Know your enemy: Acura TL

[RACER D12]

270 @ 6200 RPM and 238 @ 5000 RPM 0-60 in 6.74 and 1/4 in 14.98 at 97mph.(All numbers from carpoint.com) All I can say is damn! Looks like the Maxima needs to watch out theirs a new sports sedan on the block. Also I have to tip my hat to the people at honda/acura because I think the TL has got some sweet lines. I really like the side and rear view. Still dont know if I would buy one because its FWD and its MSRP is $32,650 for the six speed. Anyways something to look over your shoulder for. Now what do you guys think?

[SpaceManSpiff]

For the price, there are several cars I would rather have, even limiting me to new cars. For that price you can get a 330i, S2000, RX8, 350z, and plenty else.

It's a decent looking car, but nothing special. I also hear that it torque-steers like crazy. Decent car, but it wouldn't be my first choice.

[RACER D12]

Oh no its not my first choice either, but quick car none the less and some thing to watch out for when your looking for kill.

[Steel]

270 to the front wheels? No offense, but i think if a car is making 250+ horse stock, it should go to the back. But even then, that's pretty sweet! Any engine specs?

[90Stangjc]

14.9 and 97 mph, what he do spin through 1st,2nd,and 3rd? My friend has a 94' Z28. His is 13.82 @ 99mph. That's 1.1 seconds for 2 mph, ouch for the guys that drove the Acura

[-Josh-]

Id rather have The Grand Prix Comp G for 26K

[ZackKVtec]

damn strait racer d12, that is a sweet car, i love to see unexpecting motorists get beat by a family sedan

[LjasonL]

Well, it's still not very fast. A 15 flat isn't really anything to brag about. You could buy an EVO or STi for the same price.

[carrrnuttt]

Why don't you guys learn a bit more about the car before you judge?

http://www.jsonline.com/wheels/test/nov03/184157.asp

http://www.edmunds.com/new/2004/acur...turereviews..2.*

http://www.mpt.org/motorweek/reviews/rt2312a.shtml

[mycivic]

I like the Acura TL the way it is. But Acura shoud have made it RWD with that kind of power.

[BP2K2Max]

it should be honda vs. Nissan and Acura vs Infiniti . put that 270 hp tl against a 6 speed G35 infiniti and it'll get smoked in every way. and over at forums.maxima.org there are a lot of members with 2k2+ 3.5L maxima's running 14.4's stock, or nearly stock at over 100mph. the newest maxima is said to run a 6.28 0-60 and it's the heaviest Max yet.

[Polygon]

While you can get a much better performance sedan for the money, you can't get one with the options and fit and finish of the TL. The TL just has a great interior and for a luxury sports car it can haul ass. I think it is the best buy in its class.

Also, it is such a damn good looking car inside and out!

[LjasonL]

Originally Posted by Polygon

While you can get a much better performance sedan for the money, you can't get one with the options and fit and finish of the TL. The TL just has a great interior and for a luxury sports car it can haul ass. I think it is the best buy in its class.

Also, it is such a damn good looking car inside and out!

All stuff I don't care about though. I'd rather lose some luxury and fit and finish and get more drivers enjoyment. STi, EVO, RX8, S2000, hell, there are cheaper cars I'd rather have even if price wasn't a consideration - WRX, SRT4, Mazdaspeed Protege, RSX-S... Just my opinion. It looks like a great "sport-luxury" thingy, but when you're talking performance-wise, it's nothing special, particularly in its price range.

[Polygon]

I'll agree with you about the WRX STi and Evo, but the S2000 and RX-8 aren't the best sports cars. Granted they can hold a turn pretty damn good, but the RX-8 is severely underpowered and the S2000 has to be revved like a bitch to go.

You have to understand that the TL caters to a different crowd that the STi and Evo. The TL is built as a fast family car, or for the person that does want the luxury. Personally, if I were driving across country I would rather be in a TL than an Evo or the STi, but if I were driving around town give me an Evo or the STi.

[Layla's Keeper]

Well, if you're really going to be worrying about sleeper FF sedans, keep an eye out for Cadillac STS's. Those are 300hp Northstar sedans, and they tend to haul when you get on 'em.

The TL, well, it's nice (and it makes me recall the Acura we had in the shop last week that had a 2.5L DOHC five cylinder. First time I'd seen an Acura straight five) and handles well enough, but it's so blessed unremarkable.

I think Automobile Magazine commented on it saying "The bottom line on this car is that it's another Japanese FF four cylinder sedan that does a lot of things well and at a reasonable price. But that's it."