Hey everyone,
I'm new to the forum but not new to the Acura brand. Started my driving career with a 5-spd '88 Integra LS with headers and exhaust. Amazing car for the era.

Considering an '08 TL-S as a primary daily driver and doing some reading on the forum. I haven't seen much in the way of technical differences. I see a lot of "get the type-s, you won't regret it" or "type-s FTW"..which is nice but not helpful.

Can anyone point me to the info on differences re:

- Gear ratios/final drive - 6MT
- Brakes - rotor size, floating/fixed, calipers, pads
- Suspension - spring rates, shock compression/rebound
- LSD ratio
- Exhaust - aside from quad pipes, is there a difference in actual exhaust system - headers, cats, mid pipes, resonators, mufflers

I'm trying to determine whether a TL-S is worth the price jump. All I keep reading is that the TL-S drives faster, handles better, stops faster, and looks better.

Appreciate the words of wisdom..

 

"I'm trying to determine whether a TL-S is worth the price jump. All I keep reading is that the TL-S drives faster, handles better, stops faster, and looks better."

I'd be broke long time ago if I went by what others suggested. This might be irrelevant but why don't you test drive both cars with detailed attention and see if there's "technical difference" or "worth the extra money"? The only thing I like about the type s was its exterior FYI.

 

Theres a HUGE breakdown in a thread with every difference/similarity listed between the models....a search should find it.

 

To the OP:
I've got the differences printed out and in my glovebox. They came from the AcuraNews.com website.....but they only have the current year.
I too, tried a search with 3 G specifications, differences, etc. and none of them worked for me. It is a shame that the most common answer is "do a search", but many times it just doesn't work the way it's supposed to.

Hopefully, one of the mods will come along and be able to provide you a link.

I.for one, appreciate your need for the technical knowledge side of the equation.

 

Ok to start
1. The type-s is said to have a beefed up transmission to handle the extra power, I don't think there is any differences or that it is true. The gear ratios are the same as is the limted slip.
2. The brakes are exactly the same in the 04-06 MT as they are on all type-s MT or Auto.
3. Suspension wise this is how it goes, MT is the perfect blend of luxury and handling, Aspec is alittle stiffer and 3/4 in lower, the type-s is the stiffest and about the same height as the aspec.
4. LSD is the same.

 

This will give you detailed differences between the TL and the TL-S:
http://www.honda.com/newsandviews/article.aspx?id=4208

Hope it helps.

 

To all those who told me to search..I did and came up with little tech specs. I'm a bit surprised that no one has jumped in with the tech differences off the top of their heads..after all, the type-s is supposed to be the enthusiast model.

My search has brought up a lot of threads with the war of words over TL vs. TL-S so I think I understand the sensitivity to the question. Honestly, I'm not trying to rehash this stuff, just want to gather some facts and make an informed decision. Recognizing everyone has different barometers for fast, harsh, stiff, smooth, torquey, etc.

And to ze2o, I intend to take a test drive of the two. However, short of taking it out to the track (and even then) most of us would not notice the diff between a 14.0" rotor 4-piston caliper vs. a 13.2" rotor 2 piston caliper with same pads..nor would we notice the diff between a 400# spring vs. a 450# spring. It's a daily driver for me so I know most will say it won't matter..yes, true..but I'm a geek this way when it comes to cars.

 

Thanks.. best info I've seen thus far.

 

OT question please...how is your join date 4/07 and you've only made 3 posts?

As for the tech specs, a quick google search would have been far more efficient.

 

Well, I joined in '07 to look up some problem/fixes. Got what I wanted and never returned. Now that I'm in the market for an 08 TL, I've returned and posted to ask a question so I can be better educated.

As for the google search, yes google is my friend. Just thought that an Acura forum would have better info.

 

ill jus throw in that the LSD is ONLY in the stick models.

 

OP, look here. Detailed differences spelled out by the people who built the car:

http://www.hondanews.com/archives/acura?year=2008


Specifications is a good place to start:

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/...8?archive=2008

 

Thx Bearcat. Very useful. Interesting to note the final drive for the auto and stick are so different. As well, the Type-S calipers are 4.3lbs lighter per wheel which is impressive. And I didn't know only the 6-spd has an LSD. And the 6-spd TL-S is about 80lbs lighter. Combined, that's approx. 200lbs+ lighter just between the TL auto and TL-S sitck. If you could lose another 4lbs on each rotor, you could possibly push a differential of 320-340lbs difference.

 

There is no reason to combine weight savings, as if you look at the curb weight, the TL-S A/T is 117# heavier than the 6MT, and that's the total difference.

 

I'm referring to unsprung weight as opposed to curb. Given the diff is 117#, it just further adds to the case of the typeS being more agile.

 

You know the calipers dont spin right??? so that doesnt count as spinning weight. JUst the rotors and wheels are gonna help you lose spinning weight.

 

The difference of 117# is the difference between a TL-S AT and a TL-S 6mt. Personally you'd be hard pressed to notice a 117# difference. Keep a 1/4 tank of gas and you've gained @85# over one that is full. Negligible.

 

You are right. Calipers are fixed hence the ability to stop!

A brief moment of fuzziness late last night!

 

Yup thats what i do ^^^ plus i remove the spare tire and tools

 

The lighter set of aluminum calipers does help with unsprung weight. I noticed this when I went with my set of 13" Rotoras which were lighter than the 5at brakes. You do feel the difference in stability over bumps during corners.

There were some errors eariler.

The Type-S suspension is firmer (springs and shocks) than the AT and MT base models but softer than A-spec. Height is the same as the base, the a-spec sits a little lower.

The S front swaybar is a solid 27mm while the manual is hollow 27mm and the auto is 25mm hollow. The rear S swaybar is also larger than the manual and auto base.

The tophats use a stiffer rubber which is my next upgrade. It should take some of the sloppiness out at that last 1/4" of travel.

The steering rack uses a quicker ratio and combined with the re-valved PS pump gives it a stiffer wheel.

12.2" Brembos are standard on both the AT and MT TL-S and are exactly the same as the 6mt base.

IMO, the S feels about like the '04-'06 6mt base during normal driving. It's not until you start pushing the limits that you feel the added dynamics of all of the little things. Where the base will start to lose it's composure when you go past 7/10ths, the S holds it together better.

Like I tell everyone in these threads if you plan on keeping it stock, the S is definately worth it. If you're like me and can't keep anything stock it's a tough decision. If you bought a base 6mt a-spec, add a $140 RSB, you have the same or better stopping power and better cornering. You'll outrun the 5at S in the straights but not the 6mt obviously.

But then there's the dynamics of the S. With the stiffer rubber and bushings along with the front swaybar, the S is going to be more composed.

 

[QUOTE=I hate cars;11859892]The lighter set of aluminum calipers does help with unsprung weight. I noticed this when I went with my set of 13" Rotoras which were lighter than the 5at brakes. You do feel the difference in stability over bumps during corners.


The S front swaybar is a solid 27mm while the manual is hollow 27mm and the auto is 25mm hollow. The rear S swaybar is also larger than the manual and auto base.

The tech sheet on my '07 TL-S shows:
TL: Front 27.2mm w/5.0 mm wall thickness
TL: Rear 18.3mm w/ 3.0mm wall thickness
TL-S: Front: 27.0mm solid
TL-S: Rear: 20.0mm solid

Numbers are similar whether A/T or M/T

 

hmmmmmm,
As I read on, the tech sheet also shows:
Front discs: ventilated 11.8"(300mm)
TL-S ventilated 11.8" (300mm) with 4 piston Brembo calipers

Rear (for both) 11.1"(282mm) diameter.

Looks like Acura made some changes on the '07 3G

 

I thought I read in the Acura tech specs that both the 07 and 08 TL-S have 12.2" ventilated fronts and 11.1" solid rears.

I hate cars does bring up a good point re: driving 7/10s both cars will likely yield the same performance. The small differences come afterwards.

 

[quote=S PAW 1;11862176]Actually, the auto runs a hollow 25mm front and 17mm (hollow, I think) bars.

Brakes are 11.8" for the auto base, 12.2 for the Brembos (manual and all TL-S). Rears are the same for both.

 

[QUOTE=I hate cars;11862282]May I ask where you get your information?

I find it doubtful that Acura's own tech sheet would be incorrect....but I'm always open to learning new things.

 

http://www.hondanews.com/archives/acura?year=2007


As Bearcat has so provided for 2008, the link above calls out the substantial changes made to the 2007 TL/TL-S. (suspension, etc.)
My information is correct for the 2007 model year, and Bearcat has given the 2008 specs link.

 

I know for a fact the base brakes are 11.8 because I've measured them. It doesn't make sense to slap a Brembo 4 pot caliper on the same size rotor for the Type-S. The literature has to be wrong.

I've also done enough research on brake options to know the Brembos are 12.2".

 

I've also done enough research on brake options to know the Brembos are 12.2".



I SAID they were 12.2". Do you read the post before commenting?

 

Here's what you said.... Maybe you need to read your own posts.

You said it used 11.8" Brembos right there.


No you didn't and I don't think this requires the attitude.

 

I will stand corrected. If you refer to the technical specs, Acura states 11.8".
.
As to attitude, I have backed up 90% of my statements with facts, that you have not

Why don't you try reading the links?.

 

Type s has a rear view camera and other little things that made me want it.

 

I think when it comes down to it, we are both correct. Acura made some major changes in the '07 TL/TL-S. I am not sure you are attuned to the updates. Being an "07 owner, I paid VERY close attention to those upgrades.
A 3G is not necessarily a 3G. I don't want to start a war

 

I believe ALL 07 or newer Nav TLs have the rear view camera- it just happens the S has Nav as standard equipment.

 

2007 TL Spec sheet:

http://www.hondanews.com/categories/...1?archive=2007


Regards the sway bars, if it lists a "wall thickness" then that IS a hollow bar. The solid bars are usually identified as "solid" in the spec description.

2007 & 2008 are virtually identical (both TL to TL and TL-S to TL-S). I don't thnk there are any major differences in the primary systems and specs.

 

See : www.hondanews.com/categories/735/releases/3745

These are the diffs between the '06, and '07 TL/TL-S

Noteworthy TL chassis enhancements include:
•Suspension tuning to enhance ride comfort while maintaining handling performance
•Front spring rates reduced by 7 percent from 2006 TL
•Shock absorbers and compliance bushing retuned for ride comfort
•Thicker hollow front anti-roll bar and new larger diameter hollow rear anti-roll bar
•New rear subframe bushings for reduced NVH
•Stiffer 17 x 8-inch aluminum-alloy wheels that result in less road noise
•Underbody brake strake to reduce brake fade
Features exclusive to the TL Type-S include:
•Increased damping rates for superior handling
•Rear spring rate increased
•A solid front anti-roll bar and thicker rear anti-roll bar
•Damper mount stiffness increased 400 percent for enhanced response and feel
•Exclusive master cylinder for enhanced brake feel
•Brembo 4-piston front brake calipers
•Available 235/45R17 Bridgestone Potenza RE 030 high-performance "summer" tires on automatic and manual transmission models

Nothing real major here, but a thicker wall on a "hollow" bar does effect stiffness, ie:less flex. I was just reading the spec., not arguing whether the bar is hollow or solid.
Also, my tech sheet that I printed out when I bought my car did not include the 12.2" brake spec. for the TL-S. The specs now in the archives includes the update. I stand corrected