We were in light traffic on a long road that had a couple of traffic lights, but there were long stretches with nothing but road. I first saw him as he came up so fast on my rear that he almost hit me. At first I thought he just wasn't paying attention. But then he held back to 4-5 car lengths behind me, and did it again, flooring it and braking hard just behind me. Very obnoxious. Then he pulled next to me, pulsing his accelerator so that he would lurch forward, trying to bait me. We pulled up at the stop light, and I figured, OK....fine.

The light turned green, and I just planted my foot. By 30 mph I was 1/2 car length ahead of him, and I kept pulling. I actually heard the sound of his engine more than my own. By the time my turn came up, I was already 2 car lengths ahead, and let off the gas and slowed down. He went past me without looking up.

I certainly didn't get this car to out-accelerate anyone, but I have to admit that was satsifying.

Reminds me of my wife's old '04 Sentra 2.5s four door. I left many a beemer driver red-faced in the rear view mirror. Had to get rid of it because she couldn't keep it under control (she treats a gas pedal like a light switch).

With the Mazda 4 cyl turbocharged, the Murano is almost a fair match for a CX-7. I would think the CX-7 would win on paper though. It has a bit more torque and is lighter too.

See you soon on the next `Why is my CVT trashed too?' thread.

I'm not saying what should or should not be done. Just a warning since in this economy I'm sure all the manufacturers are looking for an excuse to not pay. Don't give them one.