gto2050

270 versus 260? Looks good on paper. Discuss?

Red-CL

I think it's an overall better car (except the exterior).

It's not just the matter of the 10 ponies.

AcuraFan

If you're just talking HP, then yes...the 04 TL is better than the 03 TLS. Now, if you're talking about fit and finish, handling, and features (because HP isn't the only thing that makes a car good)...I would give a resounding yes. I think they took the interior up a notch or two over the previous gen.
Also, they finally give us a 6sp...I mean, that rocks!

Black CL-S 4-Life

For what its worth, the 04 auto has the same weak overdrive 4th gear as the 03.

gto2050

I was just using base HP as a starting point. I saw a new TL in Las Vegas last week and the jury is still out. Not sure if I like it or not. Definitely different. No one will mistake an 04 for an 03.

jimcol711

the 04 TL blows the 03 TL-S away by alot more than 10 horsepower.....the looks alone are jawdroppingly better, the new wheels and tires are much better, the brakes are better (brembos) the interior is a million times better all the new features are leaps and bounds ahead of 03 TL-S...the navi is a whole new system and is a generation ahead of the 00-03 navi. the 10 horsepower is just icing on the cake.

of course the new is better than the old....

F23A4

A friend of mine (who has an S2000) just tried both the 2K3 TLS and 2K4 TL said that the 2K4 pulls way harder than the TLS. (BTW, he drove the auto 2k4.)

I wonder if its any quicker/faster than the G35S 6sp.

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

One of the guys in our building has one and I was able to check it out. The interior blows away the older TL's... no competition there. There are so many sweet things in there it's not even funny. As for performance, it definitely doesn't blow it away as it only has 10 more HP... so a modded TL-S like mine could beat it. It does ride nice though... but I like the ride of my lowered TL-S better. It did not feel faster when I was in one... but like I said.. it could just be b/c of the mods I have and the ride I'm used to.

This TL did not have the Brembo option, so the brakes are basically the same. And for some reason, I still am not feeling the exterior. I love the front of the car, but that's it. When my car is parked next to it my car looks so much more aerodynamic and agressive. The fact it's lowered with 18's probably makes a difference, but the new TL is so high it reminds me of a Camry.

So whether it blows it away or not is subjective. The new technology is definitely a step up, no question, but I don't like the styling... so to me it does not blow it away. If it did... I would have already ordered one

edit - One thing I forgot to add is the bang for the buck. It's kind of lost it's luster with the new one. I built one online w/o Navi and added a bodykit, lip spoiler, 18" rims and moonroof visor and it was in the neighborhood of $37.5k. Of course I wouldn't get the accessories from the dealer when I can get them much cheaper myself, but still.. many people do, and they will be spending that money. I'd save a little more and get a BMW. Had they kept the pricing on the TL where it was I would probably be more interested. I'm sure that over the next few months dealers will be selling under MSRP, which is perfect.. b/c that's when my wife is due for a new car

ferizzo

The 04TL should be a better car and if it isn't then something is wrong! I personally think the interior is much better although I still think the 03TLS has a great interior. quality remains to be seen as we'll have to see when the first 04s start hitting 10k+ miles (although my 03 rattled - sunroof - after 10 miles). I think 10hp won't make a difference in acceleration so I can't imagine the car is that much faster. As JB mentioned, an auto is most likely slower by a tick then a modded TLS. This brings another point that it seems the TL might be more expensive/difficult to mod than the 03s because of the new header design and because it sounds as if the intake is a better design than the 03s. The compression is also higher so boosting it becomes more of an issue.

The looks of the car are subjective but personally I like it!

03TL_PlaTinUM

it sucks! :P

Chaptorial

I think overall everything inside the new TL is great and is hands down better then the 03. However just like the new 5 series i still like the previous generations exterior better.

vinarnold

gotta love the new tl but the cl s are great cars. so if u like coupes u cant beat the cls. if u like 4 doors then the tl is great.

JRock

How could you even ask that question? It's such a leap forward in so many areas it's an obvious Yes. Now whether or not you would want to own one is the personal opinion and of course the majority of people that own an 03 CL/TL will tell you "oh no nuh uh" because they just recently got the 03 and are happy with their purchase.

And the 6spd with LSD? Come on, can't beat that

F23A4

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

I don't think that's entirely true. I have a 2002 TL-S and was planning on selling it to get the 2004 TL until I saw it at the auto show. I just don't like it and can't justify spending the extra money on it. Is it better? Like I said above, technologically, yes... no question about it.... but I just don't like it. If I loved it like I do the 2002-2003 TL, I would already have one. If it was all that I'd bet that many of our TL members would trade up for it... just like you CLers did with the auto CL when the CLS 6-speed came out. Some of those autos were barely broken in when their owner's traded up!! The problem is that half the people like the styling and half don't, so that's why you're not seeing this huge rush to upgrade. Once we see a modded 2004 TL with rims and springs... it may be a different story though

DISRUPTV

are the stock headers welded in on the 04 TL like on the new av6s?

juniorbean

iTrader: (5)

From what I've been hearing... yes.

Jens H.

The exhaust manifolds are integral to the cylinder heads .SO no more headers .

Jens

Type S

not only the horsepower issue.
it is totally redesigned tl..
i bet it is better than the 03 tls.. since that tl model is being in the market since 99...

personally..i really like the new tl interior and exterior design..

1killercls

I don't really care for the new TL.

Doc.Booty

I hear the interior is absolute sex, but there's really nothing else that would draw me to it. I much prefer the looks of the 2nd gen CL and TL.

DISRUPTV

any ideas how to get around that if someone would want to do a custom turbo application?


theres one 6spped accord in ny w/a custom turbo...theres pics and everything but the guy hasnt provided much tech details

Chemmech

Wow no headers? I like my 2003 more and more .