23109VC

I am looking for a four door sedan. have really had my eye on the TL-S.

I really like the TL.

I was out the other night and stopped by the Pontiac dealer to jus tlook at the G8. I had read some of the good reviews, and heard about good deals - and wanted to see the inside of one. Sales guy let me go for a drive. I was very impressed. It has gobs of torque - it flies. it woudl blow the TL-S off the road. interior was decent, but clearly NOT as nice as the TL.

Handling is what suprised me. I had expectecd it to be FAST, but was expecting it to handle/drive around turns like crap. But it didn't. I didn't test drive it back to back with a TL - but from my recent test drive - I want to say the G8 felt a LOT like the TL in terms of ride firmness, body roll, etc... it feels pretty sporty.

it lacks nav, real luxury feeel - but it's also a lot larger inside, so with kids (which I have three of) it would fit more kids/stuff.

If you could get the TL with a V8 - you'd get the best of both worlds...

i can see why they say this is a poor man's 550. loads of torque power of a 550, but none of the niceties.

i am still leaning toward the Acura. i worry what happens 5 years down the road when the Acura is still worth a fair amount and the G8 is worth nothing... or i can't get parts..

any of you drive a G8? curiosu what other Acura owners think about it..

marmaladedad

iTrader: (5)

I wouldn't buy a Pontiac right now...

...but the G8 is a great attempt by GM. I still think the TL and TLS is a better overall car.

<{Kris}>

The G8 is a GREAT car, it's too bad that Pontiac had to be killed off right now. I would love a 6 speed G8 GXP.

Babnik

As stated the TL is more refined, has more luxury features, and just feels more luxurious, but for people who don't care about that too much the G8 is a fine car. I wouldn't mind a G8.

Unfortunately you can't get the G8 in manual (unless you get the GXP version which is hard to find, expensive, and gets bad fuel economy).

alexSU

iTrader: (3)

Can't say anything bad about Pontiac, my parents had one for 7 years and zero problems. TL-S is a helluva nice car!! Interior, exterior, handling, etc...I think it beats the Pontiac Yeah G8 is faster but I don't think that's what your looking for.

slick2404

I've driven the 2009 G8 (only the v6 version) but it was loaded throughout. Amazing car, and for the price point its set at, I honestly believe its worth it for the amount of "Car" your getting. Sure it doesnt have the features as the TL.

Basically comes down to:
The drive ability of the G8 vs the luxeriousness of the TL.
$ for $ though, I'd consider the G8 as a family car winner.

SouthernBoy

The G8, particularly the GXP verison (manual), would be a great sedan to have. The RWD platform is naturally going to have better traction than the FWD TL, and of course there is that small block Chevy lying under the hood.

snake134

iTrader: (1)

there's a nearly brand new white g8 gxp for sale near me and i drool over it whenever i see it. if you're considering the g8 gt, i would definitely get one over a type-s(because of performance).

VQPower37

get the pontiac if u want an awesome deal ... get the tl if u want an awesome car

Costco

I may be biased but I prefer the G8. A member on here got a GXP and IMO Car Talk has a less biased. Its unfortunate, I think the G8 GT is a great deal for the money, but its not available in manual, which is a must for me. On the other hand, the GXP is in TL-S price range which makes it a much harder decision.

If you want a quiet cruiser that you keep stock, get the TL-S. If you're going to mod for power, the G8 hands down. The G8 aftermarket is plentiful... it has a huge following in Australia. I'm probably not the only one that thinks this either, but the TL will never sound as good as the G8. A high-displacement OHV engine is just orgasmic when it shakes the ground when you rev it. But that's just me

I went from a 2G TL-S to a Camaro Z28, and while 99.99% of people on this site (myself included) think that that's a downgrade, I would do it again every single time without hesitation.

Burnricers

I looked at them before I bought my TL and they are a nice car. I am getting away from more performance oriented cars to a nicer, classier more luxury oriented car and that's why I ended up with the TL. My last car was significantly faster than both so either would have been a downgrade in terms of that. Basically it comes down to the simple what's more important, luxury or performance? Both lean more toward either of this.

Maddizm

iTrader: (5)

My friend has a G8... I like the look on the outside, but the interior definitely has inferior materials. The plastics they use inside look kinda cheap. And yeah I guess you can worry about the parts and stuff b/c of GM, but that car is really a Vauxhal (spelling?) from Australia so you might still be able to get parts that way? Not sure...

CdTriX

you mean a vauxhall from the uk or holden from australia?

Steven Bell

iTrader: (2)

VC, the G8's are a great looking car. But with Pontiac sadly going away, I would be nervous about service and parts going forward.

Maddizm

iTrader: (5)

^^ what CDtrix said... i knew i mixed it up somewhere...

greco9885

iTrader: (1)

yeah, buy from a company that is falling apart, and buy from a line that was discontinued...never

Ramrodthrusterpuppy

It's a Holden from Oz...same as the GTO from a few years back.

The G8 is a nice ride....lotsa bang for the buck. I wouldn't be worried about getting parts or support down the road, even if Pontiac is vanishing.

However, what I would be very worried about is resale value on a discontinued marque. If you'd be buying it to drive it 'til the wheels fell off...no problem. But if you will be trading it in/selling it in 4 or 5 years for something new, the value of a discontinued brand car will be next to nothing.

808origin-al

JUst get d pontiac its a way better car than the tl

graybully77

yeah i would worry about the resale value of the G8. but then again, "yesterday's history, tomorrow is a mystery"

But the TL-s is lots of luxury, just by the name of it.

ABP_04TL

iTrader: (2)

u tell me









No way in hell would i buy a Pontiac, but thats my opinion!

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

The G8 GT is a solid car, but without the availability of a manual transmission, it's of little interest to me, personally.

That said, given the propensity for GM vehicles to drop their resale value like a brick off the roof of a building, I think a one or two year old G8 GT would be a great buy if you can find one that hasn't been thoroughly abused by the previous owner.

Until I test drive a G8 GXP with a manual, I personally would still go with a TL-S because at least I can row my own gears.

TL|GTX

Actually costco, when i test drive teh G8 GT, when i turned the car on it was so quiet, i thought it was a 4cyl, then when i floored it from roll and digs, i thought i was going to blow me ears, ended up sucking. That thing is way to quiet, everything sounds muffled. The TL exhuast sounds way better. When i was reving them side by side.

TheChamp531

iTrader: (3)

I would go the TL just because the only thing that the G8 outperforms the TL in, is the performance (speed/HP). In a year or so, we will have our own turbocharger out that will get 400WHP on 9 PSI, outdoing most cars on the road. Can't wait!!

JD TL-S

iTrader: (1)

I drove a G8 GT 361 hp. Very nice car, but too big for me. If I was to get a G8 I would get the G8GXP with a 6 speed manual and 415hp. That car would smoke a TL-S. But my 06 TL manual with mods handles better then the G8 GT and is just as fast.

BradE

It's an ok car, but it has the typical garbage GM interior. What would concern me the most is the resale, GM resale sucked anyway, but with the bankruptcy and the fact Ponticrap is being chopped, it will be pretty horrible. Even if you can get a good deal on it, it probably won't be worth 50% of what you paid 4 years from now.

Mistermidgetman

Considering I have both at home, I would go with the TL-S if you are younger then 40. It is a much smoother and more refined car. However, if you are attempting to relive your youth, choose the G8, it is a more fun (though less refined) car.

WayneJay

While the TL is much more refined, I think the G8 is a great car with excellent bang for the buck. The fact tha trhe Pontiac brand is going away is nothing to worry about. I wish Chevrolet would pick up this platform. It was make an awesome Impala SS if it ever goes back to RWD.

paliknight

definitely Type-S. why? already stated.

SlimTL

TL = fast, luxury, calms the kids on toad trips

G8 = faster, not as luxorious, v8 speed will scare the heck outta your kids

The TL is a great overall car for you and the family. Speed when you need, while still keeping the family role of saftey.
The G8 is a great car, but for kids and without the luxuries, it's cutting it pretty close. The TL has a broader spectrum. The G8 is mostly for you and your adult friends, when gas mileage and luxury isn't an issue. I love the G8, but consider the kids!

TL|GTX

I hope u know that the G8 GT, isn't that much faster then a TL-s, better yet a 6m/t TL-s. Not even a sec faster.

Adrenazine

Go with Acura

GM/Pon fails

JTS97Z28

iTrader: (4)

I hate when people say this kind of stuff. First off how many people actually spend the money and have a turbo or a blower put on their car? not many! also, do you know how poor the reliability will be then if you put a turbo on a TL? It will break something VERY quickly and the car still wont be all that fast. Quick yes, but you gotta keep in mind how many mods are available and how easy it is to mod a Chevy V8.
My buddies BONE STOCK 08 LS3 vette runs 11's (11.82 @ 122mph to be exact). Granted thats a vette with the LS3, but my point is there is no comparison between the Honda 3.5 motor and a Chevy V8 when it comes to performance and economy.

Now I absolutely love my 07 TL-S and would still choose it over a G8.

AcuraVic

Original Poster, I see your age is 37. Soon you will be leaning toward a more refined car (the TL) than a brute (the G8).
I looked at the g8, but it needs to be more like a BMW 550 to ride like I need it to. I'm actually hoping Acura makes the next RL into a competitor of the 5 series and Merc E class so I can continue buying Honda/Acura.
Depending on your tastes, you may like the Hyundai Genesis 4.6.

Good Luck on your search.

avs007

When Road and Track tested the G8 GT with an Automatic, they posted 0-60 in 5.0 seconds flat, and the quarter in 13.5 seconds @ 104.9mph.

When Road and Track tested the TL Type-S with a MANUAL transmission, they got 0-60 in 5.7 seconds and the 1/4 in 14.3 seconds.

Yeah, Car and driver tested the TL Type-S at 5.5 seconds 0-60 and the 1/4 in 14.1 @101mph...

But you are still comparing a manual to an automatic... Let's look at the G8 GXP with 6 speed manual shall we?

When motor trend tested the G8 GXP, they did the 0-60 in 4.5 seconds and the 1/4 in 13.0 @ 109.6mph...

The G8 is faster than the TL PERIOD. And if you want to bolt mods onto the TL, I assure you there are WAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAY more mods available for the LSx V8 than the Honda V6.

In fact, here's a picture of an APS Twin Turbo G8 GT, making 557hp

KaMLuNg

iTrader: (5)

this right here is the post that ends all posts.... it all depends on what you plan on doing with the car...

if i were in your situation, i would get the G8...

RC51Ryder

Don't hold your breath. I personally think Acura will be discontinuing the RL soon and it will be replaced by the 4th gen TL. All of us with 3rd gens will need to step down to a V6 TSX (when they arrive) if we want to keep the performance we have when it is time to "upgrade".

Honestly, I took a serious hard look at the G8 before I got my TL. The only thing that stopped me was that the 6 speed manual and navigation was not offered when I purchased my TL. Had I waited a year, I probably would have gotten one. Heck, if my TL was stolen or totaled right now, I would seriously consider it if I could still find one. I know it is an apples/oranges comparison but there is nothing like V8 rear wheel power. It was called a "poor man's Corvette" with 4 doors. Well, I'm a poor man and I need 4 doors......

eaglegreen48

I gotta agree. But since he's got 3 kids I doubt he's trying to relive his youth so that's got to put resale value and dependability higher up on the list. Go TL.

avs007

since when does having kids mean that you don't need/desire to relive your youth Why do you think I drive a coupe and the wife the sedan?

mlrskn06

iTrader: (2)

i would go w/ the tl... better resale value, more luxury, it may be slower but shit... its still really fast and you did mention its a family car... if you already had a family car and maybe wanted your own car to tune and race... go w/ the g8... but idk... if i were you... i'd go w/ the TL hands down

TL|GTX

Since when did i say the TL was ever faster then G8 GT, and please dont bring in the GXP in i didnt even say anything about it. I stated that a 6m/t TL-S can hang with a G8 GT, from a roll. And btw 0-60 is not 5.0flat. More like 5.3. But if u want a car that looks better, is faster, and handles better, and more luxury y not go for a Infiniti G37 7A/T?