Motor Trend 2.4 TLX road test
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10-21-2014, 12:19 AM
#3
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Just got my R&T. The review was a bit lukewarm overall. No times listed. Was another one of those its no sports car things. They tested the I4.
10-21-2014, 06:58 AM
#4
10-21-2014, 07:52 AM
#6
For a 2.4 non turbo I4? No.
Check out the numbers on a mid 80s 300ZX turbo...
And that car weighed over 100 lbs. less
Nissan 300ZX Performance Statistics
Check out the numbers on a mid 80s 300ZX turbo...
And that car weighed over 100 lbs. less
Nissan 300ZX Performance Statistics
10-21-2014, 08:12 AM
#7
For a 2.4 non turbo I4? No.
Check out the numbers on a mid 80s 300ZX turbo...
And that car weighed over 100 lbs. less
Nissan 300ZX Performance Statistics
Check out the numbers on a mid 80s 300ZX turbo...
And that car weighed over 100 lbs. less
Nissan 300ZX Performance Statistics
no need to throw out stats or compare it to a '80s car
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tlxsteve (10-21-2014)
10-21-2014, 08:41 AM
#9
Isn't it well known that a 1980s 3500lb 200hp 4-cylinder car will always be slower than a equivalent 2015 car? Along with technological progress, the laws of physics have changed. In 20 years, you'll have a 100hp TLX that weighs 4000lbs do 0-60 in 3 seconds! Just can't explain it... It's called magic!
Sarcasm off now... Technological progress might provide a flatter horsepower and torque curve than in years past, but these advantages are negated when the cars are drag strip launched during 0-60 testing.
Sarcasm off now... Technological progress might provide a flatter horsepower and torque curve than in years past, but these advantages are negated when the cars are drag strip launched during 0-60 testing.
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10-21-2014, 09:10 AM
#10
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Doesn't this beg the question - are 0 to 60 times really the most relevant way to look at the speed/quickness of a car? Doesn't a 5 to 60 MPH time make more sense for real-world functionality?
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10-21-2014, 10:30 AM
#12
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Most of 0-60 is just fun BS anyway . Anyone who has done any bracket racing knows that the same car, same day, same track has to have its ET adjusted slower, based on experience, from the morning time trials to the afternoon elimination rounds. 5-60 will have the same issues with environmental changes.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 10-21-2014 at 10:37 AM.
10-21-2014, 11:00 AM
#13
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10-21-2014, 01:03 PM
#15
The biggest problem is what to compare it to. Car and Driver, MT and indeed many of the commenters below the MT piece get all messed up about this. Why compare to 328 or ATS turbo when both have lower powered alternatives that are still more expensive than the TLX. I considered the ATS, the IS, the 3 series and A3. The last of these is debatable as to whether it should be an A4. The i4 TLX offers more space, competitive performance and dynamics, more refinement, and more stuff for less money. The bigger engined competitors are just even more expensive.
And to compare performance numbers to the TSX manual or Accord Sport manual is ludicrous. The TLX is an automatic, so it should only be compared so. If you prefer to by a manual, then do so. Just pickings are pretty slim. And by the way a 320i automatic with a similar spec to a TLX i4 Tech lists at $48,500 in Canada. Nearly $10,000 more.
And to compare performance numbers to the TSX manual or Accord Sport manual is ludicrous. The TLX is an automatic, so it should only be compared so. If you prefer to by a manual, then do so. Just pickings are pretty slim. And by the way a 320i automatic with a similar spec to a TLX i4 Tech lists at $48,500 in Canada. Nearly $10,000 more.
10-21-2014, 01:10 PM
#16
The biggest problem is what to compare it to. Car and Driver, MT and indeed many of the commenters below the MT piece get all messed up about this. Why compare to 328 or ATS turbo when both have lower powered alternatives that are still more expensive than the TLX. I considered the ATS, the IS, the 3 series and A3. The last of these is debatable as to whether it should be an A4. The i4 TLX offers more space, competitive performance and dynamics, more refinement, and more stuff for less money. The bigger engined competitors are just even more expensive.
And to compare performance numbers to the TSX manual or Accord Sport manual is ludicrous. The TLX is an automatic, so it should only be compared so. If you prefer to by a manual, then do so. Just pickings are pretty slim. And by the way a 320i automatic with a similar spec to a TLX i4 Tech lists at $48,500 in Canada. Nearly $10,000 more.
And to compare performance numbers to the TSX manual or Accord Sport manual is ludicrous. The TLX is an automatic, so it should only be compared so. If you prefer to by a manual, then do so. Just pickings are pretty slim. And by the way a 320i automatic with a similar spec to a TLX i4 Tech lists at $48,500 in Canada. Nearly $10,000 more.
Acura Markets this thing as a thrill seeker, sporty, and fun.
so, we compare it to other vehicles that are sporty, fun and a thrill to drive....
only thing is; acura's are no longer that thrill seeking fun to drive car.
Acura should market the car for what it is; a reliable family car that is best in value for the price.
leave the thrill seeking marketing slogans for an actual exciting car.
10-21-2014, 01:36 PM
#17
The TLX is an automatic,
10-21-2014, 01:46 PM
#18
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How about the Impala 2LT, faster, bigger & less expensive with the 305hp V6 topping out at about $36K with lots of goodies or the Buick on the same platform?
0-60 in 6 flat
5-60 in 6.2
1/4 mile 14.8 @ 97
0-60 in 6 flat
5-60 in 6.2
1/4 mile 14.8 @ 97
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 10-21-2014 at 01:49 PM.
10-21-2014, 01:48 PM
#19
"the problem is (some one mentioned it in the ILX thread) Acura's marketing."
So BMW is the "ULTIMATE" driving machine?
Mercedes is "the BEST or nothing"?
These cars are the pinnacle of performance and luxury?
So BMW is the "ULTIMATE" driving machine?
Mercedes is "the BEST or nothing"?
These cars are the pinnacle of performance and luxury?
Last edited by smoooov; 10-21-2014 at 01:58 PM.
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10-21-2014, 02:05 PM
#20
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That said I think that MB can be safely considered the Best all round mass market brand while BMW does have the highest brand recognition & brand value in automobiles.
Guy down & across the street has a StingRay Z-51 that will eat all my cars, except for the Cobra till 150mph, collective lunch. The guy on the corner has a 458 that easily wins the "Holly S**t, did you see that award?". So I have no illusion where BMW & MB fit into the world of automobiles.
Rolls & Bentley are very nice top end luxury British cars. Opps forgot, the RR is a BMW & the Bentely is a VW.
Last edited by BEAR-AvHistory; 10-21-2014 at 02:09 PM.
10-21-2014, 02:11 PM
#22
"Ultimate or Best, No. Very very good in their respective mass market performance oriented versions, Yes."
I completely agree.
Point is, Acura using "it's that kind of thrill" in there ads is nothing to get worked up about. It's just a marketing slogan.
I completely agree.
Point is, Acura using "it's that kind of thrill" in there ads is nothing to get worked up about. It's just a marketing slogan.
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BEAR-AvHistory (10-21-2014)
10-21-2014, 02:38 PM
#24
Moderator
<<<@!1!@>>>
Egg. Zactly.
Marketing is all about creating brand image and getting people into the store to look at the product.
You won't do so well with a marketing campaign like "It's that kind of family car"
click ->
Egg. Zactly.
Marketing is all about creating brand image and getting people into the store to look at the product.
You won't do so well with a marketing campaign like "It's that kind of family car"
click ->
10-21-2014, 03:02 PM
#25
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The TLX thrill is what? MPG? They are portraying it as a true all round performance car & it does not have the muscle to support it. No matter what their aspirations are its a nice competent grocery getter but its best performance version is still very average in total performance metrics.
Its got SH-AWD but no power to exploit it, Its got a very good trans (programming will be solved) but small brakes. Nice suspension but crappy tires. They did not bring the Thrilling package together very well.
Points on the board for MPG but many performance oriented people are willing to forgo that feature.
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10-21-2014, 03:06 PM
#26
You could compare those cars to the BMW 320i, A3 1.8T, ATS 2.5, CLA250 as well and since, at the same price point, they would have less equipment or features you would have to be a fool to buy one of them.
Last edited by smoooov; 10-21-2014 at 03:09 PM.
10-21-2014, 03:09 PM
#27
The TLX thrill is what? MPG? They are portraying it as a true all round performance car & it does not have the muscle to support it. No matter what their aspirations are its a nice competent grocery getter but its best performance version is still very average in total performance metrics.
Its got SH-AWD but no power to exploit it, Its got a very good trans (programming will be solved) but small brakes. Nice suspension but crappy tires. They did not bring the Thrilling package together very well.
Points on the board for MPG but many performance oriented people are willing to forgo that feature.
Its got SH-AWD but no power to exploit it, Its got a very good trans (programming will be solved) but small brakes. Nice suspension but crappy tires. They did not bring the Thrilling package together very well.
Points on the board for MPG but many performance oriented people are willing to forgo that feature.
Totally agree Bear....and it is funny that with the 4G they had few things to brag about and they did not and kept quiet, with this car it's all bragging and no "meat" so far....
10-21-2014, 03:19 PM
#28
Don't see the point. BMW/MB/Audi/Lexus? produce 4 passenger cars that will compete with a Corvette or a Porsche. So the puffery in advertising has some basis in fact.
The TLX thrill is what? MPG? They are portraying it as a true all round performance car & it does not have the muscle to support it. No matter what their aspirations are its a nice competent grocery getter but its best performance version is still very average in total performance metrics.
Its got SH-AWD but no power to exploit it, Its got a very good trans (programming will be solved) but small brakes. Nice suspension but crappy tires. They did not bring the Thrilling package together very well.
Points on the board for MPG but many performance oriented people are willing to forgo that feature.
The TLX thrill is what? MPG? They are portraying it as a true all round performance car & it does not have the muscle to support it. No matter what their aspirations are its a nice competent grocery getter but its best performance version is still very average in total performance metrics.
Its got SH-AWD but no power to exploit it, Its got a very good trans (programming will be solved) but small brakes. Nice suspension but crappy tires. They did not bring the Thrilling package together very well.
Points on the board for MPG but many performance oriented people are willing to forgo that feature.
10-21-2014, 03:29 PM
#29
When I bought my TSX I also test drove a Golf GTi and a WRX. I preferred the slowest car of the three. And it replaced my VR6 GTi. It's not about numbers for everybody.
10-21-2014, 03:36 PM
#30
I am wondering if the thrill message in all of Acura's marketing is to tell people that. When they drive it, most people are just going to feel how quiet and comfortable it is. And not even have the chance to whizz around mountain curves with no traffic. So the ads tell the performance side of things, the driving experience shows the refinement and comfort. All bases covered....
I don't know what else to think as the advertising is so out of whack with the reality. An ATS turbo or A3 2.0 will run rings around a TLX. Weird to focus on what it is not. Maybe that's a common advertising ploy. Very hard to convey refinement and comfort in an ad. I remember Ford ads in the 60s where they went round the world in a Galaxy comparing its quietness to fancy far more expensive European cars. Dunno if anyone else here is old enough to remember.
I don't know what else to think as the advertising is so out of whack with the reality. An ATS turbo or A3 2.0 will run rings around a TLX. Weird to focus on what it is not. Maybe that's a common advertising ploy. Very hard to convey refinement and comfort in an ad. I remember Ford ads in the 60s where they went round the world in a Galaxy comparing its quietness to fancy far more expensive European cars. Dunno if anyone else here is old enough to remember.
10-21-2014, 03:54 PM
#33
Well the vast majority of the reviews are favorable and claim that the TLX is much improved over the TSX and TL. That bodes well for Acura and the marketing just has to get people to check the car out. period.
10-21-2014, 05:38 PM
#34
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Very few reviews will actually tank a car not that its not a nice car.
Think the ones who will decide if its better than the TSX & 4G are the owners of those cars as it becomes time for them to buy.
Think the ones who will decide if its better than the TSX & 4G are the owners of those cars as it becomes time for them to buy.
10-21-2014, 06:14 PM
#35
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the problem is (some one mentioned it in the ILX thread) Acura's marketing.
Acura Markets this thing as a thrill seeker, sporty, and fun.
so, we compare it to other vehicles that are sporty, fun and a thrill to drive....
only thing is; acura's are no longer that thrill seeking fun to drive car.
Acura should market the car for what it is; a reliable family car that is best in value for the price.
leave the thrill seeking marketing slogans for an actual exciting car.
Acura Markets this thing as a thrill seeker, sporty, and fun.
so, we compare it to other vehicles that are sporty, fun and a thrill to drive....
only thing is; acura's are no longer that thrill seeking fun to drive car.
Acura should market the car for what it is; a reliable family car that is best in value for the price.
leave the thrill seeking marketing slogans for an actual exciting car.
With that said, from most of the test drives I have seen, most journalists find the car sporty and fun to drive.
The way I see it is that, the likes of IS250, ATS 2.5, and 320i are also fun to drive cars, much like their faster siblings (IS350, ATS 2.0T, and 328i). They are still based on the same platform. It's not like the 320i is a complete different car than a 328i.
Yeaa a lot of domestic cars look good that way. It's like, why get a 428i for $40k when one can get a 2015 Mustang 310hp Mustang for $25k that would eat the 428i for breakfast?
10-21-2014, 08:04 PM
#36
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10-21-2014, 08:17 PM
#37
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10-22-2014, 07:08 AM
#39
Don't see the point. BMW/MB/Audi/Lexus? produce 4 passenger cars that will compete with a Corvette or a Porsche. So the puffery in advertising has some basis in fact.
The TLX thrill is what? MPG? They are portraying it as a true all round performance car & it does not have the muscle to support it. No matter what their aspirations are its a nice competent grocery getter but its best performance version is still very average in total performance metrics.
Its got SH-AWD but no power to exploit it, Its got a very good trans (programming will be solved) but small brakes. Nice suspension but crappy tires. They did not bring the Thrilling package together very well.
Points on the board for MPG but many performance oriented people are willing to forgo that feature.
The TLX thrill is what? MPG? They are portraying it as a true all round performance car & it does not have the muscle to support it. No matter what their aspirations are its a nice competent grocery getter but its best performance version is still very average in total performance metrics.
Its got SH-AWD but no power to exploit it, Its got a very good trans (programming will be solved) but small brakes. Nice suspension but crappy tires. They did not bring the Thrilling package together very well.
Points on the board for MPG but many performance oriented people are willing to forgo that feature.
the slogan doesnt match the product.
wouldnt that be called false advertising?
the only thrill i got out of it was trying to figure out the transmission selector.
"you mean, I just push the big P to put it in park? NOOOO WAAAAY!"