gainful

I would say I like the 2G better. Its refinement is far better. 3G is designed to intrigue people with facy looks and gadgets. But after a while you will realize those aren't important stuff for a car.

2G has definitely engine noise and vibration. Car is more stable on highway speed, but 3G feel busy and very bumpy.

3G people wouldn't allow me to miss my 2G on their forum, so hope you can accept me back.

wmah523

2nd Generation!

acuranewbie

Every time I take a call with HFL or use my navi to go to a place in another city without getting lost (like I did today), I thank myself for buying a car with the "fancy gadgets"

fsttyms1

being a 2g owner and having driven a 3g a few times i much rather have the 3g

gainful

Felt the same way until I got a 3G. Big disappointment....When the showing-offs to your friends are over, you will start missing the tranquility and smoothness of 2G

fsttyms1

i like the 3rd gen and the way it drives over the 2nd. pluss i fit ALOT better in the 3rd gen. its a much nicer driving position

bkzjimmy

3g and the new maxima drive exactly the same to me. ..to much torque stear
they both did feel i lil quicker than my 00tlp

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

I like the 3G's features and gadgets. It is more advanced, but then again, that's pretty obvious given the fact that the technology behind the 3G is 5 years newer.

But that doesn't mean the 2G falls behind. Oh, no. I love my 2G. The design is not exactly breathtaking, but it has very classy lines and it exudes upscale ambience with a bit of a hot and wild side with the current modifications.

Driving characteristics-wise, I like the 3G, speaking stock versus stock. The chassis is more rigid, and the suspension can handles the corners very well. 2G falls behind in that department, but it's not quite a Geo Metro, either. Both cars inspire confidence and handles well for family sedans.

Bottom line... I'll never trade my 2G for a 3G. But even if I wasn't a biased owner of my modified 2G, then I would have to say that, after much consideration, I would have to give the nod to the 3G. But once again, the 3G's technology is 5 years newer, which is a lifetime in the automotive industry. Therefore, it's not really a legitimate, objective comparison. Then again, what is objective when it comes to cars? It's all about the gut feelings and the emotions when you look at the car, and when you're behind the wheel.

gainful

Comon guys! The roads are not only made of corners, there are potholes too! 3G sacrifice too much of ride comfort and only gained a little in handling. Thats all a FWD car can do!

A BMW540, having the same handling (if not better), has a more supple suspension, and soak up bumps really well. In contrast, 3G TL is teeth cracking.

fsttyms1

Not every where has the same potholes that you guys have.

1 more reason teh 3g is better is because its offerend in a manual

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

Well, like I said, it's all subjective. In my book, cornering > bump absorption.


As for the suspension, yeah, Acura still has some ways to go in terms of chassis and suspension tuning. But you're talking about BMW, the benchmark in the automotive industry. Otherwise, I think it's pretty high up there among its competition.

RickRoush03

tell ya what, anyone that wants to trade my 2G for their 3G, holla!!

snowman81

I agree...I've been looking at the '06 and took it for a few test drives and have also driven my friends '04. I would have to say that as much as I love my car, I am contemplating the purchase of an '06. Just not sure if it's worth or not. I like the body style of the 2G better. I also think the 2G is a little sportier and that the 3G focused more on luxury that sport. I like the sport a little better. The gadgets in the '06 where great, like voice recognition, blue tooth, and the I like the look of the gauge cluster. I don't like how the fogs are integrated into the headlights, the stock tires don't seem to go with the car IMO and the I would prefer the typical round exhaust. I will go back in forth about this in my mind for months I'm sure...then the '07 will be out. What am I gonna do

fsttyms1

dug-mac

I agree with what everyone has said thus far. Personally, I prefer the classic styling of the 2nd Gen but find the 3rd Gen to be superior in many performance oriented categories - but not all. I agree with gainful that the ride of the 3rd Gen is somehow "busier". I guess, for me, if there is a disappointment in the 3rd Gen it's that you hope in the evolution of a car that it will perform better across the board than it's predecessors. For me, the 3rd Gen is a reminder that compromise is the nature of automotive design. Or, to put it in baseball terms, I see the 3rd Gen as a triple, not a home run...

03CoupeV6

Some of you need to step over to 3G forum and look at his other posts. Every single one of them are the same "I liked my 2G better than this 3G". Quite annoying.

I like both cars, but I'd take a 3G anyday. The 2G is not without faults. And I'm still wondering how anyone would find the 3G's ride teeth jarring? It's firm but compliant.

FuzzyNutz

I test drove the 3G just a week ago and I'm sorry to say that I was dissapointed. Ok well,.. maybe disapointed is too harsh, but my initial impressions are that the 3G was considerabaly heavier and much less nimble than the 2G. And while that gave the 3G a more 'european' luxury feel, I can't say I enjoyed it as much as the 2G. I guess it would just take getting used to. But I have to admit, I like the styling (exterior & interior) of the 3G. The only thing on the 3G that I was disgusted with was the cupholder cover. I know,.. it's a lame thing to be annoyed by, but the 'dual-door' on the 2G is much nicer than the 'slider' on the 3G. That said,.. It's still probably going to be my next car. (unless I can afford the RL)

MikePA

If you thought the 3G TL was 'heavier and much less nimble', why would you consider an RL?

Mizouse

1G TL owns all

fsttyms1

the 3g is alot more nimble than the 2g, handles better too. and if you think the 3g felt heavy the rl is a hog in comparison

03CoupeV6

The 3G's handling is much more polished. My TL, with its tires, handles like a cow ice skating.

fsttyms1

trying to picture ol betsy doing that

Sniper 55

I like the way they Both drive, i like the interior of the 3G it's sick with the Blue gauges clean look for interior, but as far as the 3g Go's for exterior it dont do it for me i think it looks like a BMw not an Acura but then again i think all the 05 cars look the same

But i really like the Body of the 2G i think it's insane

By the way i have an 00 TL, No one hate just my Opinon I love All acuras

gainful

WHat u talking about? FIRM and COMPLIANT? Sounds like you are saying your car is WDP and NBP,......


Some things can't be "and "ed together.

03CoupeV6

I believe that was "firm BUT compliant" not "firm AND compliant"

Re-read my post.

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

Reading > You

GeraldB

Given some thought, this thread isn't as goofy as I first believed. I prefer the exterior and interior styling of my 3G, the wheels and the instrument lights are much nicer, and the audio is a little better, plus the seat memory and dual-zone heat/air pay off for my wife and me. However, my 2G was a great car: it rode more smoothly; it felt just as powerful; yes, it had a better cup-holder cover; there was less vibration in that 1500-2000 rpm range; and it cost less. I miss the fern-green interior color. It also ran 60,000 miles without any service problem.

The 3G isn't perfect. There's that ride thing, the vibration is within spec, but still out of place on a $35,000 car, and DVD-A is a disappointment - not enough music available and it doesn't simulate surround from two-channel sources as it should. (In addition, some things are wasted on us: we don't use a cell phone, we've never had the sunroof open, we haven't telescoped the steering wheel, or put in more than one CD at a time, the navi is aggravating and hasn't taken us anywhere we didn't get in the past with a map, and I wish the back seat would fold down. Too bad Acura wouldn't build one just for us and charge a little less.)

Having said all that though - the TL is more car than I ever hoped to own, and in comparison with other brands on looks, performance, amenities, and price, I would still make the same choice. Both cars have been money well spent.

03CoupeV6

I have a 2G and I have seat memory.

TLsu

I'll corroborate that.

fsttyms1

=gainful

fsttyms1

Not all 2gs do have that.

Superb

I have owned my 2g for 4 months now. I knew that I wanted a TL, but it was a hard decision betw. the 2g and the 3g. I've loved the 2g since the redesign back in 02. So I compared 03's and 04's. To myself the cars were basically the same vehicle minus the styling of course and a few other things. Such as the bluetooth, 10hp diff (I have a Type S w/ Navi), and other minor details. What made me choose the 2g over the 3g is b/c I'm not a fan of the new trend in automotive design. I don't know what it is called, I know it is Italian design w/ the long nose and short rear deck. But the 3g is just bulky to me while the 2g is more streamlined and "fit" i guess. Anywho, that is my take on the subject.

ililillilillilil

My vote goes to the 2G for the classy exterior & the 3G for the updated interior. The 3g has a nicer aero kit though cuz i think it fits way better but i think the side markers r ricey and the back is ugly compared to the 2G imo

gainful

ok, "firm but compliant", my car is white BUT black,.......Doesn't that sound funny?

Pure Adrenaline

iTrader: (2)

Compliant means willing to comply, or being submissive.

The suspension can have a firm setting for a tight handling feel, but still comply with the driver's inputs.

fsttyms1

TLsu

big mike 13

LOVE teh 3G interior, but feels a little cramp.

acutee

My vote goes to 2G. 3G is nice, but looks like a civic at a glance and looks smaller. I feel tighter fitting in 3G.

Marlboro27s

the interior of the 3g is what makes me want one sooo bad.


i think the 2G exterior is still much more sexy. its nice and sleek and sporty, where the 3g is kind of a big tank. i also dont like the square exhaust tips on the 3G, but these are small things i can easily get over when im driving that 270hp beast, black on black 6spd with navi...oooooooo one day i will finally get one

probably wont be for a few years though, then i can participate in the 4g vs 3g thread!!