Ok, I've been looking at these forums for awhile and decided to get a TSX. However, my parents saw that it was a 4cylinder and said to get something with a V6, so I showed them the 04TL; they said to get that. I really wanted a TSX, however. Last Sunday we went to the Acura dealership; they were closed Sundays but you could look around. We looked at both the TL and TSX. I started to lean a bit to the TL side. I like that it has a lot more hp and torque and the front looks really good, but the rear isn't very attractive. The TSX on the other hand has a nicer rear and all around looks sportier.

Can you guys help me out? I'm really torn between the two. We're going to test drive them Monday, but I would like some suggestions. I like the power of the TL but the all around look of the TSX.

Why can't they make a TSX with V6, so I don't have to choose!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?!

 

if you got the $$, there shouldn't be too much of a decision

 

Test drive both and decide. I chose the tsx over the tl and many other cars. To me the TL is nice, but one thing I hated was the fact that it is FWD and the rear wasnt too attractive. Many will say it doesnt matter it is FWD, but when you test drive a G35 or 330 you can see it does. When you have a V6 putting out 270 ponies to the front wheel there is gonna torque steer no matter how well the Honda engineers tuned the car. Many honda owners never experience or notice any torque steer because I4s dont produce enough power. The best way for you to make an option is to test drive both cars and decide which one you are happier with.

 

I was in that position but the front of the TL and the rear look akward and I love the TSX rear (LEDS?) but I love the engine of the TL and the interior but I can do without both thats why Im going to get the TSX (2 Months and counting ) with the Carbon Gray/Ebony interior 6speed and hopfully the navi but I have 2 months to make up my mind but in one short sentence the TSX is more modern for youngins like us and if you want power then knock yourself out and go with the TL.

 

I know - wouldn't it be just so wonderful if the TSX had a V6? I think that the TSX is so much better looking than the TL - the TSX looks like a refined European sports sedan, whereas the TL, which is also good looking, bears some resemblance to the Dodge Stratus and Ford Mustang... the TSX is not as fast, but the handling is more nimble and precise. Plus, the TSX has folding rear seats but the TL does not. It all depends on what is important to you...

 

I think only you can make this decision. I drove the new TL and went with the TSX because I thought it was more nimble.

 

Sorry but I disagree... I have the money to buy a TL but when I tried it, it felt like a pair of pants 4 size too big. I know the TSX is not much smaller but at least it feels more nimble and more compact...

Beleive me, when going from a Type-R to a 4 doors, the TL is a pretty big (in size) upgrade...

Also, the TSX is much more rewarding than the TL...

But then again, this is my own opinion...

Regards

 

I don't think anybody can tell you what you want/need, I can tell you my experience since I had the '04 TL and TSX in mind when I was car shopping.

I test drove the TSX when it first came out last year when I still had my CL-S and I was pretty impressed. Then when the '04 TL came out I test drove that as well and really liked it, especially the power and all the nifty gadgets. After I test drove the TL, I test drove the TSX again and overall, the TSX felt better for me. I didn't feel the TL was really what I needed. I didn't need all that power or extra room and it was $10K CDN more than the TSX.

Although I *really* wanted the navigation system that the TL has (no navi for the TSX here in Canada), it wasn't a dire need for me. Plus, the TSX handled a lot better and was a lot more fun to drive. So I bought the TSX and haven't regretted the decision since. But like others have said, it's really up to you and what you need and/or want.

 

It's simple... Write down the Pro's & Con's of each vehicle, then circle the ones that you actually care about. Look at those choices and see if they are worth the difference in price to you. If they are, then go with the TL, if they are not, TSX is the car for you.

 

Plus I like the whining sound of the TSX. The TL with it’s exhaust system has succumbed to the American passion for guttural noise of the 50's and 60's muscle cars.

 

Boy, I really feel sorry for you.

I must be tough choosing between the two.

 

Even if the TL had 400 HP AWD with an ultra flux capacitor, I wouldn't have bought it. Fold-down rear seats is an absolute requirement for me in a sedan. I am reminded of this every time I go skiing or to Home Depot.

 

Kooky,

You should have never told them it had a V6. I have had 4 different people drive my car and they all thought it had a V6 until I told them otherwise. Have them test drive the car and tell them this is the new "V6" version of the TSX. After the test drive come clean. It is all perception.

 

Cause it would suck!!! If you want bad weight balance and reduced handling and torque steer then a FWD V6 TSX is for you.

 

I'll make is concise.

200hp i4 compact / 270hp v6 sedan +6~7k.

 

Only way you'll be able to decide is to drive them back to back. Start with the TSX.

"I have the money to buy a TL but when I tried it, it felt like a pair of pants 4 size too big. " - Very similar to what I experienced, only I described it elsewhere as a soft, comfortable glove two sizes too big. Money is not the issue for me, either; when it comes time to buy, it will be the TSX in my garage, not the TL - I love the TL, but it just wasn't the car for me.

Of course, this also means I choose the TSX over the G35, 9-3, C-Class, IS300, and 3-series :-)

 

Thx for the advice guys. We're test driving them tomorrow to get a better feel. I really like the TSX, and today I saw two more guys w/ TLs at my church. They look good, but I still can't get that look of the rear outta my head. The TSX also has a really nice interior and the outside looks great; I liked it if they had the TL front and the TSX back. The TSX also has good power but I'm not sure if it is enough. I'm asian and my parents and my relatives have this notion that a V6 is better than a 4 cylinder, because it won't break down as quick, last a lot longer, and is quieter; but I like my kitten to purrr:'( . My parents want me to get the V6 for the lasting factor. However, my cousin, who auctions cars and knows quite a bit, says it doesn't really matter. I'm kinda split both ways with each side.

Money isn't really a factor in this choice. I could get a freakin ferrari if I wanted, but I'd like some practicallity and I really don't want all of that attention; positive and negative. I also need enough room for all the studio crap I have to carry from college. With that said, I'm also kinda stuck with Honda, Lexus, Toyota, and Acura. Lol, my family doesn't trust(HATES) other car companies. Out of those choices, only Acura has sport sedans that look good and suit my needs.

 

Dude get a limo and a chauffeur. I also would suggest a school bus. Might be more appropriate for you...

 

The TSX is as quiet or quiter than the TL. It is made in Japan, the TL is made in Ohio. Honda/Acura's 4 and 5 cylinder engines have always been there best. There is no reason the TSX engine want go 250K miles easy. BTW I am as Anglo-Saxon as they come and all I buy is Japanesse brand cars and I prefer the ones made there as well. Sounds like your parents (other than the V6 thing) got it right.

 

It's not nice to stare at other's rear-ends

 

Hmmm, have to tell my parents that. They think the 4cylinder will make a lot of noise too. I use to drive a 98 accord and it was 4cylinder, never had any problems except for some squicky brakes. It's really my mom that cares if its a 4banger or not. My dad knows a lot about cars but he's still kinda goin w/ my mom on this one. My whole family shares the V6 deal. Most of the cars are V6 or higher.

I do share the mentality that my parents have about companies. We've had very bad experience with other car companies. The ford sucked, the mazda van sucked. They both would either break down the first two years or frequently need repairs. The only cars that we have are either Honda, Lexus, Toyota, or Acura. If I even mention that I'm getting a dif company car, even if I'm kidding, they'll EXPLODE!!!!!

 

 

Why not? Life is supposed to be fun right? Didn't you know cars are sexy?

 

Make no mistake - the TSX engine is noticeably louder than the TL enginer when you really step on the gas. And the acceleration difference is also noticeable. It still is a 4 cylinder, after all. As far as which one lasts longer? Um... it depends on who makes the engine, not how many cylinders. I had an '85 Prelude, purchased with 105k miles and drove it to 205k miles and the engine could easily have gone a lot further (the rest of the car needed more repairs than the car was worth so I traded it in for almost $900 sight unseen at the Acura dealership).

If lugging stuff around is a necessity for you, then the bigger engine of the TL would be nice, except Acura forgot to provide a way to fold down the rear seat. The rear seat in the TSX does fold. If hauling thins is important, but so is fun, have you considered an IS300 sport cross? Or the upcoming Saabaru 9-2x?

 

No way. All the guys were raving about the sound when the TL was first introduced last fall (just search under the TL sub-forum here). The TL exhausts are much louder than the TSX's. As for engine whine, I down shifted from 6th to 5th at about 70 and accelerated to 85 at I guess about 4300 rpm at heard nothing but a purr.

This a 2.4L 4 cylinder. My fix V6 was 2.4L. My Vigor was a 2.5L 5 cylinder and the BMW 325 is 2.5L V6. This is no under powered Chevette or even some high reving S2000. This car has one big 4 cylinder. The 4 cylinder in general is more smooth than a V6 and definately the TSX's engine is smoother than the TL's.

 

If you have the means and are looking for a bigger, more luxury-oriented car (also quicker), go for the TL. If your looking for something sporty and little more manueverable, I'd go with the TSX.

 

pr - hmmm. perhaps we need to distinguish between engine sound and exhaust sound? I could buy that they are roughly equal in overall "noise", with the TSX engine being louder than the TL's, but the TL's exhaust being louder than the TSX's. What do you think? I admit to only having driven the TL for ~15 min, whereas I've had the TSX as a loaner car overnight (ahem - I just couldn't make it back to the dealership that night to pick up my intengra :-) ). I loved both cars, but the TSX will be the one I eventually buy.

 

Lol, this is a pretty late post. Well, we test drove them last Monday and I like both cars. The dealer was really informative about the engines, body frames, and torque steer. The TSX has a nicer Instrument panel and the interior looks good, but the Tl has a ton of features and looks good too. I was first taken by the TSX with it's younger look. However, the look of the TL has grown on me. My Dad liked both cars, but the TL was his pick, so we went with the TL. I don't know when I'll get it, but it's a manual in Anthracite Metallic with Ebony interior and navigation. Those brembo brakes on them look HOT too.