hey guy,

I asked for help last November about an 06 TL.. And to give you an update, I actually bought it around November.. Just haven't had anytime to tell you guys.

Anyways I bought an 2006 Acura TL WDP with Black Int. + the Navi. 71k miles when i bought it and it's an auto.


My 05 White s2000 got t-boned on the freeway last October.. insurance claimed it a total lost and paid me out... i just couldn't see myself buying another s2000 at the time even though it was a great, reliable, fun car to drive but it was to small.

so here is my Comparison (hopefully it will be useful info for some people)

05 S2000 MT(32k miles) and 06 TL / AT (71k)

Performance: +1 S2000
RWD is superior to FWD when you are living in San Diego. Although I hardly ever push my car past 3,500rpm. I'm still not use to how the car feels under acceleration.. The handling on the s2000 is better than the TL (with summer tires on both). The s2k feels like a go kart and the TL feels like a humvee... The s2k is lighter and has 2 less cylinders but the engine is more engaging and raw compared to the TL.... I cant really compare the Transmission since the TL is an auto..

Ride and Comfort: +2 TL
Although handling is no where near the S2k.. The TL is a straight up cruiser.. I actually enjoy my commute that consist of more than 25 miles each way.. In the S2k you will feel every little imperfection on the road and it is REALLY LOUD. The TL does a good job on absorbing most of the imperfection.

Looks : Tie
I always liked the looks of the TL but never thought i would be able to drive a sedan... The s2000 was my dream car, and i bought it. It took me 8 months to find it in White with Tan interior. To me the s2000 has a timeless sexiness to it. while the TL now looks a little dated compared to when it first came out.. i still like the looks of both cars.. still turns my head when i see one.

Interior: Tie
Feature wise the TL is an obvious winner compared to the s2k but god This CAR RATTLES... although i fixed some of the rattles with the help of this fourm. It still rattles more than I thought it would.... The s2000 is a rattle bug also, but its expected from that car because its a weekend fun car and not a "luxury" car. The build quality of the s2000 is a step above the TL to be honest even though the design is less sophisticated. The rattles of the s2000 i was a design flaw and not the actually piece itself. Oh yeah, the S2000 had a PUSH START... other than the rattles, the TL interior held up very well.. but for some reason the leather on the s2000 never showed any sign of wear..

Gas: TL +1
the s2k drinks premium and takes about 11 gallons and i only 23mpg.. 65% freeway 35% city...all freeway is about 24mpg (the rpm is 4k when im driving 75mph in 6th gear)... I was shocked at the TL gas mileage.. I bought it in LA and drove home.. I got an average of 36MPG according to the MID.. i couldnt believe it, i tested it. Before i started the trip i actually filled the tank up.. When i exited the freeway, i stopped by a gas station to fill her up again... I average 35.4mpg... i pumped a little over 4 gallons and drove a tad under 142 miles. Through 4 months of ownership, I'm getting a little above 26mpg which is amazing for a V6 65% freeway 35% city.

In the end, as much as i like the s2000, If i had to pick all over again. I would choose the TL. Its just a better car all around, has the space and gets great gas mileage. If you are coming from an S2000 to a TL.. i highly advise you to get a 6spd Manual, It has the stiffer springs and better brakes which should make the performance better than the AT. I didn't have a choice when i was purchasing my car. I had less than 7 days to find one and within a 300 mile radius from San Diego, there were 0 manual for sale for under $20k.... I would however get an s2000 as a weekend car if i had the extra money

My buddy has an 06 RL and after driving it for a day... i really want that car, but honestly even though i can afford it I just can't take a lost on the TL...its too much of a good car to let it go... so ill keep it for a few more years and see what i can buy once i'm done with college..

let me know if you have any questions, ill be more than happy to answer it


TL





S2000.. gone but never forgotten





Oh yeah.. I've never had a ticket for removing the front license plate and having the front windows tint in the s2000.. but I got one for the TL last month... I need remove the tint and install the license plate :/... I guess the TL is more of a cop magnet :p

 

You wouldn't happen to have the headlights would you? I've been looking for a pair of AP1 S2K projectors for a while! Welcome to AZine BTW.

 

The insurance took the car a day after the accident... I've never seen it since... those headlights are actually AP2 not AP1.


thanks for the welcome! I've been on this fourm for a few years now haha.. just under a different Name... We also have an 02 TL and a 02 MDX in the family.

 

congratz on the new car ... its a rarer combination u got there black with nav interior and wdp exterior ... sorry to c wat happened to ur s2k, atleast u jumped into a nicer car

 

yeahh i really like the color combo... You were actually the one that helped me the most when i had questions lol... always telling me imma regret not getting the 6spd :p.. your words still holds true but i didnt have a choice at the time... Well thanks for all the help back in november!

 

Thanks for the write up. My brother, a current 2010 Civic Si driver has had his eyes on an S2000 for a while. I'll forward this to him.

Also, congrats on the TL...she's a beauty!

 

 

nice house.

 

How much does Insurance cost on the TL compared to the S2000?

 

the house was actually just remodeled 2 years ago. So everything is pretty new...

insurance is exactly the same.. 1,200 a year, full coverage with wawanesa.. I was surprise, i thought by having a four door and higher mileage that it would be cheaper, but its not.

 

congrats! looks goodd, sucks about ur tint ticket

 

Congrats on your new ride. Sorry to hear about what happened to your AP2. as an S2k owner myself, it is definitely a better handling car but it does have its deficiencies compared to the TL. The S2k is definitely better built, probably because it's built in Japan vs the US for the TL but you do endure a lot of punishment in the S2k due to feeling every imperfection on the road.

 

Congrats on TL, nice comparison writeup. I've never driven a S2000, but want to one day.

I have a 2005 3G TL 6MT and it's a nice compromise for a sport sedan, fairly low cost of ownership and alot of fun to drive. My only complaint is the same as yours, rattles. They've gotten slightly worst with 6 years of ownership.

 

Good info. I investigated the S2K when I went to upgrade from my 6th gen Accord, but I was looking for a year round car, and in SLC a light rear wheel driver car isn't going to cut it

Not suprised to hear much of what you said. S2K would be superior in handling, but noiser. I didn't expect the mileage difference since the S2K is a smaller and lighter car with a smaller engine. That's interesting about the build quality as well.

Same as you and everyone else, rattles are a PITA. I need to start hunting them down.

 

Welcome and great review! I moved to my TL from a 2006 MX-5 Sport, and my feelings are pretty much like yours (although I would definitely pick a S2K over the Miata). The handling was worlds more lively in the Mazda, but the TL still holds its own well. Day in and day out, though, the TL is definitely a comfy place to be. I just wish mine was a stick. (Like you, I was forced into the TL out of necessity, not choice.)

 

Congrats on the purchase! Sorry to hear about what happened to the S2k

WDP/Ebony is a rare combo! I envy you sir

 

SDSilverM3: dude you are living the life.. if I had the money for two cars it would be a 06-08 RL + 05-09 S2000.. or a 07-08 TL-s + the s2000.. both in white haha

 

I'm with ya on the S2000 versus TL.

I've got a 2004 NFR and my wife has an 07 CBP. I'm jelly since my s2000 is a DD and its much nicer for that purpose. Now that its spring time, I'm reminded why I bought the S2000.