Jason

I gotta go with the TL here.

Dan Martin

I second the TL. As nice as the 330xi is it would be no match for the 270hp that's in the TL. Also the TL actually has a usable back seat.

dom

TL Hands Down

Superior Looks, reliability, practicality, price, acceleration and now handling

ClutchPerformer

It's not even close....

Lung Fu Mo Shi

I agree, size difference would make it for me. I find the TSX jsut barely big enough. The 3-series is even smaller.

biker

Gotta feel it first hand - until then don't know.

Jason

There ya go biker, you can vote as unsure now.

dabuda

dont know, gotta drive the TL first...what happened to the G35X? Audi A4? i would test drive these as well if i was in the market for AWD sports sedan

340HP

Why ask about a car that doesn't exist? If the TL were available with AWD it would own all cars in the lux-entry market. And I'd be driving one.

DEVO

I still think the TL's interior looks cheap. Also, the back seat was very cramp.

dom

There's a great chance of this car coming to market within the next 24 months. The SH-AWD system has been fitted to the Inspire which is our NA Accord so we know it fits and works. Its just a matter of time.

In fact I'd be hugely surprised and dissapointed if it did'nt.

dom

I had the same thoughts, Only I thought it was cheap compared to the TSX, not nessesaraly other cars.

fdl

keep in mind the 330 is a 5 year old design.

BigJB

Why debate this at all on the TSX forum?

Jason

:noob:

Jason

Good points.

dom

Why not? Its a discussion. We're not trying for world peace here we're giving opinions. Sure some may be extremly biased but so what its a discussion that will ultimately decide absolutely nothing in the automotive landscape. If you don't want to take part and give an opinion that why even comment?

Why people can't just look at threads like this as nothing more than useless banter and stop taking everything so seriously is beyone me.

NeoChaser

kinda off topic... but here i my opnion on the 330...

imho, i won't get the 330, 1, the interior space (rear) is smaller compared
to the TL. second, i would only get the coupe form of the 3 series,
but never the 330 cause the price point is too close to the M3....
i m not sure what is the case in ur area, but here in Van, M3's
are everywhere because the price range of the m3 and the 330ci
isn't that far off

gfxdave99

I voted TL however..

I am a die hard manual transmission person..

The g35x is lame IMHO because it has the weaker version of the engine and is automatic only.

the 330xi's 225 hp basically makes it a loser to me, sure with the gear ratio and dumping the clutch at a high rpm you can still get a 5.8 sec 0-60 out of it, you wouldnt be able to drive it like that every day

The A4 quattro 3.0 is kind of a dog coming in with a mid to high 7 0-60 with the 6 speed manual.

No i know who am i to be talking shit about 7 second cars when I drive one myself but im comparing like cars here..

with 270hp and the sh-awd system the TL would 0wn all the previously mentioned cars however.. i just hope they make a manual AWD

dom

What do you mean "weaker version of the engine" The G35 Sedan has only 1 engine choice, and its the same engine wheather it be a RWD or AWD version.

The 280HP Coupe engine is only available on the coupe.

NocturnalEvo

I think thats exactly wat he means.. its the weaker of the 2 engines available in the G35's. It has the 260hp version, instead of the 280, even tho its not available for the sedan.

yuhoo22

I have to see the redesign of the 3 series....its a beautiful thing as it is now, but just too small.

If I had to make the assumption that the other cars and the TL would look the exact same way just with the SH-AWD system....TL hands down.

TSX Hokie

BMW's Too-crappy-to-bother-naming 4WD system on the 325xi and 330xi is a joke. Heavy-as-hell fixed rear-biased torque split; that's about as advanced as the system on a 20-year old Jeep. If you are considering an xi Bimmer, take off your blue and white blinders and go buy an A4 Quattro.

If Honda ever fixes the styling on the Accord and integrates SH-AWD or IMA throughout its sedans, they will be a force to reckon with. Audi sales will be hurting when a SH-AWD TL offers better reliability, more interior gadgets, and more power for the same price as an A4 Quattro 3.0.

fdl

Alot of people here are mentioning size. But I think size wise the TL competes more with the 5 series, although I realize price wise it doesnt.


The target age and purpose of the TL is more aligned with the 5 series IMO.

STC

iTrader: (1)

What is the TL SH? and the car isnt AWD.

dom

He's just speculating. A TL SH-AWD means Super Handling AWD just like the new RL is equipped. The same system we know fits on the NA Accord so its likely to be added to the TL as well.

MarkPinTx

Hell, it's smaller compared to the TSX.

3series are dwarfmobiles. Apologies to dwarves and elves and little people everywhere.

HCF

What's taking you so long Gilboman?? I was sure you would have chimed in with some wortheless "BMWs are the greatest vehichles in the world and I can't believe you would even compare them to such an obviously inferior car...." dribble. Oh look I just posted for you and saved you 2 minutes, you don't even have to post now

gfxdave99

everybody has been happy with the backseat room in my tsx..

and as far as the g35x, my point is that it should have come with the 280 to compensate for the hp the awd system might suck from the engine...

DEVO

I should say that I didn't really like the seats at all, the leather shouldn't be called leather. The holes make it look awful. I will also agree that the TSX interior is much nicer.

As for the seats, pretty much every other luxury brand's leather is an order of magnitude better.

bob shiftright

Since we're comparing cars-that-you-can't-buy-and-they-don't-make, that should be the new e90 BMW 333iX. I'd choose one, because I'd have the first and only one on my block for at least the next year!

ilitig8

Bob, IF it happens it will probably be a 335ix, there is rumor of a 3.5 V8 for the E9x. The same rumor mill has the 3.5 in the 325hp range. In any event if this occurs the 335ix will be significantly more expensive but would out-perform the TL assuming the horse power is left near the same.

In the end based on the mythical car vs the available I would choose the TL, however I much prefer rear wheel dynamics to AWD dynamics BUT there are areas of the country where AWD is very useful several months a year.

I would rather have a RWD TL but that ain't gonna happen, AWD would be a smart move for Acura and the TL. AWD used to have a big advantage in all bad weather but with the excellent traction control available today on many cars AWD's everyday (non-track) advantage is relagated to solid water varients, useful for some but a weight and handling feel penalty for the rest. In the end AWD TL > FWD TL but will need ~30 more hp to keep the fun factor.

Vandy

Jason

Ridiculous!!

phile

Wow, 3.5L V8 for the BMW...if it weren't for the outrageous price that we know BMW would charge for one of those, the BMW would win hands down. Someone posted that BMW's ponies are a little stronger than Honda's, I tend to agree. But I think Honda's ponies are definitely stronger than Toyota's and Nissan's.

ilitig8

My mistake, after checking the source (Automobile 5/04) it is a 3.6L but badges 335. I am "patiently" waiting for the E92 M3 with a 4.0L 400hp magnesium blocked lump. I put a my name at the top of my dealers list for one before I took delivery of my latest M.

The 2.5 and 3.0s in the E90/91s will be magnesium blocked and direct injected. Although, my opinion is quite biased I think the entry-lux makers will again be playing catch-up after next fall and will do as they have done, catch up toward the end of the model cycle and start the chase again. Agree or not, the 3 series has defined and propelled the entry-lux market to ever greater heights. Everyone in the niche has gained whether you drive a German, American or Asian car.

To reiterate why I am here an not considering a 325 for my road car replacement it is simple, cost of ownership and reliability, both of which have been excellent with my Acuras in the past.

Vandy

neuronbob

Do you even have to ask?

More HP, REAL back seat, better audio system. Game, set, match to TL.

MoMocedes

Let me be the odd ball of this one I would choose the G35X. For some reason I love the handling and the style of the exterior. I can live without a manny tranny and the 265hp is enough to do the daily highway driving for me. So IMHO the G35X would be a better everyday car and the TL.....well until they make the AWD then I'm sure it could probably change my mind. BMW is played out unless its a "M ////" so thats out of the question and Audi is just a big chunk of steel with lights.

1SICKLEX

This is tough. Before, I would have picked the TL hands down as it's Japanese and quality is a major factor in my decison making. But the car is really American and it's quality seems to be no better than an Audi or BMW.
I just can't get by the G35 console and interior.
The Audi is classic looking but heavy and a lil slower than everyone else.
So the 330 gets my vote. Includes the 3 year maintenance too. SInce the quality factor is pretty much up in the air for all these cars, might as well go with the leader and not the imitations.

And the next IS will be offered in AWD and if it looks good, that is where my money would go

ilitig8

Actually, maintenance is included for 4y-50k on all BMWs.

Vandy

1SICKLEX

Cool, did not know that. I heard the 2005 and up Benz's won't include it anymore.