I heard the RL cost 14000$ more than the tl

 

The difference is how the two cars ride, handle, fit/finish, etc. They really are two totally different cars for different markets. I've owned a 96RL, 04TL, and 05RL so I've spent considerable time in each. The RL has better/higher quality materials and a better fit and finish that the TL. You will set gaps and alignment issues with interior/exterior parts that you never see on the RL. Also more rattles in the TL. I attribute the majority of this to Japan build versus US build, but it could be the lower quality materials as well.

The TL is a higher volume seller and requires more of a mass production approach which means more little things are going to be overlooked to get the cars to dealers quicker. The RL is the top of the line for Acura and should get the most attention to detail in production.

As far as driving characteristics, the TL is more of a boy racer type of car which will mean a taunt, stiffer ride. The low profile tires on the TL also gives it a harsher ride. The RL is more of a luxury ride, not soft, but more muted in ride and handling. There is always the issues of torque steer with a powerful front wheel drive car like the TL, but I never noticed it much. The RL is all wheel drive so torque steer is a non issue. The difference is features/options is obvious. The RL is loaded with options.

The styling difference is a personal thing, but I would love the RL driving characteristics in a TL body. I still think the TL is one of the best looking cars on the road, but the driving experience was not nearly as good as the RL. The RL is definitely a much better all around package than the TL for me. My 96RL is still running like a champ at 180K so I think reliability is a given in any Acura. YMMV

 

well said

 

+1

 

Other than SH-AWD and a Bose stereo (Bose not being a benefit IMO), what does the RL have that the TL doesn't?

Active Noise Cancellation, Active Front Lighting, real wood trim, and keyless start. If you get a TL type S you get the ANC. TL has a cassette deck as well that the RL doesn't, I'm not sure if that's a plus or a minus.

The difference in features has decreased substantially as the TL picked up lots of new features between 04 and 08 where the RL has stayed relatively the same. All the RL has really picked up is the back up camera.

 

+2

 

Other than SH-AWD and a Bose stereo (Bose not being a benefit IMO), what does the RL have that the TL doesn't?

Here are a few more features in RL.
- Motorized back sun shade.
- Sun shade on bothsides of rear seat.
- Higher quality material and nicer more luxury interior than TL.
- Driver seat feels better than RL.
- Made in Japan VS Ohio, USA. (Poor assembly and workmanship.
- Less rattles than TL.

 

Found a few more features.

- Power-folding headrests second row.
- Power Tilt/telescoping steering wheel.
- Adaptive Cruise Control and the CMBS Brake system

 

Which years are you referring to?

Since both have been around since 1996, you can compare different generations and price ranges.

 

I'll give you the shades and the power tilt/telescope steering wheel as well as the power folding headrests. The seat is opinion.

I fully agree on the quality of materials and general build quality especially the much higher quality paint job, I was more referring to tech equipment. When the current gen RL came out, the differences were greater. The TL has gained a lot of ground in the past 3 years.

The RL also has the adjustable front headrest that reaches out to your head, I forgot about that one.