09 Murano SL vs 09 Mazda CX-7

[viperdoc]

I don't try to race cars too often, especially now that I am in a Murano, rather than in my G35. But the other day this moron in a new Mazda CX-7 apparently thought it would be fun to try to show off his turbocharged engine.

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.

[brainguyus]

I know the feeling. Sometimes you just need to "reach out and touch someone". Nice to hear the Murano has what it takes.

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).

[Timmbo]

I love doing that to the little revved up Hondas and Toyotas with my Armada!!! Bring it!!!!!

[Bunshaw]

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.

[viperdoc]

Actually, the fastest 0-60 time for an SL, non-AWD is about 6.8 from Car and Driver, which is 0.5 seconds faster than the fastest 0-60 for a CX-7. Most of the Muranos tested are LEs, which are heavier.

[Poyzinous]

The Armada is a sleeper. People have no Idea how much power that gosh darn thing has. They are quick. And the Murano vs CX7....legendary V6 and the auto industry's best CVT vs some 'japanese' Ford. pffftt. The Murano is also a sleeper.

[shaqatk]

lol i raced range rover sport last thursday... it was a wet weather... i wouldve never would imagine that a poor 3.5VQ V6 engine can do ANYTHING against a massive V8... all i did was throw it in "L or Low", pressed gas and brake at the same time 2 do a launch control and took off... untill i reached like 40mph he was ahead by like half a body... then when the trannie finaly stoped being so useless i just launched forward... now i dont have ANY performance mods on my car, so i dont know how ta HELL i won...

[nafddur]

lol i raced range rover sport last thursday... it was a wet weather... i wouldve never would imagine that a poor 3.5VQ V6 engine can do ANYTHING against a massive V8... all i did was throw it in "L or Low", pressed gas and brake at the same time 2 do a launch control and took off... untill i reached like 40mph he was ahead by like half a body... then when the trannie finaly stoped being so useless i just launched forward... now i dont have ANY performance mods on my car, so i dont know how ta HELL i won...

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

[Musky300]

Not too surprising of an outcome I guess...however I can tell you from personal experience that the CX-7 sure feels faster in the driver's seat compared to my LE. I'm sure it's because the Murano is just more refined combined with the CVT...reasons I bought it...but I admit that the CX-7 was pretty fun to drive.

[shaqatk]

lol what do i care? its leased...

[Timmbo]

Not only is the 5.6 in the Armada one heck of an engine, but the vehicle also handles shockingly well. Cornering and braking are amazing especially for a vehicle of this size.

[Bunshaw]

shaqatk, remember that a warranty does not cover obvious neglect or abuse. If Nissan can determine this they are within rights to reject a warranty claim on the powertrain. A few times doing this may in fact be fine, I don't know, but repeated "track" launches like this may offer evidence for them not to honor the powertrain warranty.

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.

[MiZzY]

hmmm...i have a 06 nissan murano SL AWD and i have been inside and 08 CX-7 and its preety hard to believe how the cx-7 would lose to the much bigger, much heavier murano...dont get me wrong i freaking loooove the murano but it sure as hell is no speed demon!!

[Poyzinous]

Maybe, but since its faster than a CX7, what does that make the Murano compared to the Mazda?

[viperdoc]

the 09s are about 0.5 seconds faster to 60 than the previous model murano. Not quite as nimble due to a more comforable ride, which I can live with, but in a straight line, my SL FWD feels like it really hustles.

[shaqatk]

na i dont do it alot... i did it few times so far... like 2 or 3 MAX... and yea ur right about the warranty