AFSCME 3357-HOF'S BLOG

Comparison 2: Pontiac Aztek vs. Nissan Murano
Don't laugh. If you look at the specs, these cars are very close on paper. The AWD versions are within 50 lbs of each other in GVW. Interior dimensions are within an inch or two for most purposes. I picked on the Aztek when it came out because it was so ugly. It is still ugly, but less so, after GM facelifted it last year. The Murano isn't exactly a beauty queen itself. GM may have mostly just been ugly first.

The biggest difference is in horsepower 180 for the Pontiac and 240 for the Nissan. But in torque, it's a lot closer, 210 ft/lb vs 245.

The price isn't close at all. Considering GM is paying its dealers to practically give away the Aztek. For the difference of a second or two 0-60 (and image) you could take a nice vacation for two to Hawaii and buy a big screen television.

FYI, if you get any GM 3.4 liter vehicle, try a K&N air filter. Word on the net is that this engine responds well to the extra airflow.

http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edmunds/VehicleComparison;jsessionid=1uKIy42y13S5feOPhotIM1jiybu3G2PeLEQuEEEksvJfa3Q2NTPa!-1105064615?styleid=100305229&styleid=100305230&styleid=100366707&refid=&maxvehicles=5&op=3&tab=printable