i know this is an acura forum, but i can't decide between the two.

 

I had the the same problem, now here I am. It all comes down to what you want it for.

For starters, the people at this forum are a bit brighter J/k, here are factors I looked at.


1) SIZE; Is size important for you? It was somewhat of a factor for me, as the is300 seems a bit small, and I have a small child.

2) STYLE; Are you keeping it for some time to come and what style do you like? I Love the is300's style, but I think the "boy racer" look will fade, and though some may say the is300 makes the TL-S look boring side by side, I think the Acura will age better and I love its clean lines with the Acura body kit.

Look at the legends, still sharp almost a decade later right? Imagine if they were all techy in styling back in 91 like the lexus how they would look now. Sure it was cool......in 91. Also didn't like the fact that every civic in town already has those tail lights!

3) POWER & PERFORMANCE; Is stock performance important? Yes the lexus handles better, but in the real world the TL is no slob in handling, and stock for stock will slap around the is300 from light to light. This and the fact it was less and more room was VERY appealing to me. I few comtech parts will even increase the pleasure. Now if you plan on lots of mods, and want a serious sports car, I would take the is300.

4) COMFORT; I felt for a long trip or two per year for that get away, the TL was better and the trunk much larger. You may not do that much traveling, so that is something to consider. Overall, comfort and standard luxury was better here.

5) VALUE, when it all came down to it, I just felt I was getting more for my money with the TL -S


Either way, long as you take in consideration what is important to YOU, I think you will be happy. They are both great cars, I'd almost want both. They are often considered by the same buyers due to price range, luxury name, and both targeted on performance, yet very different cars, so you will be able to pick whats better for you I admit when I drive by lexus, I still glance at them, but in no way regret my choice.

 

TypeSMaximum, great reply.

I also looked at both and came to the same conclusion as TypeSMaximum. My wife vetoed the idea (knocked sense into me) mostly because of size. However, the "racer" look did not appeal to her either. I liked it but agree that it will probably age quicker. That probably will be the case with the chrono guages, too.

Take a look at some of the cars over the years that were the hot item when they came out 10 years ago. As an example, my brother's boxy '86(?)Maxima still looked good on the outside but the interior was ugly just 5 years after he bought it. My '87 Legend's dash still looks reasonably stylish but was probably considered conservative when all the new cars had silver faced panels and multicolored LED guages. As was mentioned the 91-95 Legends still turn heads and are arguably the best/nicest Acura's ever.

It may be slightly conservative but at least it won't look quite as dated in five years.

To be honest with you, either car is a great choice. You can't go wrong. I still look admiringly at the IS300's when I see them.

 

Both are great cars, but I chose the TL-S simply for two reasons. The size is small. I have clients, family, and friends to haul around. With the IS ans as small as it is and how big I am....there is no back seat...Second reason, where do you live? I live in CO..this is my everyday car I can't switch cars in the winter. The IS is rear wheel..do you know awful a rear wheel drive is in the snow? So those are some factors as well....

 

I have 2 RWD vehicles, a GS430 and a 330CiC, both of which handle better than my FWD Accord I had. Vehicle Skid Control helps, and I have an additional Snow setting on my Lexus, which helps greatly, and good tires help also.

 

the 323ci I used to own was horrible in snow! Like I drive to work and all of a sudden it makes a mechanical "burp, burp" and then the rear tails out. This is very slow driving we are talking about. Maybe you are a snow god or something because all my friends at work park thier bimmers and lexus' at home and drives their civics when it snows...Not because they don't want to ruin it, but because they know I won't pick them up when they get stuck...

 

I'll have to agree...that was my big decision too. Then I thought "wait...where's the rest of the car" after I drove the IS300. And the TLS beats the IS for what I hear. Last but not least the ppl over here in Austin that drive the IS's are sorority girls (and little girls in general) most likely because of the size...

Austin519

 

Coke or Pepsi?? Taste both of them and see which one you like the best.

 

There you go... personally, Pepsi.

 

Isn't that really the bottom line? I remember shopping for speakers for my home theater system. When I was testing different speakers of at Ultimate Electronics, I asked the saleman, which speakers is better? His respose was "the ones that sound the best to you" I think comparing the IS with the TLS is really the same question. Test drive both of them, read articles on the internet for reference and make a dissision.

 

so which speakers did you get?

tl content to my reply: tl's kick butt!!!

 

To me, I liked the space of the TL-S, I need to give my "boys" some room when I drive

Seriously though, that's what I realized when I took my sisters IS to my place to change the oil for her. The IS emphasizes "sport" to me more than the TL-S.(steering definately felt quicker. ie, ratio) And the TL-S emphasizes More "luxury" and what not. I couldn't wait to return her cute little car so that I can stretch out again. And before you guys rant on me about being being fat, I'm not at all.

It all depends on what you want!

PS. If you do your own oil changes, take the TL. The IS' oil filter is in a retarded P.I.T.A. location. The TL you could do in your sleep

 

Klipsch 3 series all around and a big ol' 15" subwoofer to keep the neighbors up at night and on into the morning. Sometimes I leave for the weekend and while I am gone I leave the stereo playing Tec Master PEB on repeat playing at maximum amplification.

 

TL - More passive looks, but still great. More room all round. Faster. Handles Worse .

IS 300 - Looks HOT! Handles great! (better than BMW 330i according to R&T) Less room in the trunk and back. 5-spd! Little slow, but still peppy.

I'm sure you know this already but just to reinstate . So it really comes down to what do you want? More room and accel, or less room, hot looks, handling, and manual?

 

With 330xi, you get the best of both world. Handling and traction.

 

Yeah at a fvcking hefty 42k......

 

Only 2 things I like more in the IS300 than the TL-S: the rwd and the curb weight. If TL-S can match IS300 in those departments, then it's TL-S hands down.

 

In a world like this, nothing is for free.
Sure, the car is expensive compares to is300 and tl-s, but so is them compare to car like altima.

This is a fact of life.

 

True, there are some features we can't get in a TL-S like AWD and Leatherette upholstery.

 

i would say tl-s, simply put you get more for the money imo

 

I was in the same situation as well before getting my TLS.... though I like to have a RWD Sports Sedan, the interior(especially the instrument cluster), and the price just don't appear to me at all... A fully loaded IS300(package D) is almost $4K US more than TLS in Canada!!! 330Xi was on my list as well, but 3-6 months wait and again, the price jmade me cross it out on my list.... Almost went with VW Jetta VR6 w/Sport Package and 5-speed manual.... but just a week before I go put down my deposit, TLS came..... that's when I decided I gonna go with TLS....

Andy Kuo

 

Honestly, 2 different cars. The TL really is in a different class of car. Its bigger, more luxurious. It just happens that Acura put out the type S that can hange or slap around cars like the IS and the 325/330 BMW's. The regular TL was the best in its class according to Car & Driver. The new TLs bettered that and has been moved into more performance catagories becasue it preforms well.

I drove all 3 performance cars before buying my TLs. I wanted something that felt kinda like my S2000's but a lot bigger and luxurious. The IS300 felt like my 98 Honda Civic EX (a few years back) in every way (little faster). Way to small for me now.

 

i think the type s is way better because u get your money's worth.....for a few thousand more though.....u get a 5-speed manual is300 that has tons of aftermarket products already in production for it.........so it's a hard decision........but coming from me........the type s is too under rated..........it's a lot better than wat you might read.........

 

Once you sit behind the wheel of both, you'll want the Type-S. That's what I did. I was sure of the Type-S after driving it even before testing the IS out. I was also comparing the same two cars; I was even leaning toward the IS at first.

IS had real wheel drive and sportier look and handling. But once I drove and sat in the Type-S I knew it was the one. The IS felt and looked cheap inside. And the size is like a $36k VW Jetta; not worth the money. The Type-S and all it's standard features plus the NAV and the body kit and spoiler is still less than the IS with the leather package and NAV.

Also, like someone else said, the novel look of the IS will fade. Plus the IS will make you look like a wealthy punk kid (no offense IS owners).

 

All very valid points. Size, $$$ and BHP mad emy decision. Almost didn't consider the TL-S because it wasn't a 5 or 6 speed. Get this .... my mom (69 years old) said "You should look at the Acura's. When I was looking at them a few years ago, I thought they were great cars". She loves her Honda (1987 Accord LX) and didn't even end up getting rid of it.

I digress ... The thing I really didn't like about the IS300 was the borderline tacky interior. If I was about 10-15 years younger I would have probably made the wrong choice and spent $35,000 on the IS300.

 

Exactly...tacky.

 

true...

Nothing beats TL-S in best bang for bucks, however I think its image as a family sedan really took a hit for the general public's view on it as a sport sedan. If I want a true sport sedan I would go for IS300, if I want a sporty family sedan I would go for tl-s. It's just too big to let you have any sport feeling in it.

I really do think that speed along does not mean sporty, but one has to look at other factors too. Road feel is really important.

 

Well for me, luxury was also a factor. I felt that the TL(-S) was the better sport luxury sedan than the IS300. But everyone has his/her own desires in their car. (I'm starting to feel older...chose comfort over sport)

 

wrong....if i wanted a sport sedan, id go for a gs430, not the childish is300

 

If any one wants a Sports Sedan, go with European.... As much as I love my TLS, I have to admit that European still makes the BEST cars.....

P.S. In Canada, IS300 is significantly more expensive than TLS.... a fully loaded IS300 is pushing close to base 330i... IS300 is priced about the same as BMW 325Xi with Premium Package & Xenon....

Andy Kuo

 

Exactly what I went through, test drive them both on the same day & see for yourself. I tested a 325 & 330 also on the same day I test drove the tl-s.

 

My poor experiences with BMW have driven me to Japanese cars for the forseeable future. BMW and Benz may have the marketing muscle to make people THINK they make the best cars, especially sports sedans, but it will be Acura and/or Lexus for me.

 

I was in the same boat as you. Both are nice cars, but the Lexus was small and a little slower, though a nice overall package. The main attraction to me was rear wheel drive, in fact, if the Lexus was available with a manual trans sooner, I might have bought one. But I love my car! It's roomy, fast, handles great, has a huge trunk, and is built really well. I love the aftermarket following too. The IS300 is the only comparable car that I would give any consideration to. If I were to prioritize it, I would do so like this:
Interior space: Acura
Trunk Space: Acura
Seats: Lexus=grippy, Acura=comfy
Drivetrain: Lexus (only due to RWD)
Power: Acura
Ride Quality: Acura
Handling: Lexus, barely.
Build Quality: Tie
Standard Features: Acura bigtime.
Upgradability: Tie, unless you're going crazy w/mods, then Lexus wins
Fits in a small garage: Lexus
Value: Acura, no contest

Look at your priorities and see how good your local dealer is for each car and consider that too. See what's important to you and pick one, good luck.

 

I wonder why nobody mention the exterior of TL when comparing cars, may be because it has a boring look hehe. Not to put down TL-S, as each car has its own strength, but I really think that the handling of IS must be much better than TL-S, as I heard it has even more road feel than the 3series. Oh well, you win some and loose some. As for GS430, for that money I would go for 5-series, since its the leader in that mid-size sedan category. For mere 5k more(already spends that much, why save little and buy an inferior product), you can get a true sport sedan.

 

you are right, the body is kinda boring, but the IS300 looks like a riced out civic...

as for the 5 series...why bother w/ it when the only real choice would be the M5, but then ur not talking about $5k difference anymore

 

yeah... I agree it does look kinda boy racerish.

I will take 540i over GS430 any day though. GS is a boring car, my friend has one, and we all know.

 

TL-S used to have an edge, but IS300 finally came out with an armrest and a NAV... boy, that NAV is QUICK!! much faster than ours + it comes with a Canada's map!!

I tested drove it (IS300) the other day, it was a stick, and I must say it's a very impressive one too...everything was pleasing except the stick is 2 inch too high...

the IS300 is a bit more pricey than our TL-S, but I can see where the money had gone to.

All in all, like most have already stated, it comes down to the size you're after. The TL can easily sit 5 with plenty of comfort. While anything or anyone in the back of an IS will probably be asking the well-being of your relatives, oh and don't even bother with a fifth person in that.

Basically, find out what size of car you're looking for, and you won't be disappointed.

good luck car hunting.

 

dUHH its pretty obvious!!!!!!!!!!!!! We're on Acura Forum because TL-S is the BETTER CAR!!!!!!!!!!!! PLUS FASTER TOO AND MORE fuel efficient!

 

Here, this article might help you decide....http://www.thecarconnection.com/?art...57,183&sid=183