I was in getting a routine service yesterday and passed the time waiting by test driving a TL-S in Auto. First thing I notice is the upgraded interior with the faux carbon fiber inserts is nicer than mine. The leather is better and the seats are a huge improvement. They are very comfortable and the improved side bolsters are great. The new steering wheel is a nice 3-spoke but an even trade for my A-Spec steering wheel imo. The car has a bit more get-up-and-go than mine off the line (not a huge difference) and a somewhat smoother ride but it feels somewhere in between my A-Spec and the stock TL in terms of cornering and body roll. Granted I have better (summer) tires on my car. I talked to the sales guy and he talked with service and the TL-S suspension is not the same as A-Spec. They changed it to improve ride quality. They have also done something to lessen torque steer. It has noticeably less than my A-Spec. In any event I got back in my car and felt at home and happy with what I got. I think I'll wait for the complete redesign in a few years. Here's hoping for 300+ HP/Torque and SH-AWD! And one last thing...with the positive changes in the TL I can't for the life of me figure out why anybody would pony up for an RL (an ugly duckling compared to the TL) at this point even with SH-AWD.

 

the RL is still and upgrade even though it is not as agressive in looks as the TL. beinf an 04 TL owner, i;m also going to wait until the 09 TL comes out with the new engine and SH-AWD

 

Ask all the people who have gotten out of their TLs and gone into an RL.

Sit in one and drive one.

 

i'd take my 06 a-spec over an 07 type-s with no regrets. i haven't once thought about upgrading, other than to a 07 G35 or 335i

 

Have you driven both? What were your thoughts? I think the TL-S has a somewhat less aggressive suspension than the A-Spec to produce a better ride. The 17 inch wheels probably have a lot to do with that, however. Has anyone compared the TL-S with 18 inch wheels to a full A-Spec set up?

 

I agree!

I test drove the 07 type-s. Nothing really impressed me. Not even the 3.5L.

The rims are definately the ugliest thing and the red lights instead of the white lights on the interior was a turn off.

I wasn't feeling the body of the new 07 either. It really looks like a TSX. Does not have the sharp look of the 06 A-spec I have.

I do like the mirror blinkers, but other than that, nothing else is all that great.

 

TL A-Spec > TL-S

 

there's a few things that the 07 tl-s has that i want is the mp3 capatiblity, 3.5 engine and that's about it.

 

Anyone else think the TL-S looks like the TSX? And it's body/rims are definately uglier than the 06 A-spec?

 

Does the TL-S have the same suspension as the A-Spec, or are they both completly different?

 

Did you floor it when u drove it? I felt a big difference between the type-S and regular 3rd gen TL in performance. I used to get a lot of TL's as loaners when i dropped off my CL for service so i know how fast they feel.

 

lol you A-Spec advocates are funny. The TLS is awesome.

 

the a-spec is supposedly stiffer and geared more for performance.

 

seriously, aside from the engine....i'd take my a-spec.

i bought my Tl for 32,800 did an a-spec conversion and wouldn't want to pay the differential for the type-s, i really is not worth it.....

 

If you were to take the 2 and sat them side ny side. Assuming you can save $7000 with the A-Spec I would take the A-Spec. Now if I were able to afford both I might jump for the TL-S simply because of the gadgets. Because I would have to add a few thousand to the A-spec to get the camera, pro-cats and a few other things to make them equal to me.

 

I own both and can tell you this Type S is in another category, everyone chimes in with just paper facts, makes me smile when I am in my car.......the A-Spec is great , but I get back into it from the Type S and it is like another vehicle....night and day, the type S amazes me every time.

 

I own both and can tell you this Type S is in another category, everyone chimes in with just paper facts, makes me smile when I am in my car.......the A-Spec is great , but I get back into it from the Type S and it is like another vehicle....night and day, the type S amazes me every time.

My thread https://acurazine.com/forums/showthread.php?t=147040

 

I agree with you. I test drove both the 06 TL A-Spec (Manager's car) and the 07 TL-S. Although I liked the look of the A Spec better, but I found the TL-S ride to be a lot more refined with similar handling. I prefer the heavier feel of the steering wheel for the TL-S - especially at higher speeds and cornering. The TL-S is also a lot quiter - not sure if it's the ANC or not, but there is a noticable difference.

 

Cost value proposition isn't there.

refined handling = softer/squishier...
quiter = good tires...

Those attributes are worth $5K.

Aspec body and Tein/EDFC, CAI, pulley, procats, and some other stuff.. $2.5K (got some good deals on used stuff).
$1500 worth of AV goodies in my A-Spec, and I can:
1) Watch TV
2) Watch a DVD/mp3 CD
3) Play playstation2
4) Ipod
5) Mediagate ISOs
All independently switched.

Said and done, my A-spec does more technically, and at least = the power output... and I ony have $36K tied up... with 19 rims and 17s as snow tires.

What do I not have? red interior (I used to have a VW, I like the white/blue), silly new taillights and turn signals, and some very minor, Nav traffic, bluetooth phone book, questionable ANC, and a BADGE.

$500 get me all but nav traffic and phonebook.

Not a hater... Just happy to have $3.5K more in my pocket for a supercharger to make a TL-S killer.

 

Who said this was a "cost value proposition" it is a comparison between an A Spec and a type S not "look what I have done to my car" and once again own one and drive one, dont compare paper numbers.

Jeez this is tiresome

 

I noticed a lot of people here are hating on the Type-S.
Of course you could use all that extra money and fix up your regular TL. We are not comparing them moneywise, we all know the Type-S costs more.

 

Then what the hell is the point of this thread? It it was solely to compare technical differences between the TL-S and TL... well, there are at least 7 threads on that and of course the TL-S wins everytime.

The point of my previous post was to show that if you're handy you can actually have MORE bells and whistles on a standard TL vice an out of the box TL-S for way LESS money. Cost value proposition is very much a consideration of purchase and comparison, else we'd all be in Ferrarri's and such.

I don't need to own one, and I have driven one... and the "value" isn't there in my mind. Glad you're so excited about yours, but i don't need the "S" moniker to know my car is hot, and I enjoy knowing I'm driving a great car and paid a reasonable price for it. Sorry to hurt your feelings.
My attitude will probably change in the spring when prices come down to the $35K range for TL-Ss

To install all the equipment I installed on a TL-S would push teh TL-S costs into the $43K range... and again, the cost value proposition isn't there, as there are a lot nicer cars out there for that... RL included.

 

Hey, I didnt start the thread I just responded as I own both cars....one test drive in the Type S will not highlight this cars benefits, and my A spec is nowhere near to my Type S in performance even with an intake.

 

If I had the money, i would get the Type-S. I love my 05 TL A-Spec and I don't get jealous at all about the Type-S.

I still need to test drive the TL-S 6-Speed to see what you guys are talking about. I been inside one and I wanted to drive the 6-speed but my dealer didn't have one. I'm sure it's the same, but with added power.

To me... the A-Spec looks lower than the TL-S. You can see the gap on the TL-S.

 

The 2007 TL-S MSRP is only $2K over a 2007 TL w/Nav, not $5K.

That seems much more performance value oriented than the A-Spec which has 18" wheels and lower and stiffer springs/higher rate dampers and different brake pads (for A/T). The again everyone looks at these comparisons differently.

 

Exactly. You can't directly compare the price of the 06s to the 07s. For one, the 06 will sell for less next year than the 07s. The price difference is $2K from a regular TL to a Type S.

If that's what we're comparing, then there's no difference in the NAV and whatnot. The $2K extra that we paid for in our 07s was for the engine, stiffer suspension, etc. Don't include red lighting in that because it does not cost extra money to do that over having blue.

$2,000.00 for the larger engine, brembos, suspension is a bargain IMO. I can get an aftermarket kit and tires for a lot cheaper than at the dealership.

But again, I will have to admit, that the A-Spec looks WAY better than the Type S.

 

$7K more than I paid for my 2006 in April. I'm comparing my price paid to actual costs today for a 2007 TL-S. My arguement, as I stated earlier, will be eroded when prices drop to Invoice... Yet I won;t be willing to take such a depreciation hit for the limited value of the minor increases...

I'll just buy a set of tails.

If I was in the market for a new TL today... I'd buy a lightly used/new 2006 first...
2007 are getting MSRP, and that's just dumb to pay. In the summer when actual prices are around 32K - TL and 35K -TL-S, the typeS will be no brainer... but not right now.

 

I see what you're trying to get at. If a person in the market today was to consider between the two, an 06 would be a lot better for the value.

But if you compare 07s to 07s, then the value is there - regardless of when the person plans to purchase.

Either way, this thread is way off topic. I would be interested in what you think in regards to the comparisons in the actual performance of the two without looking at value. i.e. Do you think the A Spec corners better? Does the Type S have a better ride? How do the A Spec tires compare to the standard Type S ones?

 

My input is of limited value. Look at the ride height of the TL-S... It rides like a boat... from my test drive it was way to cushy for my liking. The front dipped hard on a good braking, the cornering was OK, but again the body rolled more than more than I like. The suspension was not as sport oriented as the lower and tighter A-Spec. $600 A-Spec suspension, or Tein coils would fix that right up.

Tires are tires. Stock usually stinks, if you want performance, you have to pay for it... and good tires are one of the first places you go.

 

Perfect. I think that's the kind of info that the OP wanted.

Personally, the Type S gave me the middle ground that I was looking for between A Spec and the regular TL, as I found the A Spec to be a bit too harsh as an everyday driver. I'm used to a more cushy ride coming from a Camry.

I did find that the TL-S auto is noticably quicker than the regular on straight line acceleration, but not an earth shattering difference. Just enough extra to make me smirk. Maybe there's less of a difference on the 6MT - can anyone comment?

 

The type S is just more solid in structure, and better balanced in ride. My A-spec is the full kit with 18's and michelin ps2's. I love it, but the ride is a bit harsh at times and the suspension float kills me. The type S feels more planted and rides better. Test drove, going reasonably fast, down hill, on very curvy roads and over a hump where not only the a-spec but plenty of other cars would have floated, then bobbled. The type s had no lift at all, and remained totally composed. Drove over the edge of a 1 in metal plank and the car absorbed the hit without any intrusion. Not a good feeling on the A-spec. I think the stock michelins on the S, overrate the ride, and underrate the handling. I can agree with the body roll statements to a degree but, I dont think it would be an issue if it had better rubber.

 

I haven't seen any published numbers yet but I'll bet that the TL A-Spec beats the TL-S through the slalom and figure 8 (standard Motor Trend tests). You all who bought the TL-S are manifesting cognitive dissonance. I've driven both on curvy roads and the TL A-Spec has less body roll and feels more planted then the TL-S. We'll see when the numbers are published. For the record, these are the numbers Motor Trend got comparing stock to A-Spec in 2004

2004 Acura TL-------------- TL--------------------------A- SPEC
0-60 mph, sec---------------6.0----------------------------5.7
1/4 mile----------------14.44 @ 98.17-------------14.25 @ 97.81
Braking, 60-0, f t-------------141--------------------------119
Slalom, mph------------------62.5-------------------------66.1
Skidpad, g--------------------0.77--------------------------0.83

Yeah baby....A-Spec rocks

 

Had my 2004 TL in because the power steering pump had bad O ring after 38000 miles and had to be replaced. Owned Acuras for 10years plus and never had anything like that happen. Took the opertunity to look at the new S and talk to a salesman. His view of the S was that it was too bad they forced the Nav on you, not faster off the line but pulls better after about 20-25, Aspec handles better, no one likes the wheels or all the pipes sticking out for no reason or the overall price but they will sell a bunch while waiting for the big changes in '08. I was very surprised by his attitude but after seeing the car I have to agree with the look part. Think I will wait another year.

 

Wow, you guys must be some old farts. I think the Type-S looks amazing, wheels included.

 

Agreed, for the 5AT the TL-S is pretty decent value at $2K increase over a 07 TL since you get Brembo front brakes, stiffer swaybars, stiffer springs/shocks, bigger motor, backup camera, improved sequential shifting, noise cancellation, and it's all done by the factory not installed by a dealer/owner. Too bad you need to buy the Nav package to get it.

 

I love my 2006 A-Spec. I think the rims on the TL-S are downright ugly. There is no way I would part with my black chrome rims. After they refresed the 2007s, I was very glad I bought my 2006 in time. While I would love to have nav-traffic, mp3, 3.5 liter, and better seat support, I think the new mirror lights look cheap (reminds me of a TSX), I think the new gauges look generic (also TSXish). I love the A-Spec steering wheel, and the overall lowered look of the car.

I do wish I had the performance of the TL-S, but would rather have the looks. Let's face it, if it was just performance I would have gotten a Mustang Cobra or WRX. One of the performance features of the TL-S is larger air intake, and I think my AEM intake takes care of that aspect nicely. So while I envy a few features, in the end I'm very happy with my vehicle and won't consider a trade-in until the new model comes out, and even then I will probably be reluctant to let go of it. Everywhere I drive people constantly stare at this car. People who know what TLs are still ask me what I'm driving, and say it doesn't look like a TL. I think Acura got it right with this car and two years later I still admire how well designed it is and am proud to drive it.

 

TL Type-S FTW!

 

^^

 

 

Why are we dogging on each other?!?! We are all TLers.

Speed, hp and track times are all exciting elements of any sporty car, but most of us do not go to the track everyday, we do not race on streets, but use our cars as a daily commuter to work and to run errands. We are spirited drivers. I've been plenty on track with my others cars, now unfortunately I don't have the time.

A-Spec is a hot looking car, TLS is also a hot looking car. Some prefer more comfort they go with a TLS, and I guess people that seek that extra edge go for an A-Spec, all in all, we are a still part of the same TL family.
I love my WDP 08 TLS.