iLLeGaLaKKoRD

I haven't heard/read much about the handling on the 2004 TL's.

I've only heard its not good compared to the TSX.

But the TL alone, to the people that own it. How is the handling? Is there any other car you could compare it to?

Thanks!
- Najeeb

coop1018

I use to own two preludes and the handling was top notch. The Acura TL is very close to the prelude but does not top it.

Bobby35

I own a Altima 3.5 and when I test drove a 04 TL awhile back they were fairly close, the TL's torque steer was more than the altimas..... if that possible... lol

Norse396

The TL handles like a FWD 3500lb car. If you're into driving the car like a race car (not qtr mile racing) then buy the G35 Coupe or 350Z coupe. Just my humble opinion, by the way, how old are you?

It seems to me that younger buyers are looking into the TL the same way me and my friends looked into 5 Liter Mustangs back in the day, I guess I don't understand why....

Tristero

As I have been winnowing my new car decision, I have been test driving lots of cars, including the TL and TSX.

I took them both, along with all my other test cars to a very twisty, hilly, lightly traveled road and drove them very aggressively. Each car I've tested--330xi, G35x, TL, TSX, 9-3--handled well, though somewhat differently.

But, that said, I thought the TL was agile and quick, as nimble as the TSX. In fact, the TL really sliced through turns easily with a great feel for the road; also I detected little or steering-wheel pull, which I expected. (BTW, this surprised me, after having read the reviews.) Only the BMW 330xi handled noticably better than either Acura; it felt more sporty and very composed-quite unlike the G35x. The G35x was fun, but the rear was a bit jiggly (a mark of a "true" sports car, I am told on Infiniti forums.) Yet, it was sufficiently jiggly that I felt uncomfortable hanging the rear out around the corners on the narrow two-lane twisty road, with little corner visibility, so I probably backed off a bit. The 9-3 was competent but underwhelming, especially in the company of the other cars.

Call me an amateur (I am); my guess, though, is that the the difference between my test drive experience and those of the so-called professionals is because I am not a professional driver on a closed course.

Finally, I could NOT induce torque steer in the TSX or TL, although I did not try on the few brick roads that exist around here.

hope my $.02 offers some insight!

iLLeGaLaKKoRD

lol you're making me wanna test-drive the 330i, which is wat I originally wanted. But backed out because the model is a good 5 years old now, and I dont wanna get a brand new car, and have the replacement come out for it in another year or two..

Bitium

The TSX handled very well, fun to drive but no power. The 04 TL handle's a lot better than all previous TL's. Is a very good handler for a it's size, weight, FWD platfrom actually the best FWD car I have ever driven.

In comparison with the 330 CI like you mention.....BMW wins....no contest. BMW is well above many when it comes to handling....a lot has to do with its 50/50 ratio, profile and RWD plaform.

no matter what the TL is a truly BEST BUY.

Tristero

Yep! BMW 330 is nice, but the cost, cost, cost verse features, on a older platform; it all adds up.

Also, I like the styling and fit/finish of the 330 but it feels somewhat dated. One of my car-buying questions has been: will I still be in love with this car in 5 years? I expect to keep the next auto that long and do not want to feel buyer's remorse in three years!

And, finally, in normal highway use (I drive very much on the highway), I thought that the highway manners--quiet, ride, feel, accleration--of the TL exceeded those of the BMW. And, both cars were a notch above the TSX, G35, and 9-3.

By the way, the R&T with the 04 TL review has pix of the next line of BMW coups--4 series and 2 series. Quite fetching.