I would like to say that the TL is a damn nice car to have.

Personally I drive a TSX and I have had the opportunity to drive the TL on two occasions (2005 and 2007) as loaners for services. As any Acura driver would do, I started comparing the TL with my TSX.

The TL just seemed more comfortable, and the seats are seemingly softer. I just felt more comfortable in the TL than my TSX. Some of the materials (plastics) in the TL had softer touches, which felt more luxurious (or not as cheap). With the revised 2007 dashboard and steering wheel in the TL, it certainly looks better compared to the 2005 TL. Overall, I think the TL has have a slight better finish compared to the smaller brother, the TSX.

Driving experience wise, off the line during city driving, which I do most, it doesn't seem like there's a big difference compared to the TSX. However, I did have the chance to take it to the highway/freeway to test the difference and as expected, the TL felt like it had a lot more horses to push the car then. Combine with the comfort of the ride, the TL is a better car for highway driving.

I bought my TSX AT with Navi back in 2005 here in Canada, and it was really a $1000 difference to get myself a TL AT w/o Navi then. Some of you may ask why I didn't pick the TL over the TSX. First, it wasn't because the TSX is a better car, but it is/was more suited for my use. As I mentioned before, I do most of my driving in the traffic in the city and the extra power was unnecessary for me. The only issue I had with the TL, and this is personal, is that I felt like there's more handling control when driving my TSX compared to the TL. This is understandable as the TL is significantly bigger and is targeted to the more matured luxury drivers, which prefers a softer ride.

Overall I am very impressed with the experiences I have with the TL. The only safety concern I have is...when driving to work in the morning feeling sleepy, it's a lot easier to fall asleep behind the wheels compared to my TSX because it's so comfortable.

 

Hey wake up buddy ! LOL ... I had the pleasure of driving a TSX on two different occa. as well, or shall we say the dealer won't let me try the RL ... you will like the new type-s even more as it's better handling than the base TL IMO.

But then again, if the extra power doesn't really matter to you that much, then TL will be a good upgrade for you.

Enjoy the ride !

 

I have gotten the 2007 TL, 2006 RL, 2007 RDX, 20006MDX's as rentals and I own a 04 TL and 07 MDX. I have driven the TSX once. IMO, the TL is one of acura's best cars with speed and power. The only thing it lacks is SHAWD, but still it is the best current one. The RDX and new MDX both tie for second as they have power and comfort. I would rank the RL with the TSX as third because the RL was pretty slow and is lagging behind for the price, the tsx is third because it wasn't as fast as I expected and because the car was somewhat small as I am pretty tall and I drive with my parents sometimes and there is no way that my dad could sit in the back seat as he is 6'5. This is my personal opinion on the subject and this is in reguards to 2006 up acuras.

 

 

I drove the TSX for several days as a loaner. The interior is decidedly down market from a TL. Not that its bad, but it feels like a Honda with leather seats rather than a luxury brand. The engine was much louder, and was made worse by the fact that it had to keep in the upper rpm band to make passable power. The flexibility of the larger displacement TL engine is a huge advantage. I felt like I was thrashing the car all the time to keep up in traffic. However the TSX did feel more nimble than the TL.

I sort of feel like the TSX is made for people who have to have a luxury nameplate, but are really stretching their finances to do so. I think that Honda label products are a better buy in its price range (or other makes even).

 

[QUOTE=geekybiker]

I sort of feel like the TSX is made for people who have to have a luxury nameplate, but are really stretching their finances to do so. QUOTE]


Kinda like a stripped 328i?

 

I have the TSX as a loaner right now and over the weekend. It's quicker then I thought, but feels cheap. It's not as refined and I just can't seem to get comfortable in it. It's a nice car, but far from luxury. If I had to choose between the TSX and an Accord, I'd pick the Accord.

 

Honda badges the TSX as the Accord in Europe. Both are the same car.

What's funny is Acura Canada has a Honda Civic badged as Acura something (I forgot the name). A luxury Civic ???

 

Csx?

 

I think the TL handles great. Driven a TSX and it just felt lighter. I've driven the TL on the track and it holds up very well.

 

I used to have am 06 TSX, got rid of it after 4 months. My first 4 cylinder after owning four 6cylinder cars in the past. I was not used to the underpower. TSX doors sound like it'll fall off everytime you close it, hollow sound. Engine is not smooth, expecially with the AC on. Suspension is very stiff for a light car. Its like driving a tank.

 

[QUOTE=ggesq]
Well, not sure about the States. But in Canada, my TSX A/T with Navi was at $41000 with freight/PI and TL A/T without Navi was $43000...basically a $2000 diff, not much. So it's hardly an issue with finance for me.

 

I don't mind spending the extra 2G to go from a 3 series to a 5 series. But then again, the 5 that I would get might not even have a AC or decent leather on it ... LOL

I did settle for the type-s and don't regret shelling out the extra $ compare to getting a regular TL. I noticed the TSX price is approaching $30k and was wondering why such a small gap between TSX & TL. I guess we 'll have to wait for a Acura marketing people to come up with a explaination. IMHO it would be a no brainer to get the TL for a bit extra.

 

The one thing I noticed also while driving the TSX over the weekend as a loaner was that the ac was MUCH colder then the TL. I found myself always taking it up to around 76 to not freeze my face off. In the TL, I keep it around 70 to be comfortable. I like a cold car, so I liked the TSX's ac.

 

I sometimes find the TSX AC too damn cold too...and it kicks in verily fast.

 

That's my point really. The TL is a much nicer car, and only very little money more. Hence the supposition that the TSX is mainly for people who can barely afford a TSX and have to have the nameplate. I think the accord is a much better deal for a similar price.

Obviously you have different reasons, but Im just guessing on the motivation of the majority of buyers.


And to ggesq- yes exactly like a stripped out bmw. (Without even the premium package that 99% of them seem to ship with)

 

Contrary to common perceptions, the TSX is Not a light vehicle for it's size.
My "TL Diet" car is lighter than the TSX !!!

TSX With Navigation
Manual: 3268 lbs (1493 kg)
Automatic: 3356 lbs (1528 kg)

TSX Without Navigation
Manual: 3257 lbs (1488 kg)
Automatic: 3345 lbs (1523 kg)