This is what I dig up in the IS300 forum. Just some interesting reading: http://www.is300.net/cgi-bin/ubb/ult...c&f=1&t=007874

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2002 Black on Black TL TypeS

 

One note though.... why they keep circling the topic around with CL-S?? Shouldn't TL-S be the main competitor for IS300?? 4DR to 4DR....

Andy Kuo

 

Sometimes I wish they'd never put a 260hp engine in the Type S (Yeah right!!) --> it forces it to contend w/ serious autos like BMW's, Lexus's, and Audi's which were meant to be much sportier than the TL-S. The IS300 is a good example --> it's predecessor includes the Toyota Supra, a pretty mean machine w/ the twin turbos. Plus, the IS300 chassis/wheelbase is shorter, it's lighter, and its wheels are further out on the chassis, providing its great agility and ability to out-maneuver the overweight, long, cushy Type S. Plus, it's RWD and is one of the few vehicles in its price range that can actually run w/ a 330i in the twisties! I understand that some people are coming from more passive vehicles and have upgraded to the TL-S --> thinking that its suspension is very taught, and its acceleration is second to none. However, it still can't join the ranks of a true sports sedan until it sees a RWD w/ locking differential, tighter suspension, less curbweight, a manual transmission, better rubber, and wider rims (say .. 225 or 235). However, though Acura is totally capable of building such a machine for under $35K -- you have to look at the inspiration for current Type S to understand the method behind their madness --> the Type S was the cheapest way for them to go from selling ES300-like autos, to selling more aggressive autos since all they had to do was modify certain elements of the engine and exhaust systems. Plus, they add stiffer suspension, not too expensive considering they utilize the same chassis from the TL/CL, and then they add a Type S badge and shifter knob. Ca-powee! They have a 260hp car they market at the "Type S." Acura's advertising wizards know that the general populous is fickle, they know that the horsepower rating will bring in sales on the number 260 alone! The Nissan guys know this too, that's why they always include that 222 hp number in each of their commercials -- and their commercials are a testament to what they think the public generally thinks about autos -- they make the Maxima seem like the fastest, coolest car in the world! I find myself craving a 5-spd Max after I've seen some of their awesome commercials.

It'd take more R&D and more $$$ for them to drop a RWD, 6-spd Acura TL-S on the market that can actually run w/ the 330i's and the S4's ... It's totally possible, just not foreseeable in the near future. Just my two cents, BTW.

<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by PeterUbers on May 14, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

As far as I see it...I love TL-S.

Well, we are bascially getting what we are paying for. The price for TL-S is much better than Lexus, BMW, etc..

So, I don't regret anything about TL-S.

 

I test drove the IS300 and the first thing I hated was that, there is no f*cking armrest and it is mad cramp because it is too small. As soon as I sat in the TLS, it was like heaven, there is so much room and damn an adjustable armrest. I fell in love already. After I test drove, I was speechless. All I can think of is bringing this bad boy home.

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2002 Black on Black TL TypeS



<FONT COLOR="#800080" SIZE="1" FACE="Verdana, Arial">[This message has been edited by TypeSDragon on May 14, 2001 @ ]</font>

 

That was actually good reading. No real bashing or anything going on.....



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1998 Acura CL 3.0 (Iced Blue) ** Some mods, but who cares,
I want a Type-S... (CL or TL)!!

Moderator - 1st Gen Forum @ www.acura-cl.com

 

I agree juniorbean. I'm really starting to like this type of comparison. No bashing but just pros and cons. I remember I use to be a bigoot in the past. Hell, ask Tom, he knows I use to talk a lot of smack about the IS til I drove one. Tom, despite many people disliking him, brings up many great points and like it or not, he is very "common sense" driven IMO. BTW Tom, I apologize for bashing your IS in the past. Great car.

 

i drove both ... if the IS300 was bigger i think it would be perfect. the handling is amazing and the acceleration is not bad. tls probably has a much better top end (Esp. w/ headers) but can't hold a candle to IS's handling. for me, going through turns at 80 is more enjoyable than just cruising at 150. in any case.. both have their good and bad points, and both will satisfy a different set of people. drive both and see which one is more suited for you (wow i'm so useful)

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-Fiddler
ControlGenie Automation Systems
1998 Accord EX V6 Coupe (HomePage)

 

I have driven both vehicles but the dash set-up on the IS 300 is really terrible it has gauges inside of gauges it is kind of weird to describe it also is pretty some of the other Valets think it looks like a Civic 4 door with the Altezza lights and it being so small. The car is cool but I would much rather have the CL or TL (Still trying to decide on that one)

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Trying to decide
02 TL Type-S or
02 CL Type-S

 

I would have bought a IS300 if it were bigger, and cheaper(IS300 in Canada is more expensive than in US. A fully loaded IS300 can be $2000 - $3000 US more than fully loaded TL-S).

But why would I pay more for RWD, with Sub-Compact body while I can get a faster, mid-size at less?? In that price range, TL-S wins hands down(though RWD would be nice.. ).

Andy Kuo

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'92 Mercedes-Benz 400SE
Pearl Grey/Black

'02 Acura TL-S
Satin Silver/Ebony, w/out NAV