Acura RL or Infiniti M35 sport
#41
Originally Posted by JackieO
I don't discount that someone may have had a different driving experience than me, but I strongly disagree that the handling of the RL is better than the M in the corners. I found the RL has more body roll and the steering is a little twitchy, being fwd bias. The M has that typical rwd, point and accelerate into the turn type feel. I am going to drive another RL tomorrow, so maybe my impressions will change. Before anyone takes this the wrong way I don't feel the M is a significantly better handler, or the RL is a bad handler at all - just that right now the M seems like the better of the two in terms of handling, to me.
(oh, and I actually like the interior of the RL better...real wood or not. )
(oh, and I actually like the interior of the RL better...real wood or not. )
#42
Originally Posted by Tunerman
and the wood isn't REAL WOOD like the Infinit/Lexus has.
The RL's wood trim is genuine cherry.
I'm doubting that you have even been inside one.
Stop trolling.
#43
Originally Posted by ASP
LOL.
The RL's wood trim is genuine cherry.
I'm doubting that you have even been inside one.
Stop trolling.
The RL's wood trim is genuine cherry.
I'm doubting that you have even been inside one.
Stop trolling.
Not that I want to nit pick, but the wood in the RL is curly maple, not "genuine" cherry. It is not only genuine, but it is of a very high quality compared with other wood trim in competing cars. Go look at the 5 series which has a rather ugly alder wood trim, or the rather thin veneer of the Infiniti. Not to mention the sculpted wood on the dash as compared to flat trim in other cars.
I like it.
#44
Originally Posted by first99TL
Not that I want to nit pick, but the wood in the RL is curly maple, not "genuine" cherry. It is not only genuine, but it is of a very high quality compared with other wood trim in competing cars. Go look at the 5 series which has a rather ugly alder wood trim, or the rather thin veneer of the Infiniti. Not to mention the sculpted wood on the dash as compared to flat trim in other cars.
I like it.
I like it.
#45
Spoon
JackieO, here is a video you should check out. . . -> http://www.renowe.com/spoontestrl.mov
(Right Click, Save As)
(Right Click, Save As)
#46
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This discussion sounds like the old Ford vs. Chevy when I was in high school. I dont' see any use arguing about which car is the best. There are several good cars in the RL's price range. The competitive market is what makes all cars better. Wouldn't this be a boring world if we all liked the same think. For me I preferred the RL, but that doesnt mean everyone should or will.
#47
Originally Posted by ASP
Go WOT in the turn/curve. You'll understand what I'm referring to.
Originally Posted by ASP
JackieO, here is a video you should check out. . . -> http://www.renowe.com/spoontestrl.mov
(Right Click, Save As)
(Right Click, Save As)
Cheers.
#49
OK, I will try that today. I am looking forward to it! I got off the phone with the salesman earlier and I've got a full hour in the RL. I'm pretty psyched, I love car shopping.
#50
Originally Posted by Steve C
Well Fatal,
I will not digress to your level of trashing, I will say I love both cars.
In the end, I bought an M35x (1 week old now), despite the great cashback deal on the 05 RL's.
I do not regret it for one second, my only regret is that I cannot own one of each!
In the end, cooled seats, backup cam, split screen/birdview NAV with DVD player & video/audio inputs were a few of the many reasons I went with the M despite paying more $$$.
I aslo like the choice of Satellite systems in the M, I prefer Sirius.
I also like the fact they they offer a full size spare option, (complete with proper wheel). That is a must 4 me!
I like the real time tire pressure display also. It reads out pressures of all 4 tires.
I do not care for NAV traffic or Onstar, & would not opt to pay for a subscription to either one.
Is the "M" a better car than the RL? Absolutely not, just has features that suit me better.
You can't go wrong with either one!
I am impressed with what the Japanese are doing at both Acura & Infiniti!
I feel a bit of remorse not purchasing American, but with cars like these, GM can kiss my ass goodbye for the forseeable future!
I will not digress to your level of trashing, I will say I love both cars.
In the end, I bought an M35x (1 week old now), despite the great cashback deal on the 05 RL's.
I do not regret it for one second, my only regret is that I cannot own one of each!
In the end, cooled seats, backup cam, split screen/birdview NAV with DVD player & video/audio inputs were a few of the many reasons I went with the M despite paying more $$$.
I aslo like the choice of Satellite systems in the M, I prefer Sirius.
I also like the fact they they offer a full size spare option, (complete with proper wheel). That is a must 4 me!
I like the real time tire pressure display also. It reads out pressures of all 4 tires.
I do not care for NAV traffic or Onstar, & would not opt to pay for a subscription to either one.
Is the "M" a better car than the RL? Absolutely not, just has features that suit me better.
You can't go wrong with either one!
I am impressed with what the Japanese are doing at both Acura & Infiniti!
I feel a bit of remorse not purchasing American, but with cars like these, GM can kiss my ass goodbye for the forseeable future!
I only went about trashing the GS and the M because some of their owners have been notorious for being, shall I say, arrogant. There have been many occasions where I have seen GS and M, hell even E-Class and 5-Series owners become very offended when I suggested that the RL did something better than their cars did. Call it jealousy, call it ignorance, you can even call it envy at some points in time. I never refered to the GS or the M as crappy cars. All I said is that they look very similar to their stablemates.....GS=IS, M=G. Owners of those cars have accused the RL of looking like an Accord. Mostly when they say that, they describe the lights and other little insignificant things, but when I see the similarity between the GS and the Maxima, or the M and the G, it is not because of light design, it is purely body design. Both the GS and the M have an almost carbon copy of their stablemates on their belt-line. I'm not trying to put-down the M or the GS, all I'm saying is that if I'm gonna pay 50,000 for a car, I dont want it to look like the same car that some kid is driving who just pulled out of the community college parking lot.
#51
Originally Posted by JackieO
I don't discount that someone may have had a different driving experience than me, but I strongly disagree that the handling of the RL is better than the M in the corners. I found the RL has more body roll and the steering is a little twitchy, being fwd bias. The M has that typical rwd, point and accelerate into the turn type feel. I am going to drive another RL tomorrow, so maybe my impressions will change. Before anyone takes this the wrong way I don't feel the M is a significantly better handler, or the RL is a bad handler at all - just that right now the M seems like the better of the two in terms of handling, to me.
(oh, and I actually like the interior of the RL better...real wood or not. )
(oh, and I actually like the interior of the RL better...real wood or not. )
Not to rip on you man, but you might need to drive a few actual race cars before you come up with your definition of "good or bad handling". Acura has perfected the art of making a 4,000LBS car handle like a a car that weighs 3,000LBS. My point is the RL wasnt launched to impress 1/4 mile junkies or dyno-heads, it was made to prove to people how good their AWD system is. If it wasnt as great as it was they could easily mask its imperfections by introducing it in the lightweight S2000 or something smiliar. The reason Honda decided to introduce this AWD system on this car was to prove just how good it is. Any 4-door mid-size luxury sedan without a harsh racing suspension that can get within .1g in the skidpad of the NSX is a feat of technology, or just a badass car. Take my word for it, I've driven alot of cars that most people would sacrifice body parts to drive, and the RL isnt far off compared to them, when you understand its actual intended use and the laws of physics
#52
Originally Posted by Fatalvenom
I'm not trying to put-down the M or the GS, all I'm saying is that if I'm gonna pay 50,000 for a car, I dont want it to look like the same car that some kid is driving who just pulled out of the community college parking lot.
See Motor Trend's Accord Hybrid/RL reference
And the M looking like the G wouldn't be much of an insult since the G has been regarded as one of the better looking cars on the road.
#53
Originally Posted by psteng19
Ironic that you say that, since the RL looks more like a $20k Accord than any of your other comparisons.
See Motor Trend's Accord Hybrid/RL reference
And the M looking like the G wouldn't be much of an insult since the G has been regarded as one of the better looking cars on the road.
See Motor Trend's Accord Hybrid/RL reference
And the M looking like the G wouldn't be much of an insult since the G has been regarded as one of the better looking cars on the road.
#54
Originally Posted by Fatalvenom
or the M and the G, it is not because of light design, it is purely body design. Both the GS and the M have an almost carbon copy of their stablemates on their belt-line. I'm not trying to put-down the M or the GS, all I'm saying is that if I'm gonna pay 50,000 for a car, I dont want it to look like the same car that some kid is driving who just pulled out of the community college parking lot.
Originally Posted by Fatalvenom
Not to rip on you man, but you might need to drive a few actual race cars before you come up with your definition of "good or bad handling". Acura has perfected the art of making a 4,000LBS car handle like a a car that weighs 3,000LBS. My point is the RL wasnt launched to impress 1/4 mile junkies or dyno-heads, it was made to prove to people how good their AWD system is. If it wasnt as great as it was they could easily mask its imperfections by introducing it in the lightweight S2000 or something smiliar. The reason Honda decided to introduce this AWD system on this car was to prove just how good it is. Any 4-door mid-size luxury sedan without a harsh racing suspension that can get within .1g in the skidpad of the NSX is a feat of technology, or just a badass car. Take my word for it, I've driven alot of cars that most people would sacrifice body parts to drive, and the RL isnt far off compared to them, when you understand its actual intended use and the laws of physics
Now, if we can stop making baseless assumptions about eachother, let's continue. I understand the RL's "intended" use and the laws of physics. I intend on using the car I buy for my wife almost never. She intends on using it to drive to work and occasionally to her parents house. Are we ever going to take it to the track? No. I have my car for that, and I certainly understand how 4000lbs of metal effects handling, which is why I didn't compare the RL to an NSX or Elise or S2000, I was comparing it to the M, another 3,880 pound car and all I did was comment that in my experience in those two cars (not comparing them to racecars), I felt the RL's steering was a tad light, and that the M's handling was slightly better. Instead of saying things like "you might need to drive a few actual race cars before you can [form opinions on the handling merits of a 4000lb luxury sedan]", I will just say that for all you know, I race cars for a living.
And, if I'm not mistaken doesn't the RL pull 0.85-0.87ish on the skidpad? Certainly that's a respectable, even appluadable result for a ~4,000lb car, I never said, or even inferred that it wasn't... but doesn't the M pull similar results at almost the same weight? Not that I want to fall into the same trap you did with your "I've driven cars people would sacrifice body parts to drive" comment (whatever that means), but I have two cars in my garage right now that pull ~0.87-0.90 and weigh 3,450 and 3,512lbs respectively. Let's try to have a little more respect for eachother in the future, ok?
Man, shame this thread had to go this route - I thought we could all agree the RL and M are similar in many ways, and choosing one comes down to (mostly) subjective decisions on styling, options, and yes, even handling. I guess not.
#55
[QUOTE=JackieO]Well, not to nitpick - but I don't know many community college kids with G's, either.
Well live where I live and you would see it alot. Most girls who turn 16 gets 3 series BMW's or C-Class Benz. Those are equal if not more than a 3 or E.
As for your comment as to "I race for a living" who do you race for ??
Well live where I live and you would see it alot. Most girls who turn 16 gets 3 series BMW's or C-Class Benz. Those are equal if not more than a 3 or E.
As for your comment as to "I race for a living" who do you race for ??
#58
Originally Posted by JackieO
You seem pretty hung up on status. You'll grow out of that.
Well, if I was hung up on status, I would have bought a BMW or a Mercedes right ??
#59
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Originally Posted by Fatalvenom
I only went about trashing the GS and the M because some of their owners have been notorious for being, shall I say, arrogant. There have been many occasions where I have seen GS and M, hell even E-Class and 5-Series owners become very offended when I suggested that the RL did something better than their cars did. Call it jealousy, call it ignorance, you can even call it envy at some points in time. I never refered to the GS or the M as crappy cars. All I said is that they look very similar to their stablemates.....GS=IS, M=G. Owners of those cars have accused the RL of looking like an Accord. Mostly when they say that, they describe the lights and other little insignificant things, but when I see the similarity between the GS and the Maxima, or the M and the G, it is not because of light design, it is purely body design. Both the GS and the M have an almost carbon copy of their stablemates on their belt-line. I'm not trying to put-down the M or the GS, all I'm saying is that if I'm gonna pay 50,000 for a car, I dont want it to look like the same car that some kid is driving who just pulled out of the community college parking lot.
#61
Three Wheelin'
Funny, I've heard a G35 owner say the M looks too much like the G. I guess it is in the eye of the beholder.
#62
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I thought the RL looked too much like an Accord (or vice versa). Then I saw one in person. They look nothing alike. Well, it's got 4 wheels and 4 doors but that's about it. The RL looks S O L I D. The Accord flimsy. There's really no comparison at all. I've never confused an M for a G either I must say. Then again when I was a kid I made a game out of recognizing cars just by their headlights in the rear-view mirror and was very good at it. Guess I pay attention to detail
#63
Three Wheelin'
From a distance the RL and the Accord resemble. However, I've parked next to an Accord Hybrid, which has the same rear spoiler as the RL's optional one. The resemblance was slight (to me). However, I'm not really concerned if the RL looks like its Accord cousin. I just hope the RL can use some of the same parts, like windshield wiper blades.
#64
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Originally Posted by Nocturnal
Then again when I was a kid I made a game out of recognizing cars just by their headlights in the rear-view mirror and was very good at it. Guess I pay attention to detail
I don't see how anybody could mistake at RL for an Accord, but then most people don't know much about cars. I know more about cars than any salesman I have ever met, but that's not saying much.
#65
Ya we have to remember that we're all enthusiats who can probably tell the difference between different trim levels of individual models. Most people can't even tell you Acura is related to Honda.
#66
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Dudes, I've been seeing a lot of RL's lately (3-4 a week) and they look sharp especially from the front (i've usually seen them going the other way). From profile, they look similar to an accord, but then again every midsized car looks like something or other nowadays.
I think the M looks moore like a maxima from a profile view than a G-sedan. the G-sedan looks weird in my opinion but the M's size proportions everything right (except the tailights).
Like I said before, if I didn't want a v8 or rwd, I'd have gotten the RL rather than the M. But in the end it's what you want and what you need, and I don't think you would be unhappy with either car...unless you're like that dude that went form an RL to a M45 to an RL and now to some other expensive car. That dude clearly has issues.
I think the M looks moore like a maxima from a profile view than a G-sedan. the G-sedan looks weird in my opinion but the M's size proportions everything right (except the tailights).
Like I said before, if I didn't want a v8 or rwd, I'd have gotten the RL rather than the M. But in the end it's what you want and what you need, and I don't think you would be unhappy with either car...unless you're like that dude that went form an RL to a M45 to an RL and now to some other expensive car. That dude clearly has issues.
#67
Originally Posted by mrdeeno
the G-sedan looks weird in my opinion
I agree, the RL looks nothing like the Accord if you spend any time around cars.
And on the G35 sedan - I swear it a lot of folks who think it's ugly only do because the coupe is so darn sexy. I remember when they were first announced and released (sedan only) people were all "oooo" over it, then the coupe came out and all of a sudden the sedan was this hideous monstrosity.
#68
Re: Ahead of your time
Originally Posted by JackieO
Well, not to nitpick - but I don't know many community college kids with G's, either.
Sure I've been flamed worse, but it's been 25 years since someone spoke to me like I was 13, thanks for that.
Sure I've been flamed worse, but it's been 25 years since someone spoke to me like I was 13, thanks for that.
Your profile says you're 26. Hell, if people spoke to me like a 13-year-old when I was 1, I'd be flattered (except I wouldn't understand a word they were saying anyway).
And by the way, what' s wrong with drivers who go to a community college? Talk about elitism. Do they deserve crappier cars than same-age people who go to Hah-vard?
#69
Senior Moderator
Back on topic:
I have owned my 2004 TL for two years and while I love it, I'm thinking of upgrading simply to have a different car. My choices are the RL and M35x. There are still a few 2005 RLs at my two local dealerships and if I go with one, I should be able to talk the dealer down enough in price to make it worth my effort. I have decided that I like the looks and the features sound pretty good.
So what I want to know is how the M35x's driving dynamics differ from the RL. I've tried the RL already and like it, and in the process of setting one up with an Infiniti dealer. Comments?
I have owned my 2004 TL for two years and while I love it, I'm thinking of upgrading simply to have a different car. My choices are the RL and M35x. There are still a few 2005 RLs at my two local dealerships and if I go with one, I should be able to talk the dealer down enough in price to make it worth my effort. I have decided that I like the looks and the features sound pretty good.
So what I want to know is how the M35x's driving dynamics differ from the RL. I've tried the RL already and like it, and in the process of setting one up with an Infiniti dealer. Comments?
#70
Originally Posted by neuronbob
Back on topic:
I have owned my 2004 TL for two years and while I love it, I'm thinking of upgrading simply to have a different car. My choices are the RL and M35x. There are still a few 2005 RLs at my two local dealerships and if I go with one, I should be able to talk the dealer down enough in price to make it worth my effort. I have decided that I like the looks and the features sound pretty good.
So what I want to know is how the M35x's driving dynamics differ from the RL. I've tried the RL already and like it, and in the process of setting one up with an Infiniti dealer. Comments?
I have owned my 2004 TL for two years and while I love it, I'm thinking of upgrading simply to have a different car. My choices are the RL and M35x. There are still a few 2005 RLs at my two local dealerships and if I go with one, I should be able to talk the dealer down enough in price to make it worth my effort. I have decided that I like the looks and the features sound pretty good.
So what I want to know is how the M35x's driving dynamics differ from the RL. I've tried the RL already and like it, and in the process of setting one up with an Infiniti dealer. Comments?
From what people have said - the RL is a little smoother of a ride. Of course, you already know this - but the best opinion you are going to get is to drive both back to back and decide which one you like. (get the RL, you will love it)
#71
Originally Posted by vp911
From what people have said - the RL is a little smoother of a ride. Of course, you already know this - but the best opinion you are going to get is to drive both back to back and decide which one you like. (get the RL, you will love it)
The M has a more sport/luxury ride & feel. The RL has a more Luxury ride/feel.
The M ride is a bit firmer than the RL. The RL is also quieter on moderate to heavy acceleration.
When you push down on the M throttle, you can hear the engine doing its thing! By no means is it intrusive, it just adds to the feel & ride of it all.
That could be a good thing or bad...You must drive & decide!
#72
Senior Moderator
Thanks for the comments! I'll make a decision as to whether to even upgrade after my test drive cycle is complete. I like the TL, but have been going through an "upgrade every two years" stage in my life lately.....just a need for something new every now and again....
#73
Originally Posted by neuronbob
Thanks for the comments! I'll make a decision as to whether to even upgrade after my test drive cycle is complete. I like the TL, but have been going through an "upgrade every two years" stage in my life lately.....just a need for something new every now and again....
#74
Senior Moderator
Your statement that the M35x is a heck of a deal is only partially true. I'd buy the M35x with XM (which requires the Journey package--navi and XM are required in a car purchase nowadays to me) and that would cost $47k. I'm pretty sure I can get a 2005 RL for that or less. The battle is more even than you might think for either of these lovely cars when similarlly equipped.
#75
Originally Posted by neuronbob
Your statement that the M35x is a heck of a deal is only partially true. I'd buy the M35x with XM (which requires the Journey package--navi and XM are required in a car purchase nowadays to me) and that would cost $47k. I'm pretty sure I can get a 2005 RL for that or less. The battle is more even than you might think for either of these lovely cars when similarlly equipped.
#76
Senior Moderator
Originally Posted by msu79gt82
I said the RL was a heck of a deal at current closeout prices.
#77
Moderator
Originally Posted by neuronbob
My bad. You're 100% correct.
#78
Senior Moderator
I have a VERY early-build 3G TL. I've had a few issues, but nothing showstopping. I still love to drive the car. It was involved in the recall and fixed. So far I don't see anything to indicate a shortened lifespan for the tranny, but if that happens (and it would likely happen suddenly), I'm definitely bailing. I know that was an issue even with "fixed" 2G TLs.
#79
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The M35 was also on my list of cars and to be completely honest I was unimpressed with just about everything about the car but the worst part was that I felt it was waay underpowered. I also drove the GS300 and liked the car but it wasn't quite the way I wanted to go. For the price, performance, standard options etc etc, I couldn't turn down the RL. It wasn't a hard decision at all for me and I'm loving it.
#80
Originally Posted by TLynn
Your profile says you're 26. Hell, if people spoke to me like a 13-year-old when I was 1, I'd be flattered (except I wouldn't understand a word they were saying anyway).
?
?
Cheers.