Well, Acura has just released the 04 TL and it seems like the TL has like almost all the features the RL has. Heres some major things that go to the TL over RL, power, style, gadgets, newer, cheaper. Um... RL i dont really know what it has over the TL right now, but i know that a new RL should be coming in 05 to put things in order again. thoughts?

 

You are right on most parts. The RL has a styling that still appeals to many. I like it, it just seems classy without saying "Hey look at me!".

The RL DOES have better leather, REAL wood, exceptional build quality, a super smooth ride, respectable handling and it is QUIET as a tomb. I wouldn't recommend a new RL simply because there are so many better choices at that price but a used RL makes lots of sense.

 

Other than the fact that it's bigger, I can't see any reason to buy an RL at the moment. But if the new TL is this great, just imagine how frickin awesome the new RL is going to be.

 

RL dar superior ride than TL
don't ahve that kinda money, but I want the smooth ride
how is TL overall? TSX was real bad on those highway bumps

 

why does the RL have only 225 horsepower and cost around 45k. i think it should have a little more like maybe 250

 

Because it is the old C block series engine which goes back to 1991 in the Legend. The first Generation TL's have a C32 engine, the same as the 2nd generation Legend. The RL's use a C35, it is QUIET and almost vibration free and has lots of torque. Unfortunately the RL weighs in around 3900 pounds so it needs all the torque it can get.

 

Word on the street is... That the RL (as we know) is in re-design for the next model. It was heading along the same path. As before. Boring, under powered, just plain ole blasse.

When the big guys at Honda HQ in Japan were shown the 04 TL (the american team had designed.) They brought in the RL team to study it, go over it, learn from it. And sent them back to tear up the new RL, and get to work on something that will NOT be out done by the TL.

The new RL is supposed to be a little late coming to market. But the big guys are not going to let it take a back seat to the TL.

 

For '04 the interior updates are very nice in the RL.

 

Acura REALLY needs to bring the RL into LS430 and Q45 territory.
Even if it has to go into those cars price range. The RL should get up there, and be competitive in that segment.

Otherwise it'll be an exercise in futility. They’ve allowed the RL to flounder way to long behind those cars. IMO

 

well the rumors so far have it that itll be a V6/Hybrid engine with optional AWD. I looked at some interior shots of the RL (04) and cot damnn it looks nice. Its just the outside thats bland. Anyway the new RL will put everything in line again. I hope that the price is around 44k base and 55k top of the line to compete with the LS430 and Q45 =D

 

Infiniti coming out with new M45 "fuga" 2005


Acura needs to do something.