I have yet to test drive an AWD version of the new TL..although I have driven a couple FWD 4th gen TLs....

I'm very impressed with how my RL handles - and I ONLY have stock 17s on the crummy MXM tires with stock suspension. I"ve driven an RL with 18s and pilot sports, and felt it handled quite a bit better than mine, but still not "amazing"...

I was wondering - how would an RL with aspec AND 18s wheels and good tires do versus a 4th gen TL AWD in the handling department...

part of me wonders if the RL would handle pretty much the same..they weigh a similar amount...similar AWD systems...

or does the TL have other reasons why it would outhandle an RL?

not that it really matters - I was just wondering...

 

I cant see the 2010 TL "out handling" the RL. The TL is actually LARGER now than RL. That said, the TL would out handle the more soft sprung 05-08. After A-Spec should go in RL's favor by a tad.

 

Do not discount the difference in the 05-08 RL 3.5L vs the 2010 TL SH-AWD 3.7L engine. I understand that the torque curve has been fattened with the 3.7, so while the numbers, 290hp and 300 hp and 256 lbs-ft and 271 lbs-ft do not look all that different, the usable torque, in lower rpms makes a noticeable difference to how the 05-08 drives vs the 09+ RLs. There is supposed to be much more instant response in the 09+ RL.

I would imagine the same usable torque difference holds true for the new TL SH-AWD. And while the TL is physically larger, the 2010 TL SH-AWD still weighs about 50lbs less than the 05-08 RL.

So the A-Spec and some good wheels and tires would make up much of the difference, I think the engine differences would still affect overall handling.

 

that could be true. I have an MDX with the 3.7, and I swear it feels like it has more low end torque than my RL....despite it being a heavier car...

my question was more about how the RL would handle against a new TL - assuming the RL had aspec and 18" wheels with summer tires.. not really worried about speed, as I guess the TL is a faster car....

but i wondered..an automatic TL SH-AWD with 18s. but stock, vs someone who takes their 05-08 RL or an 09-10RL - and upgrades it by adding aspec, and good wheels/tires... and then drive them both to see which one actually handles better...

that was my questions.. curiosity..not that anyone is going to be tracking an RL vs a TL - but I've read a lot of reviews about how the TL handles, and variosu people here who have upgraded their RLs by adding aspec or new wheels/tires..and it just got me thinking - I wonder how well an RL would reallyahndle once you put all that stuff on it - maybe as well or better than a new TL SH-AWD..which is likely one of the best handling out of the box Acura sedans you can buy now... so if the RL with mods would handle as well as that TL - that woud be cool...

 

Doesn't the TL's SH-AWD have a more aggressive rear bias as well?

 

Yes, if I recall correctly.