Hey guys, I have a 1rst gen RL and I have been looking at the 2nd gen RL's, the keep getting more competitive priced as time goes by.
I love my first gen RL but the only thing I didn't like is that it wasn't sporty enough.
My complaints were leg room I am 6'2, trunk was rather non existent, but biggest one is I think the turning radius left a lot to be desired on the first gen RL, did it improve on the newer models? how about on the newer 09 models also?

 

I will probably be crucified for saying this, but the turning radius of the RL is a weak point. Especially compared with rear wheel drive Volvo's and pretty much all Mercedes.

I think our Land Rover LR3 turns in about the same amount of space as the RL.

 

I tried the old LS400 in the past and I don't think it's turning radius is that bad. Wish Acura would improve in this dept. You never notice it till you have to parallel park or maneuver a tight spot such as when someone thought it would be and good idea to park where they're not supposed to.

 

Yep,

I have to do this at work pretty much every day and I alternate between the 08 RL and the 95 C36AMG, marked difference in the ability to maneuver into tight spots. Of course the C36AMG is also narrower and a bit shorter than the RL so it is not exactly a fair comparison.

 

Well the old LS400 is a boat compared to the RL, I have the 97 which should be a bit bulkier than the newer RL's. They should boast the turning radius, and maybe even improve handling by adding more RWD characteristics, have it 90% RWD until you step the car out of line.

 

You shouldn't be crucified for speaking the facts.

If the turning radiusis going to be a determinant, then the RL isn't a car for you.

Other than that weak point, among a few other minor (IMO) ones, the current gen RL trumps the 1st gen in just about every other category.

 

1st gen RL's turn radius is about 36 feet which is quite reasonable for a car with a 115 inch wheelbase. The 2nd gen RL is about 40..

 

The turning radius of the RL, much like the TL sucks.

My old 2G Legend was under 34.8 feet, and is a great thing. It is a very maneuverable car for its size, and whenever I go into underground DC parking lots, it the car of choice. My 2G RL is like parking a minivan. I also don't worry so much about dings since they give you about 6 inches on either side. It is a good thing I have only a 35 waist, because some of those lots are ridiculous.

The 1G RL is supposed to be 36.1 feet

The 2G RL 2005-2008 is almost 40 feet.

There are inconsistent factoids published on what the 2009 is.

The Acuranews press site says the 2009 RL turning radius, but both the 2009 Acura RL brochure and Acura.com says 36.1 feet which is a significant change, and actually somewhat amazing that they made that change in a car with a transverse engine layout without changing suspension parts.

No one here on the board has said one thing or the other abut the turning radius.

 

The turning radium leaves much to be desired, There aren't toomany U turns
I can make easily.

 

to the Legend. My '97 TL is basically the same, 34 feet. DC parking garages were never an issue

 

It's a mild inconvenience making "U" turns in the RL. They almost always require a use of the reverse gear.