Looking at price difference between the two, i was wondering what does the RL have on the TL that warrants the extra 10K ? The feature list / look of the new TL seems pretty darn impressive if not better than the RL.

what am i missing?

 

Size. The RL rides on a longer wheelbase. The 3.5RL is being replaced next year (2005) and it rumored to have a 40MPG 300HP hybrid AWD chassis. A search for the RL will show you some pics I posted of it.

 

http://www.thecarconnection.com/inde...8&article=6284

Note that the front and back are heavily disguised with large covers. Given the lines of the hood and the headlight arrangement I would expect the front and back to resemble the TL much like the MBZ C, E and S Classes have similar lines.

 

I am in the process of moving from the current RL to the TL for the following reasons:

1. Interior is virtually identical in size.

2. Interior is better appointed (excepting the vanity lights which, strangely, are not mounted on either side of the mirror).

3. It's way, way, way sportier. I feel like an old man in my RL. Not so in the TL.

Overall: Significantly cheaper than the upcoming new RL yet better featured / styled / appointed than my existing RL. If there was no new RL coming down the road, you could easily see the TL as the RL's replacement. The new RL is sure to be a killer, but the jump from the existing RL to the new TL is huge so that's enough for me.

 

I am in the process of moving from the current RL to the TL for the following reasons:

1. Interior is virtually identical in size.

2. Interior is better appointed (excepting the vanity lights which, strangely, are not mounted on either side of the mirror).

3. It's way, way, way sportier. I feel like an old man in my RL. Not so in the TL.

Overall: Significantly cheaper than the upcoming new RL yet better featured / styled / appointed than my existing RL. If there was no new RL coming down the road, you could easily see the TL as the RL's replacement. The new RL is sure to be a killer, but the jump from the existing RL to the new TL is huge so that's enough for me.

 

thanks for the pointers. the 05 RL does sound impressive...but i was wondering more on the current RL model out there.

It still seems the current TL is nicer than the RL. and boltjames....u r right the TL definately looks younger than the RL, i think the TL always did.

 

Like most car lines, all models improve and lower models if improved first catch the higher models. The RL is a different class of car for a different market. Personally I find my 1998 RL more comfortable (especially in the rear seats) for long trips than my TL but I certainly miss XM in my RL. I also feel that the RL's build quality is better, it rides better (just corners like crap) and the car is quieter in my opinion. On the other hand it's slower, handles like poop and doesn't have some of the goodies my TL has.

I'm really looking forward to trading my 98 RL on the 2005 RL but I would have a hard time choosing between my TL and RL if I had to get rid of one.

 

denmoses: No problem. I've been a Legend guy since 1993 and moved into my first RL in 2002. Loved the Legend to death, never warmed up to the RL. In a Legend, I really felt like I was in a luxury car....my friends with Benz' and BMWs loved the look and I got lots of compliments. In the 2 years I've owned my RL not a single person *no one* has had a single nice thing to say. I'm bored in that car. Might as well be driving a Camry. The TL is exciting to look at, exciting to sit in, exciting to drive. The features are drop-dead head & shoulders above any car on the road. I'm a little sceptical about getting a 1st gen car, but I trust Honda immensely and think I'll love it.

Bottom line: It would take a lot of car to get me to move from a $45k Acura to a $35k Acura and make me feel like I was *not* taking a step down in class. The new RL better kick Benz' ass or else they should just give up and focus on special editions of the TL IMHO.

 

better build quality / quieter / more comfortable....these would justify the RL going to the next class of cars. But i agree with boltjames....RL will have to pull off something special to compete with the Mercedes, BMW and Lexus in the class.

 

With the RL, the only thing it has going for it when comparing it to say the E320 is price and build quality. Like boltjames simply said...the RL is a very BORING car. It doesn't inspire.

If the rumors are true I think the NEW RL will be more competitive and meet sqarely with the E320/500, 5-Series, new M45, and Lexus GS300/430.

 

I acertainly agree that the TL is more exciting to drive and own, but I have to admit that I considered the RL because there wasn't a 10K price difference. While the sticker is that much, I had them wanting to sell me an RL for 38-39k and I bought my new TL with lots of extras for 32k. For 6k difference, becomes a tougher decision. I've had my TL for two weeks and I still believe I made the best decision.

 

Same here, I got my $43K 98 RL for $37K. If you consider Navi for Navi (where here in SoCal getting off MSRP ain't easy) you're only looking at a $2000-$3000 difference if that.

 

Skee your correct. My comparison was with my n0n-navi TL. With the RL having one they 2-3K different. The RL might not be as exciting but dang that's a nice car for the money.

 

Osteo: See what you're saying about 2k or 3k *now* but truth is in October the RL will look ancient with not one but two newer body styles out there. The RL's a great driver and a great tourer, don't get me wrong- but it's just BLAH atop more BLAH on the 'fun' scale. The nicest yet most unappealing car I've ever owned. The TL is going to fix all that.

 

I agree with you Bolt. That's why my new ride is the WDP/Parchment. But I think one couldn't be faulted for choosing an RL for that little of a difference. The TL is great fun to drive!!

 

no one is buying the current rl. the new tl is better because its newer and more modern and sporty. its also a sport sedan as opposed to a luxury sedan. the rl looks like a stretched 10 year old accord. the styling is terrible. it doesnt have a 5 speed transmission or v8. the interior is dated. it originally was supposed to compete with AT LEAST the ls 400/430 and apparently the mb,bmw,audi large sedans. it was even styled a lot like the previous generation s class. it just doesnt have enough power or features for that segment and even though it can be considered to be a good 'deal' [you can get it for around 39 grand loaded and last year on carsdirect.com you could get it for INVOICE ] you wouldnt be happy with it if youve driven its competition. I know for a fact the ls 430 kills it for luxury. I certainly hope that acura will pay attention to what sells in that segment because they really messed up when they changed the styling from what they had with the second gen [?] legend. that is still a good looking car.

 

the rl has a timeless look to it though. it's just a nice car to look at.

 

The new RL is the most important introduction in Acura's history. The TL may be their biggest unit seller, but without the presitgious 'flagship' vehicle it isn't much of a brand anymore having lost its luster to Lexus. This RL better knock the cover off the ball....

 

They hit a home run with the TL. So we know they are capable of it.