I wasn't able to find a concise answer to how a second generation TL Type S compares to a third gen TL. I ask because my 03 TL-S was rear ended and pretty much totalled. I've modified my TL with Tokico Illumina Shocks and H&R sport springs with an AEM CAI. Needless to say, I'm in the market for a new car I'm just curious about how an unmodified 3rd gen would compare with my previous car. Mainly interested in its handling ability. Any info is appreciated.

 

Well honestly I don't know the answer but you should ask in the 3rd Gen section, Good luck and sorry to here about the car

 

I think the 3rd gen TL is better in a few ways. ALthough I think it's a lil too rough around the edges to be a "luxuary" car. The 2nd gen seems the best of both worlds with sport/comfort. The 3rd Gen is more performance oriented. I don't think you can go wrong with either. For me the 2nd gen is my preferance. Unless it's an 07 TL-S. Animal of a car.

 

unfortunate about your car man.

As to what FL3.2TL said, no matter which forum you go into (2nd or 3rd gen) you're going to generally get a biased answer, which even mine will be But at least check in with the 3rd gen guys to see what their view is.

I agree with Chris,
IMO the 3rd gen kinda lost track of the market it was designed for during developement. NICE CAR, but really more performance oriented (performance look especially) instead of luxury division oriented.

Don't get me wrong, the 3rd gen is just as nice if not nicer than the 2nd gen, with a little more power to boot, but the 2nd gens are more classic and overall appealing in my eyes.

Sometimes the 3rd gens are overwhelming since Honda engineered so much into it. Tried to emphasize the luxury with perfomance a little TOO bit, IMO

PS, check ur inbox

 

yea i dont really liek the 3rd gen ones unless its the TLS and even with that they dont have performance parts for it yet...only thing i like better in the 3rd gens is the Navigation they have...other than that. they look way too fat and are the same speed as the 2nd gen tls...i do like the 07 Type s tho

 

I had a 2002 type s for about 3 years until I recently traded it in for a 2005 cpo tl. I like both cars. Performance and handling are almost the same. The ride on the 3rd gen is softer and has more body roll. This can be easilly taken care of though with aspec suspension and a thicker sway bar. I think the same engine mods exist on both cars, namely cai, headers or cats, ur pulley, and so on.

The biggest difference is the transmission. The 3rd gen is smoother shifting, shifts faster, and is much more reliable. My type s was on transmission 3 and about to be 4 when I traded it in.

 

Damn...sorry to hear about your car. What happened? (i know rearended but is there more to the story...)

Thats a tough call...in my mind new in this case is better, but it all depends on your preferences. You should drive a 3g, and then see how you feel.

 

Thanks for the input guys. I'm definitely going to get a 3g TL, but just trying to figure out what I would have to do to make it similar. I'm surprised that a stock 3G is softer than a stock 2G TL-s. I guess the choice now is ASPEC kit or something else.

As for the accident, I was trying to get onto an off ramp from one freeway to the next but a line had formed for it. All the cars infront came to a stop. I was able to slow down to a gradual stop as well, but an old lady (80+) in a ford focus just merged into the lane as well. I usually look in my rear view mirror whenever I come to a stop on the freeway and I saw her coming in fast. I got to watch her the whole way. I didn't see her car nose dive until 20 feet or less. I knew i was screwed, so I braced and let off the brake to lessen the blow. I got shot back into the left lane but luckily wasn't hit a second time.

I'm still waiting to hear back from the insurance company to confirm if it's a total loss. I have a feeling they're going to low ball me for the price of the car, so I'm trying to research what I have to do in order to get the most money possible.

 

dang sorry to hear what happened....good luck you are okay... i was in an accident myself back in march with a total of 17K in damage total and that includes labor....



so uhmm... wanna trade your type s rims for my type p?

 

Umm..well you'll enjoy the 3rd Gen but your first mod HAS to be a beefier rear sway bar. The car is all over the place unless you have one. I have one dropped on eibach pro kits and its still all over the place and have been lazy about getting the sway bar. Once thats done and you put a little drop on it , you have everything. The interior is 100x better than the 2nd Gen but the car is smaller. My boys are always amazed how huge the 2nd Gen trunk is and inside. If I had a choice between my car or the 3rd Gen I'd pick my car all over again.

 

The third gen is definitely a nicer car. better build quality by far. Headers are not an option, though.
Just like everyone says, the ride is a little softer, but just a little. Better on the highway. Love the looks, personally. Not to mention, you can't argue with new technology!
Good luck.