now. I recommend it highly.
Raja
Thanks
Mercedes, BMW and Audi had to throw in free service to get attract buyers. Look on page 18 of the April issue of Consumer Reports and they rate the reliability of new cars. Japanese cars were at the top and German cars were at the bottom.
The RL and M35x are very close....on paper.
But they offer different driving dynamics, ergonomics, styling, and technology. Both offer good quality and value. Comparably equipped, they are priced very close to each other, although better deals are available right now on the RL. (But you've already said that saving a couple thousand is no big deal to you.)
We looked closely at both models. It was almost a toss-up to me. I preferred the interior and exterior styling of the RL....to me, it looks classier. I dislike the garish tail lights of the M, and the boy racer tailpipes. To me, the cockpit of the RL is nicer than the ATM-like design of the M35x dash. I also prefer the blue & white lighting in the RL instruments over the yellow & red lighting that Infiniti and Nissan use way too much, IMO.
If you squint, the RL looks like a Euro-spec Honda Accord (or TSX) on steroids. If you squint, the Infiniti looks like a Nissan Maxima on steroids. Looks are very subjective.
The M35x is more the driver's car, and felt better to me from behind the wheel. It is definitely quicker than the RL, and it feels like a RWD car. The RL feels more like a FWD car. The M35x's engine is louder and the ride is a bit harsher. The M has a roomier back seat, if that is important to you. I enjoyed DRIVING the M more than I enjoyed DRIVING the RL.
Although pretty close, I prefer the technology in the RL. Infiniti's lane departure system, back up camera, front/rear DVD are not high on my list of importance. The RL has a trick navigation system, active noise cancellation, and an innovative all wheel drive system. Both offer bluetooth and voice recognition, and sound systems are comparable.
My wife much preferred the RL. Since she is the 80% driver, we bought the RL. So far, she loves the car (hence I am only a 5% driver.) If I were the 80% driver, I may have gone with the M35x since it's more the driver's car.
But it's that close.
Go drive these cars for yourself.
I test drove extensively M35X Journey/ Tech and RL. Ended up buying the RL.
While I liked the acceleration of the M35 I did not care for the noise and ride quality. My wife simly called it "disturbing". M35 does have slightly more space and I liked its ventlated seats.
I'd say that Acura feels better in terms of the interior material quality. But M35 is much better than any other Infiniti I have driven.
I agree that RL isn't as fast taking off. But at highway speeds it is plenty fast.
Overall, both cars are excellent.
We could not justify paying anything extra for the Infinity with Tech/Journey over the Acura. The final difference in price was about $4K and Acura won.
I have only had the RL for two weeks. The car is quiet, rides well, especially after I fixed air pressure in the tires. All electronics and toys work well, no issues. Navigation system, voice activated commands work; it takes time to learn the car though.Bluetooth HFL with Motorola 710/Verizon is a great combo, had no problems pairing them together
Steering is precise and SH-AWD is great in the rain-I tried some roller coaster-type turns while accelerating
Good luck. I think any of these cars is a great buy, much better than similar or more expensive European sports sedans of the same class.
I just picked up RL over M35x. Yes, M35x. I didn't even compare RL to M45.
I consider M45 high performance sedan, while RL and M35x are just performance sedans. Plus M45 is 5-10 grand more than RL(similarly equipped). So if money is not an issue and you take sport over comfort, than M45 is clearly should be first on your list. On the other hand If comfort you priority, than RL still very good choice.
Now to the point of RL vs M35x(loaded). They are the same price. I drove both twice. That's how they appeared on my list:
M35x 55% performance - 45% luxury
RL 45% performance - 55% luxury
Both are fine cars. It's not about which car is better, it's about what your priorities are.
I concur with pvs and rmd3003. These are splendid cars for the money and do not lag behind their European competitors except for "cachet."
We have only one dealer each for Acura and Infiniti . It's doubtful that the RL prices will drop $3-4K below MSRP. Same for the M series - they're still talking ADM!
But the best advice has already been said...go test drive both of the cars to make your decision. And...if you like a particular color make sure you look at it both at night and in the daylight...some colors look very different in different lighting...
A few weeks ago the RL had the edge but in South Texas AWD is not a necessity to me (clearly the SH-AWD is the RL's claim to fame). The RLs other technological "advantages" are its AcuraLink w/ integrated OnStar, RealTimeTraffic via Navi, XM, and Bluetooth. But that is also a double-edged sword. Many internet forums (including Edmunds) are reporting issues with this technology; not only are there Acura related hardware/software issues, there are also many kinks with OnStar and XM service. In all honesty OnStar, XM radio, and RealTimeTraffic are not compelling reasons to buy a car in my opinion. I concede that Acura Navi is superior (I previously owned an '01 MDX and currently own an '04 MDX).
However currently the M35 Sport has a slight edge. I really the looks of the 19" wheels. It offers a sophisticated back-up camera (why Acura, why?) that is very useful to me on a daily basis. The Sport Package handles very well and the ride and noise levels is no worse than the RL (and maybe better - need more test drives). The M is an '06 vs. an '05 and will therefore have a future resale advantage. Infiniti's Navi is also very good (I also own an '04 FX35) and I really enjoy the Birdeye View option. An '06 M35 Sport w/ Journey Package, Navi and Full Size Spare (why Acura, why?) is less than an '05 RL w/ optional 18" wheels
So what to do? Still undecided. I'd say if AWD is critical and OnStar and XM are important then the RL is a worthy choice (if you don't mind paying extra for it; including expensive annual service contracts in the future). Curently (I have flip-flopped before) I prefer the M's styling, functionality, and value.
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I have a 2004 TL that is a first year model and had rattles/pops and vibrations from day 1, which were eventually fixed. I had to replace three sets of tires due to vibration issues and I am afraid the same thing is happening with the RL, FWIW.
I really liked the RL's attributes (as I did the TL), and although I liked the M35 better, the RL was knocked out due to potential quality issues.
S
M is based on a FM RWD platform designed with sport in mind (Z,G35).
If you like bland and boring go with the RL- I doesn't look too different from 2000 Accord. On the plus side bland designs age well unlike flavor of the month. RL interior is slightly better.
Historically Acuras had better re-sale value than Infiniti, but Goshn-era Infinities hold their value quite well.
I think you guys are giving Ghosn too much credit too soon. Yes, he introduced some nice models to resuscitate a dying company, but he's had problems with quality issues, and some dubious designs (Maxima, Quest). He's got some work to do before I would qualify him for the hall of fame.
With Nissan where it was when he took over, even I could have improved things!
You nailed it.
Can you point us to any source which says RL's AWD is better than M35's.
On the contrary, there has been few reviews commending the rear-wheel bias of Infinity AWD which gives it a sportier handling. M35 also has better weight distribution.
The only thing Acura screwed up (IMHO) are the tires -for some odd ball reason Mich. hx mxm4 are the stock tires - and God, they are horrible in snow although wet/dry traction is really good
I expect slightly different styling for $25000 more