So I was driving home the other night and I see a TL like mine ahead of me on a 3 lane hwy. I pass him very casualy. I get to the red light before him, and I see in my mirror that he is slowing for the light but not slowing enough to stop.... So i figure... lets GUN IT, and see who wins!

Well... He was easily doing 5-10mph and I was at a stand still. I dropped the clutch and floored it -(good thing VSA was on or else id be sliding all over the place).

While both of us were in 1st it was pretty even, but as I reached 2nd- i began to walk him, and by mid 2nd i was about 1.5-2 car legnths past him- all the while i could hear his car screaming.

I never knew the 6mt was that much noticably faster.... Its badass!!!!

 

Wrong forum.......

How many miles is your 06'? Make sure break in before you start dumping the clutch like that. According to magazine times the 6MT TL is faster, do you have any mods?

 

Yes the 6 speed is considerably faster, goes the same for just about all stick/auto cars.


You're probably 2-4 mph faster in the 1/4.

 

 

Gearing can make all the difference. Your second gear is probably a touch shorter than the second gear in the 5AT, etc, etc, since his 5th is the overdrive gear, but your 6th is the overdrive gear, etc, etc.

I think this is the main reason why MT cars tend to be faster than AT, because MT usually has more/different/etc gears. I know when BMW was advertising the SMG tranny, they showed that it was able to out-shift and out-perform their F1 driver or something like that. (I vaguely remember the details, it was so long ago)

I think even with the vette, GM is advertising identical performance numbers for the 6MT as the 6AT.

 

don't forget that thing called tq converter on AT therefore tranny HP losses are different too. mt always has more whp than AT. that's why it's faster. BTW, SMG is an MT but computer shifted. that thing's got a clutch, not a tq converter.

 

So, VSA was active and flashing on your dash but yet you still "walked him"? I thought the primary function of VSA was to cut back the power until the wheels grip again. If that was the case, one wouldn't think you would have pulled away.

In my opinion, I think my 6MT is a bit quicker with VSA off and I've never "slid all over the place" in dry, warm conditions. Snow or rain, sure....but never dry.

 

Was he even fully racing?

 

Yeah, but most modern ATs have locking TCCs so there shouldn't be any fluidic losses at speed. (or at least while it's locked)

 

All the cool kids have 6MT's

 

I have a 05 TL MT Black on Black Navi, which is awaiting new rotors and brake pads from the dealer...so they lend me a 06 AT Silver on Black no Navi...Something about this car makes it not look right....Maybe its the no Nav and the silver color, but even other people say it just looks like a normal car when compared to my TL...anyways, I did feel a loss of power when fully pressing in the accelerator in.... like it was just making mad noise...I didn't really "feel" the vtec kick on it like I do with the MT...maybe its just me!!!

Just my opinion!

 

While an auto trans makes the car easy to drive, just floor it and it will give you maximum performance, the manual trans requires thought and practice to be able to get maximum performance at all times. With a manual, its easy to be surprised.

The manual cars have a limited slip differential which will make a BIG difference in how fast you can get off the line, it also has less weight, and less loss through the trans, especialy in 1st and 2nd gear, as those do not lock up in the auto trans cars. The gearing between the auto and manual cars is also much different, with the manual cars being much lower, and having an extra gear.

I think I read the manual trans is almost a second faster 0 to 60 mph...

The wife and I noticed a BIG difference between the auto and manual cars in normal driving. The manual trans cars seemed much quieter and smoother than the auto trans car we tested.
That was partly due to the fact you do not have to rev the motor as much in the manual cars to get the same accleration off the line, the auto trans is slipping
the converter in 1st and 2nd gear, and the shift points were higher.
With the manual, you can give it more power at lower rev's as you have control.

We would not have bought an auto trans TL, if we HAD to get an automatic, there are other car choices out there that offer more of what WE wanted in a car.

The 6 speed fun factor, the nice style, and the reliability was why we got the TL.
Without the fun factor, there are other choices...

Brett

 

IM COOL

 

Very True...It does make more engine noise than a MT (and I dont mean that in a good way either).

 

That is what we noticed.
I did not take the time to find out why, there are changes between the cars, and besides the actual auto trans, there may be differences in exhaust mounting and routing. The auto trans cars tend to have some vibration and other noise problems, not sure why, the extra weight, the different gearing, the trans itself, the changes in mounting/isolation, driveshaft length, etc....

We test drove a few manual trans cars before trying the auto trans (one dealer had a red one), and the wife and I both immediatly went 'YUK!'

One VERY short test ride was enough for both of us to know we would NEVER get the auto trans in the TL.

Brett

 

^^ i am with you on that. i told all my friends who wanted TL auto to get an loaded accord and they did. it's a much better auto car IMO. i ride all TL loaners auto. I now ride 06 accord V6 all the time. i felt that auto TL jerks a bit too much in "D" when at a stop. it could be just those shitty loaners i am not sure. accord is not as sporty but creamier. that's what "I" would be looking for in an auto car. the only thing i miss is that memory seat.

 

To tell you the truth I didn't even test drive the MT (I know it wasn't very smart at the time...but they didn't have one) .....I was just so set on buying the MT version no matter what!

They gave me a loaner TL 05 AT Navi at the time because the car I wanted was in Miami and it took them a week to get it to my dealer on a flat bed truck (I had just gotten into a bad head on collision in my 04 Lincoln LS with a 04 Ford 150 which got totalled, wasn't my fault...since I had no other car and the rental the insurance provided was about to expire...they gave me the loaner for a week)

Needless to say I'm very HAPPY!!! Totally not the same car!

For now I have a AT TL loaner while there fixing the brakes (under warranty)

I'm more than bored with the loaner and its an 06!!! (these might be fighting words to such owners of this version...but I'm simply stating my opinion!)

It feels completely different to me!

 

mine experience is different. the sale manager had a B on B Aspec 6MT (not too many of them in 04). he said if you want a TL, you have to try this. he gave me his key un-escorted. he said just bring it back whenever ur done. i don't remember how long i was out with that thing. needless to say that's the same color a-spec i am driving now.

 

Well, I suspect the accord is nice, regular gas, lower price, almost the same car, and now you can get it in a 6 speed (wonder how they are).
But I could not get an accord, there are just way to many of them around.
And since the wife and I both use the car, we need memory seats.

The body style of the TL is so much better than the accord.

I am glad acura made the 6 speed TL, otherwise finding a car both the wife and I like would have been impossable, she would want the ford 500, the avalon (new one) or maybe the buick lucerne, and I would want a jaguar S type (used with 5 speed manual trans) or maybe a used XJ8, used bmw 5 series, etc....



Brett

 

I feel like I can take on anyone and win with my MT TL, but I know thats not reality...its just the way it feels to me!

Plus alot people are WOWED when they see that its a manual and the BREMBO's!

"You must not have a family"
"that shit must be fast"
"I would of done the same if I could"
ect...

Even the dealer seems to be WOWED (and I dont consider where I live to be a small town)...Everytime I bring it to the dealer...I feel a lil scared the tech guy might take my baby for rough ride because they always say they dont get many of these in!

Makes me proud ! (yeah I know it might seem corny to some)

 

I think its amusing how ppl get so hyped up on having a MT. Heres a whoopy for you guys! Same Car, same engine!

 

Yeah, I was waiting for that....What took you so long!

Im j/k...It was just an opinion.

 

6MT !!!!

...some people just don't get it.

 

What is really amazing is that now we not only have to deal with BMW owners,
G-35 owners and all the other characters coming on this site and flaming the TL.
We also have to deal with our own (alleged) TL enthusiast ripping on us for having a AT and not a MT trans.

For the record some of us chose the AT because we have grown past the "Ricky Racer" stage in our life and we want to ride around in a car that offers a good blend of sportiness, luxury and performance.

I don't pull up to every light and try to race whoevr is there.

The bottom line is that having an MT doesn't make you any cooler, especially some of you who don't even have the driving skills to get the most out of the MT.
You know who you are!!

Undoubtedly we'll know who you are by the responses to this posts.

 

^^ My hero and yes if I had a choice I would have picked a MT but given my situation and marriage in the near future its for the better. Plus shes doesnt know I will pawn it off to her and Ill get the new car


How about I make a thread: Navi vs Non-Navi and ridducle them for not having one on a LUXURY car BUT i wouldnt stoop to that level.

 

And what will we know about you, given that your message is the most negative one in the whole thread?

 

WORD!!!

Yeah... When I get my new Vette, then I will get a MT!!!!

Then it's back to RICKY RACER mode.

 

Wait you guys start a thread knocking the AT version of your own car and i am the one that is negative.

When have you seen me start a thread saying that " the MT TL is a drag, you have to keep shifting and this and that.

Who woke up and said "Hmmm... I just realized that MT' are faster than ATs!"

Duh...

I simply gave you a reality check.
The TL is a great car AT or MT.

 

See, I knew they were fighting words!

Everything that I've said was just an OPINION, NOT A FACT!

I love the Acura TL... no matter what type of tranny it has...I just happen to love the MT version more!

No, I dont race everyone I see! 80% of the year my car is parked at the airport.

"Different strokes for different folks"

 

This is the best post so far.

My post was not directed at you.

It was a general response to a Thread and several posts in that thread that came off as a knock to AT TLs.

My point is simple, but you said it best "Different strokes for different folks"

I read posts saying the AT was rough and loud and i have an AT and it is nothing but smooth.

The same way i have read posts by others that the TL is a rattle on wheels.
My 04 AT TL does not have one rattle to date.
So I have to respond to that too.
But the fact is and you can't deny it that there are plenty of guys out there with fast cars that can't even optimize the potential of that car.
If you aren't one of them then there is no need to be offended.

 

Your topic is what triggered it all. Your putting AT versus MT as in you know my MT is faster then yours im so glad I got one! Your breaking this family apart hahaha

 

If I got you right? it wouldn't compare to this...since having a MT is standard and having an AT is an option you pay more to have. Completely opposite argument.

Again this is only if I understood your post in the right way.

 

Apparently you're not allowed to express your love of the 6MT, that would be "ripping" on the AT folks.....

 

Exactly!
Its like sitting at the dinner table with your family and saying " I am so much better at B-ball than my brother",
"Yeah he really stinks"
"He isn't even in my same league"

Would you ridicule your bro and not expect him to defend himself?

 

It isn't to say you can't express the pleasure you derive from driving your MT. It is the comparisons and the MT is so much better.

Does this sound like a compliment to the MT TL or a diss to the AT TL:

Quote: ^^ i am with you on that. i told all my friends who wanted TL auto to get an loaded accord and they did. it's a much better auto car IMO. i ride all TL loaners auto. I now ride 06 accord V6 all the time. i felt that auto TL jerks a bit too much in "D" when at a stop. it could be just those shitty loaners i am not sure. accord is not as sporty but creamier. that's what "I" would be looking for in an auto car.

Get an ACCORD over an AT TL????

 

Actually going by what you said AT is actually the standard since everyone pratically has one and MT is the rarity that even a mechanic would be so proud to work on since he never sees one

 

BTW...TL'n IT UP you make a very valid point.
So if that is the case then I better classify my TL as a piece of SH*T then cuz it is AT, and Non Navi..

Trance if you're reading this BAN me now.....

I'm not worthy... I'm not worthy.....

 

Even though a large population of the TL's are AT (like you stated) It doesn't mean its standard. You paid more for that "luxury option".

Yes, MT's are more rare to see around where I live...but I don't think that makes it part of the "luxury package".

Fine example of "When sarcasm goes wrong"

 

Wait if im reading this correctly are you saying I had to pay more for my AT? If you look on acura's website they are the same price for either MT or AT.....anyone who bought the car would know this unless... ehm you just wanted MT right off the bat.

 

I have not raced anyone (yet), nor most likely has the wife.
I dont care if my car is a bit faster than the AT cars, they would likely find me in the wrong gear to race. What I did care about was the extra noise the auto
TL we test drove had, and the lack of fun factor in shifting.
Around here, 99% of the many TL's we see are auto trans, so they are very popular.
I was not auto trans bashing, just pointing out the cars seemed much different
to the wife and I.


Brett