The Wall Street Journal-20080206-Me - My Car

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Me & My Car

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[Columnist Jonathan Welsh answers readers' questions about automobiles]

Q: Some replacement air filters claim to give better performance and increase horsepower by improving air flow. At around $50, are they worth it for a vehicle like a Toyota RAV4?

-- Elias Rosales, Austin, Texas

A: I think filters that can be cleaned and reused are the best bet. Although they cost more than paper filters, they do generally boost engine performance by increasing air flow. Typically they need to be rinsed periodically and treated with oil or a cleaner to restore their effectiveness. Doing so has the added benefit of keeping drivers in touch with their vehicles by making them open the hood occasionally.

Air flow into the engine is a widely underappreciated factor in a vehicle's performance. Changing air filters is often among the last maintenance tasks drivers consider, though it can make a significant difference in how well your engine runs. I suspect many, if not most, of the auto air filters on the road today are overdue for replacement and are costing their owners precious miles per gallon and horsepower.

Q: Could you highlight the benefits and/or disadvantages of the front-wheel drive Acura TL vs. the all-wheel drive Infiniti G35x?

-- Jim Doty, Clayton, Mo.

A: Both are satisfying to drive, but each has a different feel. The G35x is based on a rear-wheel drive chassis, so it nicely combines the feel of a rear-drive sport sedan with the sense of security all-wheel drive brings to slippery conditions. The Acura TL is among my favorite front-wheel-drive cars and is one I would recommend to rear-drive fans like myself. To me, it feels lighter and slightly more nimble than the Infiniti in everyday driving. However, I think the Infiniti would be more fun in the snow, if you enjoy that type of driving.

Q: My wife and I are looking at replacing her Ford Expedition with a new luxury SUV with seven or eight seats. We are considering the Cadillac Escalade, the Mercedes GL 320 CDI and the Infiniti QX56. Are there other models we should consider?

-- Chuck Boyk, Toledo, Ohio

A: Please don't forget the GMC Acadia or its cousins, the Buick Enclave and Saturn Outlook. They can carry up to eight passengers but are less massive and, I think, less garish compared with the Escalade and Infiniti. They are also more efficient, though noticeably less powerful.