Two issues:

1. Why does the TL's extra 252 lbs (manual, no nav numbers) or ~ 8%, make such a driving difference? Both are 60/40 weight distribution.

I keep hearing that putting a bigger engine into the TSX would throw off its nimbleness. But the TL still maintains the same front/back balance. The bigger engine can't weigh that much more.

2. Why does the TL only weigh 252 lbs more with its two extra cylinders, passanger power seat, traction control system, and host of little extras (e.g. those highly-desired heated side view mirrors got to contribute their share )?

 

Most of the weight is going to be in the frame since it is signifactly bigger (i.e. more structure = more weight).

 

The title of this thread should be "Why does 6,252 dollars make such a difference?"

 

1. Weight distribution is one thing, but having more weight to throw around means that physics will have more weight to work with. The suspension will have to work that much harder to overcome the added momentum and thus, the handling will suffer slightly. This is why cars such as Bentley's and Rolls Royces, with curb weights well over 2 tons, do not handle like sports cars.

The V6 in the TSX has several problems. First, it won't fit due to its width. Plus, there is not enough room to properly run the headers from the front bank of cylinders. However, to answer your question, the V6 is likely 50 to 100 lbs. heavier than the I4. However, on the TL, added weight to the frame in the rear balances out the weight added by the engine and thus preserves the weight distribution.

2. All those little electronic gizmos don't really add that much weight, particularly the side mirror heaters and the driver's memory seat systems.