Hello all. Well the wife and I are heading up to Denver, Co in two weeks. I am trying to do some prep before we go. Got the GPS set but was wonder what car to take. I am wonder what the weather will be like during this time of the year. Please note that Iam from west texas, where it is always hot, flat and dry.
So do I take the X or the Accord? Any issues with the amount of oxygen, E85 gas, and/or mountain driving? Any insight will be appreciated. Hope to see alot of X up there. And if you do see a blue X with Texas plates and someone waving, it just me happy to see another X. Thanks all and take care.

I would take the Accord for the reasons below.

1. Better gas mileage.

2. The Accord will drive better up the mountain passes, even if you have the 4 cylinder.

3. Front wheel drive vs. rear wheel drive and no 4x4. Front wheel drive is much better in the snow, which you may see at high altitudes at the end of October.

We have a 6 cyl. Accord Coupe and an Xterra. We drive our Accord on long trips with minimal baggage. You just can't beat the Honda's comfort and gas mileage with the Xterra.

But, if you have a lot of gear, take the Xterra. I hate driving the Accord if it's bum is dragging on the asphalt! We're headed to Moab this weekend and will fill the Xterra's back with gear. We took the Honda last year and didn't enjoy our trip as much as we've enjoyed our camping trips this year with the Xterra.

From my experience, the Xterra is more sensitive to higher altitudes than the Accord is. Most of this is probably due to the fact that the Accord has more horsepower and 1500lbs less weight than the Xterra. Still, you probably won't notice the difference as much with a manual transmission as with an automatic.

You make some strong points. I am just worried about winter driving, ie snow. I guess it is easier to put chains on the X than on the Accord. I agree that our V6 Accord would love the sprint up and down the mountains but then I don't want to end up in a ditch and become a stat! Also we will not be loaded down with gear just two pieces of luggage (i hope, remember I am taking the wife). I just want to have memories about the trip not issues with the car and driving.

Also what are some of the sights in Lakewood/Denver? Thanks all.

I wouldnt take the X for that time of year.

Yes we can get snow but it sounds like you will be staying down around the Denver area. And snow will not really stick since the ground is going to be too warm still even if we do get snow.

and as X and Halo pointed out - the FWD accord will be better in the snow than a RWD Xterra anyway.

I live up in Vail, CO and we just had our first snow that actually stuck last night... Even if it were in the middle of winter the roads are plowed well enough that you really don't need four wheel drive for the snow. I agree you're better off with the Accord.

I agree with going with the accord as well. Going to Denver from TX, I am guessing you are going to take I-25?

I-25 isn't very mountainous from my experience. I have lived in CO for almost a year. You are going to be fine with the accord.

I drove on I-70 in a fully loaded X in Nov. of last year. That was bad. I could not get past 50 MPH. I would definitely go with the Accord.

Your main concern is probably snow. If it was too much later in the year, that could be an issue but you are good for now buddy.

You can still wave at me if you are driving the accord though.