I see where you are coming from. While we truly do not have empirical evidence of the TL beating out a TSX on a roadcourse, I think this would be roadcourse and driver dependent. The TL, is in fact a bigger, more powerful car, and I think in most instances, it would be the winner (smaller more technical autocross course might go to the TSX though).

However, if we speak of handling in the sporting sense rather than flat-out grip, roadcourse numbers etc, the TSX is, as you said, more nimble and is more communicative. Its a more compact package, a livelier drive, a better balance as most TSX owners would say. It does handle pretty dang well and if TSX owners believe it handles better than the TL, I don't think theyre far off.

For you then, its the degree to which handling is better is where the disagreement lies, right? Why don't we leave that to one's own perception- if TSX owners believe it handles better than the TL, thats a safe assumption given test drive experiences, numerous car reviews of these two Acuras, and ownership experiences.

How much better? Thats up to you. Let face it, we all know these cars aren't Lotus Elises and I don't think anyone here really thinks that. But alot of us did choose the TSX for its handling and sportiness and because it felt better to our hands, feet, and butts, than the TL did during our test drives. We all know handling is the TSX's best feature, and if TSX owners believe it to be much better than a TLs, I don't think they are off by much.

 

This shit is getting old... If people want to bash someone, please bash non acura owners... Regardless if the TSX handles better than a TL or vice versa, it really doesn't matter much. Most people won't even get close to the cars performance limits on public roads... Who cares if the TL skidpad is better than the TSX... I've never seen someone turn a corner at 60MPH. And if someone does reach the car's limit on public road, regardless of the car, the person is not a responsible driver.

 

wow there's sure some insecure tl owners trolling (like fishing) this board. look, the handling of both are basically equal - neither is "superior", but nice try. the tl has loads more power, and that is it's perf advantage (and better brakes on manual)

"obliterates"? depends on your measure, my insecure friend. as i don't care about straightline speed, the tl is no better. and, yes, many of us cross-shopped the tl, along with audi, saab, bmw, etc and still chose the tsx. oh, wait, i must be poor compared to a tl driver or else i'd obviously be driving one. damn me and my six figure salary... i cant afford a real car. lol

there are only a few areas where the tsx is "lower on the totem pole" than the tl... some would put the tl lower - i would, and i'm still waiting to see the new tl make c&d's 10 best.

i personally felt like an old man after everytest drive of the tl, whereas i had a smile getting out of the tsx. add in a better dash, seats that fit me better, a rear seat that folds down, made in japan and the lower tag and it was bye bye boring feels-like-a-buick tl.

but that's me. obviously you're happy with your car, so why are you so disturbed that other people can be equally happy with the tsx?

 

also forgot to add that there'd have been many a time that i could not have parked the car (including where i used to live) had i been driving the tl because it's so wide. or, i could've just fit the car in and would've had to climb out the moon roof because of no space to open the doors.

yes, those extra inches do make a difference when you live and work in a city. that would've been such a pain in the arse...

 

yeah, I'm sure 2.5 inches makes a world of difference. Honestly, I can't take you seriously when you refer the TL's ride to that of a Buick. That's like me saying the TSX rides like a Civic.

Anyway, let's not argue... Here's a couple of threads I made in regards to the TL's handling on some beautiful Colorado mountain roads. The first one, I went alone, and the second thread was after I tagged along with the s2ki.com crew with some friends... had a hell of a time keeping up with the s2000's at times...by that I mean the entire trip. Enjoy the pics.

https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/peter-lugers-121863/

https://acurazine.com/forums/ramblings-12/megapixels-123531/

 

Considering I drive a Nissan Titan on a daily basis... handling isn't exactly a priority for daily driving and towing.
And enjoying handling on public roads is a no-no. Hence why the race track was invented. Waterford Hills raceway is pretty much in my backyard.

 

Its funny how 49 old man drove a RSX-S and racing people. I just can't draw that image in my head. You are family guy!!!~ let them pass you by!! Its not the end of the world. It's okay to let people pass by you. Even they rev right next to you....Just ignore and let them do their immuature stuff.

 

 

HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAH!!!! I SERIOUS TOO!!!

 

Actually, the 2.8" DOES make a difference, else I'd not have mentioned it; there've been many parking stalls and parking garages where I barely make it around pillars/turns or fit in spots with the TSX and have to squeeze myself (no, I'm not chubby) out the door.

I also didn't compare the ride with a Buick - I compared the car. More specifically, I compared with how I felt during/after driving the car, not the mechanical specifications or appearance. Actually, it's a bit more like an Oldsmobile than a Buick.

Look - I seriously thought I was going to get a TL before test driving the two cars. I found it lacked what the TSX had, and what it had that the TSX didn't, I found lacking. The TL is amazing car (it's an Acura!!) and I love seeing them on the road. It just wasn't the car for me.

 

racing is part of being american....that is all.....

 

I agree, the 2 or 3 inches can make a big difference. I can not buy some cars because they simply will not fit up my driveway (which goes in between two houses). This will not be a problem once I move, but until then,.........it limits car size. An MDX could never fit up or down,.....and the TL an RL are borderline. In my city there are some pretty tight spots/situations like were mentioned that I have seen.

 

:in1sicklextone: it doesn't matter, they're both 3000+ lbs FWD sedans.....they both suck

 

Racing in a straight line is part of being American.

Live for the curves, baby. It's where the fun is, and it's where the mighty TSX shines.