is there really a noticable power and handling difference between the type S and the non type S TL?

 

Power? Yes. Handling? Depends on who you ask and what year "non-Type S" you are talking about.

 

both 2008 models

 

Have driven both and I would say no.

 

I've driven both and I say yes. The non-s-type has no soul.

 

any 1/4 times for the 07-08 type S here?

 

Yes ull kinda feel the difference....

but u would really feel the difference if u get it 6Spd

 

type s has everything you need and then some

 

I have the Auto S and had a loaner TL Auto for about a week. If that rental was my only experience with the TL (and the Type S was not an option) I would have bought a different car.

BTW, I just added the CAI and it's awesome, I highly suggest it.

 

normally I would have not even considered the type S for a FWD car but the price discount is pretty big

 

Every time I take my car in for service I also get a Base TL as a loaner. There is a WORLD of difference. The Type S has better pick-up, sportier suspension. A good friend of mine has a Base TL and hates HIS car everytime he gets into mine. Each time he says something like, "wow, my TL won't do this."

 

I've never driven a base TL. But I used to have an 04 TSX. The TL-S handles much more like the TSX.....but all the bells and whistles......WOW! What a difference!! I'd go test drive one........ I have the 5AT but you'd feel more power in the 6MT.

 

I have an 04 RRP 6MT and my mother has a 06 WDP 5AT.

Both cars handle very different..the 5AT handles more like my old 2G TL-P than the 3G 6MT.

I'm going to assume the Type-S handles similar to my 6MT.
However, a Type-S would absolutely crush the 5AT.

 

May I ask what base TL you've been driving?..... cause I had my Type-S in for service and got a base 08 TL and I noticed a WORLD of difference.....Seemed like forever for the tach to hit 7K on the base....

 

'07/'08 TL is supposedly the "softest" 3G TL yet - suspension/handling-wise.

Further it's the 258HP engine coupled *only* with the 5AT.

So, 286 HP PLUS firmer suspension PLUS option for 6 MT. Yeah, there's a difference.

TL-S, 5AT, *very* lightly modified on stock MXM4 tires = 14.37 @97.1 mph in the 1/4 mile.

 

Are you on crack? lol the TL-S is way better than the TSX...


whatever your smoking...i want some...

 

04-06 has a stiffer suspension than the 07-08 Base TL's. All auto base models have a flimsy 17mm rear sway bar attributing to its boat like handling. 04-06 6 Speed has 19mm(i think) rear sway which is why it handles better. Once that is upgraded to Comptech 22mm or Progress 24mm (which is what I got), the auto TL can handle just as well as the manuals. I test drove a 2008 TL-S Auto (20mm sway) this weekend and the main difference I noticed was it had more throttle pickup from the higher torque numbers and the steering wheel felt slightly firmer. The suspension was did not feel that much different either. I did not pound on the brakes so I could not tell if the brakes were much different during normal driving conditions. I'm am riding on 18's though so that makes my ride stiffer too. The Progress RSB on stiff made the ride stiffer but made a night and day difference in improving the handling characterics of my 05 Auto TL. Overall, I think that the larger sway bar in the TL-S and 04-06 Manual TL's determine the handling characterics the most.

 

I've test driven every model of TL offered so far.

Powerwise, you can feel the difference in power of the type S but you have to really pay attention to notice it. It's not much different.

The biggest difference is auto vs manual in either base or type S.

I would be willing to bet that a manual base against an auto S would be a good race but I think the manual could take it assuming a good driver.

Handling wise, the type S felt maybe as stiff as my base 06 with maybe a little less bodyroll but it's hard to say.

If you get a good deal on an S, go for it, otherwise I don't think it's worth any additional money. IMO, the S is for people that will never modify their car and want a little extra performance. A slightly larger rear swaybar and good shocks will make a base model walk all over an S in the curves.

 

I've also driven both, and I have to disagree with both of you. It might not be a night/day difference like it is with a WRX/WRX STi, but the differences are definitely there. Just my , but the Type-S is better in every way when compared to the base TL, IMHO.

 

Keep in mind though, the OP is asking about the '08 TL v the '08 TL-S.

1. The TL is Auto Only
2. The TL is the softest suspension in any 3G trim
3. The TL is short ~20 HP

All together I think this means:

TL-S 6MT > TL-S 5AT >> '07/'08 TL Base

'04 - '06 TL 6MT > '04 - '06 5AT > '07/'08 TL Base


IOW, handling & performance wise, the '07/'08 Base model is the weakest 3G trim.

Can you "mod up"? Sure, lots of cars have done it. Or you can "buy up" and get the TL-S (or a used '04 - '06 6MT).

 

Is there a difference? Hell Yes...

I was riding on the open road yesterday after work, an NBP 07-08 base was driving like a schmuck seeking attention, I gave it to him. I think he went home to cry after I left him in the dust.

Engine, Brakes, Suspension, Aesthetics...all are worth the extra $$$.

 

I have a 05 TL and drove the 08 Type S this past weekend and i have to admit the power didn't seem like much of a difference and if that was the only difference btwn the 2 cars I would say it's not worth the extra 2k however, like someone else mentioned.. it includes so much more that you would want to modify and add on to the base model.. (i.e. rear lip, suspension, brakes, etc.) I'm not sure but does it also include the underbody kit?

 

OK, to people that are saying they drove the TL Type S, and they haven't felt a difference.... where you driving it like a grandma? Open up the power band...your jaw will drop.

 

Anyone want to trade their Type-S for my '06 5AT?

At the time we needed to get the car and couldn't wait for the '07 Type-S. I would have definitely paid extra for what it offers in added features.

Maybe it'll get stolen before next year so our new car replacement coverage will give us the opportunity to replace it.

 

i would love to give the tl-s a spin!! but i do know for a fact that the 04-06 base TL is much better than the current base. and the base 04-06 TL Aspec is waaaaaayyyyyyy better than the current base model.

 

04-06 models only has stiffer suspension, nothing about performance wise changed. And the interior looks 10x better in the 07-08 models then the older models, and they fixed alot of problems from the older 3g models.

 

I do agree that the interior is 10x better on the 07/08 than the 04-06 models.
I think for about $3K difference in price I'll prob go with a type S.
more power, suspension, NAV, interior trims, exterior trims, brakes.. well worth the extra $3k

 

I have to disagree on this.... the type S should be able to beat a manual base being as both are stock. It may feel fast driving the base manual, but if you were to race them side by side, i would say the S would take it.

You cant really compare modifying suspension parts for a base car to a stock type S. Obviously if you put aftermarket suspension on the base model, it will handle much better depending on what you go with.

back to the OP's question....
yes, there is a power and handling difference. You will feel the power difference mainly in the higher RPM's and minimal diff in the lower range. The suspension on the S is a bit stiffer, yet still enjoyable.

 

yeah, it really depends on what you want out of the car.... some ppl love the base model cars because it saves them on gas and/or they like the smoothness of the base TL suspension or the cheaper price tag, other love the Type S because it comes with alot of the gadgets they would normally WANT to add on later (brembo brakes, S tailights, quad exhaust, navi included, etc...)

 

IMHO, these "Type-S vs. Base" TL threads are absolutely worthless. They are ALWAYS created by people who have the Base model. I've NEVER seen this type of thread made by any Type-S driver.

Base TL drivers want affirmation and justification for their choice. That's it.

Is it, was it EVER a question? Type-S > Base, ALL DAY, any day of the week. Period.

 

The OP is looking to buy a new TL........he doesn't own one yet. So he wanted to know the difference...........

 

Duly noted. My response still applies, fully.

Type-S > Base. All day.

 

Type-S > Base. All day. Agreed......

 

My cousin and I started searching for a 2008 TL-S 6 Speed and it is almost impossible now to get one on the west side of the US. The search only came up with 2 manual TL-S's. Now as for the automatic TL-S, there's plenty and in every color in the Seattle area.

As for the TL-S vs TL Base 07-08, it is no question that with today's prices that the TL-S is totally worth the upgrade over the Base model. ~$33500 for a new TL-S is a deal!!! For those of us that already own a 04-06 TL Auto wanting to move up to the TL-S Auto, I don't think it is worth the upgrade. If it were to be an upgrade to the 6 Sp TL-S, I might reconsider, but since the new model is already coming out in September, I wouldn't buy because of depreciation of the current 3g body as soon as the 4g arrives.

 

I might take a 6spd if I can find one

 

Interesting ideas.

 

My vote would be get the type-s if you want performance/handling ...

 

better brakes, 10%+ more hp, tuned suspension, cosmetic details... all for what should be 2k over the base with nav. For me it was a no brainer.

 

jaxxx123..........is your PM's turned on? I'm tryin to PM you.......

 

no sorry , how do I do it? tried PMing to also but coudnt