Ok.. Having an MDC 451 unit, let me clarify a few things....
Quote:
Originally Posted by sheureka
1) The MDC doesn't match the color of the original shaft.
|
This is true. The MDC stalk is made for the roadster, and though it is an official smart part for that car, it's not the exact color for the 451. Unless you're looking at it under just the right light (like a camera flash bulb) you can not see the difference though. Even in bright daylight the stalk looks stock, even against the black bezel around the column.
The Area 451 uses the existing stalk. During the install for the Area 451 you have to disassemble the original stalk, drill a hole in it, place a new sleeve and cap on, and route a wire through the hole you drilled. This permanently alters the stalk, and if you damage it while attempting the install (drilling the hole, etc) it's probably not covered by the cars warranty.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sheureka
4) The installation of the MDC requires disconnecting the accelerator and dismantling the speedometer; the 451 just requires disassembling and replacing the wiper shaft in the front.
|
This is not true. You do not disassemble the speedometer for the MDC install. You remove it from the console with a firm tug, remove a single data plug from the back, and plug in a pass through cable. You then replace the speedo by pushing it back into place after routing the control wire to the MDC unit. The total speedo install time is about 30 seconds.
The only time one would take the speedometer apart is if you want to install the
optional third LED. The third LED is an optional component for both MDC and Area 415 units, and the procedure for install is identical for both units.
Also, the MDC unit
only has contact points at the speedometer, the stalk, and the accelerator. The lines from each run to the MDC unit which stores inside the center console. The Area 451 unit requires modifying the stalk, running a 3' line from the front of the car, under the passenger seat and flooring, to the rear ECU area where the module is installed. It also requires moving several wires/pins in a block on the ECU unit before installing it's control cable. Running the line across the passenger side is much harder and space restrained than undoing the accelerator (IMHO). Re-wiring the ECU block for the Area 451 pass-through cable is also difficult. (I understand the Area 451 unit now ships with a special tool to make this a little easier.) The Area 451 install modifications are extensive, and take equally long to reverse if you need to remove the unit for any reason. The MDC requires
no re-wiring of existing harnesses in the car, and can be disconnected quickly if need be.
Quote:
Originally Posted by sheureka
6) Since the Area451 designers are so easy to contact, I'm a lot more confident about resolving any problems that might come up in the future.
|
MDC has been around for several years,
much longer than Area 451. They're an established company, and are used to dealing with vendors since that's who they've dealt with for several years now. They also speak German, which can present it's own barriers for the US market. Especially since most of their documentation is also in German.
To be clear, most of the replies and feedback for the Area 451 unit are coming from SmartieParts, which is the primary vendor for the unit. In this case both companies are owned by the same person, which has advantages and disadvantages. You get great response and cross talk, but your eggs are all in one basket.
In summary:
Both units are good at what they do. Both have their own set of features and drawbacks. Both have good supporting vendors, which are here on SCOA (SmartieParts / SmartMaddness), and I've done business with both. Both vendors have great customer support and are responsive. Personally, I went with the MDC because it was the only thing available back in May when SmartieParts was selling it, months before the Area 451 was available. Given the choice between the two today, I would probably still go for the MDC unit, all things (like price, availability, etc) being equal.
The Area 451 unit:
+ Offers the added feature that it ties into the system a little tighter, can detect traction issues, and works in both drive and manual modes.
+ Manufacturer is in the US, speaks English, and has good customer support through it's primary vendor.
+ Is located in the boot area and not in the console, which could be more susceptible to water or weather conditions.
- Is harder to install, and modifies the car more extensively than it's counterpart.
- It has no up/down flicker and no additional features (like a governor).
- The Area 451 unit is only 4 or 5 months old, with unit testing going back maybe 8 months.
The MDC unit:
+ Has the additional features of a settable governor and a locking mechanism, as well as an up-down flicker on the stalk. [update: As well as settable Sprint Booster functionality on new units.]
+ Is easier to install, and doesn't change any of the original wiring of the car.
+The MDC 451 unit has been around for almost a year, and MDC has had versions available for several previous model smarts, including the 450.
+[
update] The new MDC also has "Sprint Boost" technology, allowing different acceleration curves based on pedal position.
o
[update] While the MDC does not appear to detect traction systems engaging (does the new version?), it does see the open door signal and the emergency break engagement, and deactivates based on that.
- It remains functional in poor traction conditions and does not work in manual mode [
update: The current model MDC actually works in manual mode].
- Manufacturer is in Germany, has language barrier issues, and is not as responsive to individual owners as it is to vendors.
If anyone has pluses or minuses to either that I've left out, please feel free to let me know and I'll add it to the list.
Today
Linear Mode
