probmxstyle

So my car was in the shop for two weeks getting a new tranny and getting the 105k service done. While it was in there I was given a 09 TL tech as a loaner. Over the 2 weeks of driving it and then getting back into my car, I feel that I can make a pretty good comparison of the two. First off, my car is a 03 TL-S that, besides some upgraded rotors and pads, is completely stock. The loaner was obviously stock as well. Here are a few things about the two cars:

09 TL:

Pro's:
-The car does a very good job in keeping outside noise and road noise outside of the cabin.
-The interior layout is extremely nice, quality materials, feels a little larger inside then the 03
-The navi screen is fantastic, good resolution and great features.
-Engine is responsive and extremely smooth.
-Projector HID's

Con's:
-The car is very floaty going down the road, it doesn't give the driver much confidence in cornering or at high speed
-Again in cornering the car feels extremely heavy
-The steering feels very detached and numb compared to the 03 TL
-I was expecting quicker shifts with the paddle shifters, it shifted just as quick as my 03 in SS mode

03 TL-S

Pro's:
-The car feels much more planted on the road, give more confidence in spirited driving
-Muchhhh heavier steering, you get much more feedback in the wheel and it doesn't feel detached from the road
-More agile in corners
-I personally like the seats better, they hold me in place thanks to better bolsters

Con's:
-No telescoping steering wheel
-Navi screen is outdated
-instrument panel is too dim

I am sure I am leaving a few things out and will think of them later. But this is just a few things off the top of my head. In my opinion, the 03 TL is more of a drivers car in comparison to the 09. The 09 has the gadgets and the power, but the 03 is a very well rounded car.

mlrskn06

iTrader: (2)

wow 2 weeks? lucky... my tranny took about 8 hours, and i got no loaner car =[

probmxstyle

I am good at procrastinating

It's Clutch

iTrader: (6)

^lol..

Gfaze

I got a ride home in the Honda Odyssey shuttle van.

Costco

EPS and another 200+ or so lbs FTL!!

cobalt107

"The base TL is more for comfort-minded buyers who should find the 280-hp V6 more than ample for commuting. The steering's low-effort response, however, feels decidedly artificial, and the car lacks the previous TL's nimble nature". The above quote was part of an Edmunds reveiw on the 2009 base model.
Sounds like you nailed the base models steering in your con's comments..

JRhodes88

iTrader: (2)

I had an 09 for 2 weeks while my tranny was getting fixed.

Another thing that I hated about the 09 was that small rear window.
It's so hard to see anything out of such a small rear window.
I like the wide open view that the 2nd gen has

probmxstyle

Your right, rear visibility sucks, especially with the rear head rests up

StonedCL

iTrader: (1)

The 09 TL's have electric steering?
Is the steering that speed sensative steering, like when you are going slow its alot easier to turn the car then when you are on the HWY the steering tigtenes up?
I drove a few cars with that speed sensative steering and I dunno if i really like it?

AlanW

Man, I LOVE the feel of the torque-sensative steering on my 02 TL-S. It is one of my most favorite things about the car-just such a great feel and feedback on the road-lots of feel & input without being hard or stiff or too mushy & floaty.

Neejay

iTrader: (3)

I personally think the 09 model looks like ass.

Too bulky looking, especially the rear bumper.

I've never been inside one though.

Feliz305

I love my 03

webmastir

i agree. i was really taken by surprise when i saw the '09 body style...was very disappointed. im sure the inside is awesome though, as usual.

im starting hate my 03 (soon to be tranny problems)

fobstylez

iTrader: (3)

I love my 02, but I would jump on a 3gen anyday of the week.

Neejay

iTrader: (3)

Same. I used to not like the 3rd gen. It grew on me shortly after I bought this 2nd gen. haha

orbie

different car but similar situation: my o2 sensor went out on my 03' TL-S. I was given an 09' TSX as a loaner. It handles very well, the steering wheel in small and feels sportier, the paddle shifters are nice but not a necessity, BUT its soooooooooo slow. Overall nice car with good mileage. My TL is cooler though. =)

Ramsrt500

I had one as a loner for about a week. It was very nice but I couldnt wait to get my car back. The 09 also felt weak in the top end and your deff right about the softness in the corners, it almost rides like a CTS.

I'd kill for that keyless push button start system tho Lol

probmxstyle

Yeah that keyless is hella nice. Not having to whip out your key fob to unlock the car is nice.

cobalt107

We seen a 2009 come us by today on the highway, my wife says, damn that ugly, I had to agree. The rear end, only a mother could love.

ineedmyfixofacura

iTrader: (2)

yeah, my friend make fun of the new TL's too, the TSX is much better looking for the latest year.

muasboi

i also had the 09 tl tech package for about a week too. also own a 03 tl-s. i love the keyless entry on the 09, i kinda got lazy once i got my car back, haha.

but like the op said, the car feels floaty, i gotta agree with that! i was driving along and my dad says "wow, this car feels like its just flying off the ground, its so smooth." haha.

but i didn't like the eps or whatever it was. the best way i described it was it felt "fake". too responsive where i didn't feel confident in its handling, in emergency situations.