I know that the TL-S will have larger rims and tires than the TL just like the CL-S is larger than the CL. Besides the size, is the quality of the tires better on the Type S? Should we expect the exact tires on the TL-S that are currently on the 2001 CL-S?
I'm asking this because I keep reading in the TL forum that the stock tires are crap. Any ideas?

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95 Integra GS-R Stock

Ordered: 2002 TL-S Aegean blue

 

The stock tires that come on any car are basically "crap" due to the manufacturer having priorities like cost, EPA mileage etc. If you feel that a quite ride with good mileage is a priority for you, then the stock touring Michelins are very good tires (they are also pricey). If you have an "Enthusiast" orientation, then you need to go for a tire that enhances the handling - the stock tires won't help you in handling. The main thing is that Acura has endowed this car with a fantastic suspension (double wishbones on all 4 ends) and good rigidity for the chassis and if you need to enhance the handling experience, you are welcome to up-grade the tires to grippier ones.

The same thing cannot be said about the Lexus ES300, which, with the 4-wheel Macpherson strut suspension (cheaper and way inferior to the Double Wishbones) are not built for good handling. If you were to change the tires of the ES300 to grippier ones, you would overwhelm the suspension and serve no useful purpose. For comparison purposes, the other more expensive Lexus cars like the LS430, GS430, SC430, GS300 etc, have the double wishbones on all 4 ends like the Acura TL.

just my 2c

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2000 Naples Gold 3.2TL/Navi - Factory Stock but with up-graded tires

 

Thanks for the info. I'm not sure which way to go still. As far as handling, the only time I will somewhat push the car's grip is taking highway ramps. Once in a while, I'll go a bit fast just for the thrill. Besides that, I won't be doing too many "racecar" maneuvers. If I choose to decide on grippier tires, do you think this is something I can have the dealer install upon delivery and I'll pay the difference? Also, I presume wet road performance will be hurt, correct?

 

If you're talking about wet traction with high performance tires, that couldn't be farther from the truth.

My Dunlop SP9000s are unbelievable in the wet. It feels almost the same wet or dry.

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1999 Satin Silver Metallic 3.2 TL w/o Navigation

• 18x8 Racing Hart C2s with 225/40ZR18 Dunlop SP Sport 9000
• Comptech Springs, Sways, Exhaust, and Headers
• Red AEM CAI w/bypass valve
• A'PEXi Digital VTEC AFC
• Factory Underbody Kit and Spoiler
• Clifford Intelliguard 9000 Alarm
• Alpine 6 disk CD Changer
• BEL 945i Cordless Radar Detector
• Burlwood Shift Knob & Trunk Tray
• 20% tint

Mugen Grill on order

 

My Michelin Pilot XGT-Z4 225/55-ZR-16 All-season tires handle wet/dry/snow with equal aplomb. Wet or dry make no difference to this tire. Also, these tires are classified as "Ultra High Performance All-seasons".

just my 2c

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2000 Naples Gold 3.2TL/Navi - Factory Stock but with up-graded tires

 

Another good All Season high performance tire that does great in the snow is the Toyo Proxes FZ4. I know of a couple people who were happy with the performance of their Dunlop SP5000s(another good tire) but feel the Toyo is even better on Dry, Wet and particularly the snow where allot of high performance all season tires seem to fail.

 

At 47k miles, I just dumped my stock Michelins. They lasted forever, but like every says, they are a compromise tire. I picked up some Pirelli P7000 in 215/55/16 for $88/each from the Tire Rack. What a deal for ultra HP tires. The ride is slightly stiffer, but the handling is much improved. The turn-in is much quicker and more responsive. If you change the tires when you take delivery, keep the original tires and swap them out when you sell the car, this way you can say there are new tires on the car w/o the added expense.

 

Thanks guys. You gave me something to think about.