***COPIED FROM TL DISCUSSIONS FORUM***

I know the engines are different but is the rest of the car like body, chassis, suspension, etc. that much different? I'm thinking in the area of springs, wheels, and exhaust (cat back).
Thanks all again.

R_C

 

I would assume with the bigger engine, the heavier the car would be. So that's why there's different lowering springs for the two different TL's. I know the front hood is different on the two cars. And that the 3.2 has a 5 nut configuration for rims while the 2.5 has a 4 nut configuration. That's all i know.

 

also they have heated seats, and heated mirrors.

 

didn't some of the 2.5's come with cloth seats too?

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1997 Acura 3.2TL Silver, Eibach Pro-Kit, custom short ram intake, custom dual square tip exhaust, 17" Konig Impakt +42, 225/45/17 Yokohamas, clear bumper lights, IPF white fog lights, Pioneer DEH-P8000 head unit, 2 Kicker 160SS amps, Kicker RS6 components, 2 12" Kicker XPL subs, Alpine SPS-6939, tints

 

The first gen. TL was made from 96 - 98. When first intro'd there were two versions: Standard and Premium. The 2.5 came in Std or Premium while the 3.2 was always Premium. Later, I think in 97, they only made premium. Premium included leather. The 2.5 suspension was tuned to the sportier side while the 3.2 was tuned more for comfort. The 3.2 has a different grill(I think the 2.5 slats run vertical while the 3.2's run horizontal ??). The 3.2 has substantial more hp/torque vs the 2.5: 200/210 vs 176/170. Aside from the engine, suspension(springs, motor mounts, etc.), and a few amenities in earlier versions, they are pretty close. Both are great cars!

 

3.2 grill slats run verticle and 2.5's run horizontal

 

Also have seen some 2.5 without sunroof also.

 

Lotta wrong info here. 1st gen 3.2TL comes standard and premium. Only the 3.2TL premium has traction control!!! Also slight length, width differences between the 2.5 and the 3.2TL, where 3.2TL exceeds 2.5TL. Technology in the two engines are quite different where the 3.2TL used coils and sensors and no distributor among some of the differences.

 

all these things have been discussed in recent threads rather than bringing back threads that are almost 6 years old.

 

Someone mentioned a pro kit here. What and where can they be found for a 96 2.5TL

 

The Damn Bumper Frame Is Different And The Fenders As Well And A Few Other Minor Cosmetics

 

Engine: obvious differences here. 2.5's use a liquid filled engine mount due to the inherent vibration characteristics of a 5 cylinder engine. 3.2s make do with a rubber mount

Structure: 2.5s have a honeycomb floorpan or somesuch. I'm not sure 3.2s do. 3.2s have additional sound deadening.

Suspension: 3.2s have an aluminum rear subframe. 3.2s are tuned for more luxury, whereas 2.5s are tuned more sportily.

Exterior: 3.2s have different wheels and larger tires. Different front bumper, fenders and grill as well

Interior: Depending on package, 3.2s have a heck of a lot more wood, particularly on the lower console. Additionally, the gearshift is leather as well on 3.2s. Also came with a factory security system, that was not initiialy availble on 2.5s. 2.5s had a strange Kenwood alarm system or some such, before they switched to the factory one later on.

Based on the opinions of those who have driven the 3.2 and the 2.5, they are two vastly different cars despite the same platform. The added goodies, and power and refinement of the 3.2 apparently put it in a differnt league than the 2.5. I for one have never driven a 2.5, and can only go by what has been said by people that have driven both.

Go to Hondanews.com to find out more about the differences between the 2.5 and the 3.2.

 

96-97 3.2TL came in Standard and Premium. For 1998, they were all Premium except they didn't have traction control. TCS was the only option for 1998.