Sup all!

I know that this comparison has been done many times, but 1 more unbiased opinion won't hurt, right?

Took our MDX into the stealer today for an array of little annoyances and received an '06 NBP/EN Non-Navi Auto. I will admit that I was excited being my first time driving a 3rd generation TL and being car freak. Either way, compared to our beloved TSX....

Pros:
1. POWER! It just begs you to speed, more so than the TSX does.
2. Driver's seat is much more supportive than the TSX's.
3. Auto front windows + Auto Sunroof (KPTechnologies here I come for my TSX!)
4. When you slam the door, it is sooolllid - reminds me of my C230.! The TSX is kind of tinny.

Neutral:
I always heard that the stereo system in the TL was almost orgasmic ... lol ... well, it is pretty good, but nothing to write home about. I think the TSX's is equally good at reasonable volume level. I HATE GM, but the Envoy that we used to own had a kick-@$$ Bose system that shook windows!

Cons:
1. With power comes torque steer added to a heavier car = DRIVE WITH CARE!
2. With OCD, symmetry is my friend and there are a lot of mis-alignments in the cabin so I cringed when I closely observed it. The TSX's cabin is much more refined. Also, I prefer the "Aluminum look" in the TSX vs. the Carbon Fiber in the TL.
3. Overall, the body hasn't aged well. However, it is a loaner...
4. There is no button or key-hole on the trunk ... it must be opened from inside the cabin or the remote (which the stealer didn't give me!).
5. The center console just looks all wrong without the NAVI. At least the TSX w/o NAVI looks complete and not filled with an after-thought double-din-blue-screen.

Overall, I think the TL is a great car, but I much prefer the TSX. As a 22 y/o college kid, I think the TSX is a better fit for me. The TL is more of a late 20's and up kind of car. That being said, the '07 TL-S probably transcends that stereo-type!

 

I still haven't driven a TL, ever. I would like to compare them myself, because I do also like the looks of the TL. I'm hoping I'll get one as a loaner car for one of my services, but I kinda doubt it.

 

The TL-S looks like fun. It's been so long since I've driven a regular TL, I've kind of forgotten it.

 

I've driven a friends TL. It was nice. Had some nice power on the top end, but it just felt a little too big for me. I didn't feel as confident driving as fast in it, but it could have also been because I wasn't use to it yet. It would be interesting to drive one with some suspension mods. Overall, I was happy to get back into my TSX.

 

i test drove one, albeit briefly, when i was purchasing my TSX.

it feels really large. definately more power, but i'll have to echo all the comments about responsiveness and torque that have been made by other posters.

i'm actually glad i got the TSX which is considered a compact, b/c i do a lot of side-street parking. i'm able to fit into some smaller spaces that a TL, camry or accord otherwise may not fit into.

 

My dealer gave me a 06 TL Navi Auto when i had my TSX in for 30K. When i got my TSX back, only one thing in mind

my car is seriously underpower.

 

You just said it perfectly, I currently have both in the drive-way. My TL and my gf's TSX. You can go on and on about the pro's and con's. At the end of the day both my GF and I both slightly prefer the TL for one reason - 270 Horsepower!!! Both cars are great, but the TSX is just plan under-powered compared to the TL. There is no comparision what so ever when you try passing someone on the highway, the TL BLOWS the TSX away.... that simple reason is enough for me, oh and unless you are drunk, Torque steer is not a problem, if it is, just let off the gas, it immediatly goes away.

 

^^ If the TSX had as much power as the TL, which car would you prefer?

 

They changed this on the 2007 model. I can say, without hyperbole, that it looks a million times better + if you don't get nav, you get a compass, that's old skool nav.

 

I love the OP's comment abt the TL being a "late 20's" kind of car.

Part of my reasoning for getting the TSX at 29 was that it was a "late 30's"" kind of car.....it's all perspective

 

i agree.. I mean I'm 16 and I LOVE my TL i feel that it suits me well. It all depends on your taste. I really like the TSX as well, although I've never driven one. I just dont like the back of it. And how everyone says it's underpowered.


But then again I see a lot of old people driving around in TLs... hmmmm.. maybe it is for older people.. haha At least they dont have the A-Spec like me! :-D

 

If you guys thought the TL was fast yes I've driven it as a loaner, try out both the current Maxima and the 1st gen G35's they were quicker than the TL.

Anyways, I don't like the fact the navi voice comes from that 1 speaker on top of the dashboard, that just sounds cheap to me. Also, on the Navi TL there is no climate control screen like to control the A/C with the touch screen unlike in the TSX you can.

I like the fact that the TL starts faster than the TSX and the leather feels more comfy than the TSX's and of course the engine.

 

I think its easier to have the buttons available without having to go to a seperate screen to make adjustments. They just ran out of space on the TSX when they put in the nav and were forced to have the seperate screen,

 

Most "old" people won't get a-spec!

 

I test drove the Tl-s and loved it everything about it.

 

Hrmm, you can completely use the climate control on a TSX without using the navi screen. I convinced my coworker to buy a TL and he's let me drive it a few times. It's a really nice car it has a few really cool options over the TSX. But if you choose between the two based on horseppower, it's a stupid argument. The TL has an excess of power. If I were forced to drive someplace quickly, I would choose the TSX's easily high revving engine. I'm not a big fan of driving like a dickhead of breaking the law...270hp doesn't mean much to an easy going guy like me.

 

I thought the tl had 258hp?

 

Acura had to knock off 12hp because of new SAE regulations. At any rate, the TL has 53 more horsepower than a TSX.

 

I always liked the looks of the TL and was very close to getting one but I then realized the new car purchase was for my wife not for me. The TSX fitted our (mostly her needs) almost 100%, right size, unique style, power, luxury, comfort and economy. Neither one of us has regretted getting the TSX.

I’m really starting to lose my desire for the TL since the new 306 HP G35 came out. Acura has always been lagging behind in the HP (and torque) wars. Even the $38,000 TL-S falls short of the $31,000 base model G35. Unless the all new TL comes with SH-AWD, +3.7 liters engine displacement, + 320HP, + 275 tq and for $33,000 base price, I think potential future Acura TL owners will look elsewhere for their next ride. I’m already thinking about skipping the TL and going for a MDX in the future (the RL still falls short in my book).

 

To fully experience the TL's ELS stereo system, you have to pop in a DVD-audio disc. This will play in full 5.1 surround sound, and this is probably what people described as orgasmic. It does sound great. The problem is the artists/songs I like don't come in DVD-audio format... My family car is an '04 NBP TL 5AT, if it matters. If you just listen to radio or CDs then the stereo is more or less the same as TSX. Try asking your service department or dealer if they have any DVD-audio sampler discs the next time you get a TL loaner.