I work at an Acura dealership and I own a 2004 Navi TL and just love it! To my suprise many of the guys around the dealership seem to prefer the TSX over the TL not just because of price but because they think it handles better, has more torque, a punchy Bose stereo and they like the fact that TSX's are built in Japan unlike the TL which is built in the US(Ohio). Personally i THINK THEY ARE NUTS! The TSX is nice but at a 70HP disadvatage, no BT phone, no DVD audio,no XM radio and inferior overall interior/exterior styling....I just dont get it. What do you guys think?

 

I loved the TSX initially, but after I saw the concept photos of the new TL I froze in my tracks. I had one bought mentally the day I saw the pics.

 

that is strange, I have seen TSX owners drool at my car as I pass by them

 

MORE TORQUE?!?!?!?!? Punchy Bose stereo? I almost bought a TSX, it's a very nice car, torque is not something I would say the TSX has over the TL, not even close. The stereo was just ok, again not even in the same league with the TL.

I liked the interior of the TSX and the exterior styling is very nice as well, but the TL isn't really the TSX's competition so it isn't fair to compare them directly.

 

I was leaning towards the TSX for a long time. I liked the look, the price and the performance. However, last week I went to the auto show and after sitting in both cars the TSX seems kind of cheap inside.

I know for the price it is nice but I'm trading in a 323I and the TL seems more in line with the features and quality of the 323I. Also, if you go to the TL board you willl see tons of of threads about quality issues so the built in Japan thing is not valid.

 

I was leaning towards the White TSX before I drove the TL, the first thing I noticed with the TSX was an utter lack of torque, strange how guys who work on them would somehow think it has more, very strange.

 

I too loomed over the TSX, test drove the Auto and Manual. I didn't like....

The limited headroom.

The limited backseat legroom.

The interior similarity to the Accord V6 w/Leather.

I did like...

The nimble handling.

The motor's pep.

The overall concept.

However, the TL is definitely worth the extra dough. For the price, there are so many features and amenities.

 

We have both, and we love both of them for different reasons.

We feel that they are different enough that you don't compare them directly. They are similar, but NOT that close that you would have to decide between them.

Do you compare BMW 3 and 5 series? Of course not.

 

fanurios,


I'm curious to know which departments you're working with in the acura dealership?

Questions you popped out are all related to technical issues or new car's update. Just curious. Maybe your position could be very helpful to some of us in the future. Thanks.

 

All I'm doin is quotin and agreein today. I agree with Norse.

 

The TSX is a better balanced car, has far less torque steer and something that actually resembles a "sport suspension." It's more of a DRIVER'S car, even though it's slower than the TL.

 

The first time I read this post I thought "Huh?!" The more I think about it, the more I disagree that a TSX offers more torque and better audio than a TL. A TL delivers more torque than a TSX does horsepower. It boggles my mind that these opinions are coming from (supposedly) professionals that sell these cars. They should know better than I do. Amazing.

 

I dropped my TL off at the dealership last night for some minor rattles and squeaks. I had never owned an upscale car before that offered loaners. To my surprise, they handed the keys to me for a new (less than 500 miles) TSX as my loaner.

After having the TL for 2 1/2 months, I can say that there is no comparison between the TL and the TSX. They are completely different cars built for different situations. The TSX was fun driving home. It was nimble and quick and zipped around everybody. The ride was quite harsh on my old bones. The TL softens the ride a bit, is quite a bit larger inside the cabin, and will pin you back in your seat when pulling away from a light. Don't get me wrong, there is absolutely nothing bad with the TSX, but in my personal case, I was looking for a few more amenities and the "plush" feeling the TL gives me. Like I said before, my 50+ year old bones likes the "softer" ride the TL gives.

 

I got to drive the TSX for the first time as a loaner this week as well. The TL's at the dealership for the tire vibrations and memory seats. I've always loved the exterior styling of the TSX, but the small size made me not test drive it before. No doubt it's a great car. For a four-banger, it feels like it has six under the hood. But like everyone else has mentioned, it doesn't quite compare to the TL in the amenities, plush, and power departments. One thing I definitely prefer in the TSX over the TL is the steering feedback. The power-assist is just enough so you can still feel the car and the road. The TL's is just a tad too loose. Anyway we can change the power-assist through the ECU?

 

Have driven both, own neither.

This comparison has been done many times before (visit the TSX site). The bottom line is that the TSX would sway a lot more TL people to it if it HAD more torque and a few more features: like power passenger seat and heated side mirrors. Otherwise it is quite nice and admittedly more nimble feeling. The styling is nicer than the US Accord IMHO. Put the s2000 engine or small V6 inside a TSX and I'd think about it. My .02

 

I'm in the process of decided which car to get as a daily driver to compliment my S2000. Yesterday I had the chance to test drive a TL 6speed and a TSX auto. I'm still torn between the two. My experince with the manual in the TL wasn't that great, I didn't like the clutch engagment I thought it would be similar to my S2000 but I was wrong. The size of the TL threw me off. I felt more comfortable and in more control in the TSX and I actually like the gauge cluster better in the TSX. I ended up liking the TSX more, but I am going back on Friday to test drive an auto TL. Hopefully this time I'll set the seat and wheel better to fit me so I feel more comfortable in the TL. I'm actually going to drive the TL and the TSX back to back agian. Friday I'll know which one I'll eventually pick up.

Dan

 

I'm driving a base loaner TSX right now and I hate it. The torque is not that serious, it's small, sits too high and leather feels unreal. Of and the shifter is so tiny. I won't even go to the exterior look of the car. Maybe the top of the line TSX would be more exciting but I haven't had a chance to drive one of those.

 

There is no "top of the line" TSX. There is basically only one model, with a choice of transmission and navi or no navi.

Just curious, what didn't you like about the styling? I think the two are very similar. From a distance on the streets, I often get the two confused.

 

Yes the exterior of the TSX is very bland. Although I don't know what you mean by a base TSX and a top of the line TSX...you mean Navi and no Navi?

Dan

 

Once you adjust to the 6MT engaging right up at the top of the pedal throw, it becomes a joy to shift. When you go back to try the 5AT, try the MT again with that in mind. If you still don't like the pedal setting, you can always adjust it. The stick gives you the bonus of a thicker sway bar and better brakes up front.

 

I'll have to check it out. I remember the clunch feeling very light and long. The gear box has super long throws and the stick sits much higher then what I'm used to. In the end I'll see if the price difference is worthwhile for the TL. I won't use Bluetooth or XM.

Dan

 

I was in love with the TSX until I saw and drove a TL. WoW the TL is in a different class...it's not fair to compare the two but if you must just look at what make you more happy and which one fits your budget more. But in my opinion if you can afford the TL than go for it.

 

I own a 98 CL 3.0.
I've driven the TL, probably will buy one in the spring.
I had a TSX for a day as a loaner. Also, a good friend has a TSX.

I always liked the look of the TSX. The new TL looks somewhat like a bigger TSX but not quite as nice IMO.

The handling is very nice and predictable. The car is fun to drive.

But the engine was frankly a little disappointing.

Power and torque-wise its not even in the same ballpark as the TL.
In fact, I'll bet my CL with 132k miles is actually faster once you get over 30 MPH or so.

But what surprised me most was that I found it ran rough. I know its a four-banger but still. Being a brand new car I really expected it to be as smooth as my ancient 3.0 CL, but it wasn't.

Its a nice car but it would need a smooth, powerful V6 to really pull me away from the TL.

 

I think in the long run I'd be happier seeing a TL sitting next to my S2000 then a TSX. The more I jump around in forums reading what people say the more I lean toward the TL. Does being happier equate to spending 100 dollars more a month on the loan? Mayhaps.

Dan

 

The dealer handed me one key with a little tag attached that says 2004 Base TSX. I assumed there one a top of the line.

As far as the styling of course it's to each individuals taste. But the back is very square and high. And the total syling is just bland, there is nothing that stands out to me on the exterior. No nice lines giving the car a unique look. Don't get me wrong, my TLS second generation is very bland looking. There is nothing spectacular that jumped out at me when I bought it. Other than the $27k price and the color which is why I got it. I went totally off of price, reliability, horsepower and bang for the buck. But I just was not feeling the TSX since day one.

 

Does being happier equate to spending 100 dollars more a month on the loan? YES!

 

It does if you can afford the $100/mo.

 

Again, I am temporarily using a loaner TSX and snooped in the trunk. Interestingly, the trunk tray was cut out to allow the cargo net hooks to come through. I do not know if the dealer did it or if it comes like that. The other thing I noticed is that the floor mats come with the rubber/plastic backing with the little nubbie things on it, not like the mats on the TL that seem to have only foam behind them!

Just my 2 cents.

 

First off I dont sell or repair Acuras per say...I deal with the Financing & accesories only. I own a TL and take our test drive TSX out to lunch from time to time. I'm glad we agree that the TSX seems to have more nimble handling...but dont you think the TSX sound system has more bass??

The more torque assessment is actually just my opinion so apologize if I generalized. I just think the initially has TSX has more pep off the line in the lower RPM range 1200-2500 rpms. Not throughout the overall powerband though.

Many still prefer the TSX over the TL here.

 

Actually, I compare my TL to my other half's 745i, it always pisses him off that my car has better nav and stereo + standard bluetooth!

 

Veneficus, I debated this for 4 months, drove both extensively, talked to many a dealer and people at AHM...let me know if you want my in depth opinion, you can e-mail directly. BTW...completely envious of your S2000...i would love to have one, but I am too tall...it pains me to have made all of the model updates on the honda site, managed the photo shoots for the cars and not b able to drive one!

Rick

 

If it's not a problem can you attach a picture which emphasizes the tinting...I was wondering how it looked tinted. What %tint did you use? Thanks.

 

A young woman in my department was deciding whether or not to part with her low-mileage G20t and finally decided to get a TSX. She came back to work the next day totally focused on buying a TL w/Navi.

 

I love the TL, but I love the TSX even more - before driving both back-to-back I thought for certain I'd come out wanting to buy the TL. Nope. To me, the TL is a leather glove two sizes too big for me. And I could care less about the torque or engine size - it's got more than enough unless you are silly and like to race; I still found the TSX more enjoyable to drive. Living and working downtown Seattle, having a nimble car to avoid pedestrians and hidden driveways is more important.

TL owners calling the TSX bland looking - only in an Acura forum (everywhere else, BOTH are called bland)! Heh. I also didn't find the interior of the TL worth the extra money. To each their own. Again, I love both cars, but will buy the TSX over the TL.

 

You find the 04TL bland looking?! To each his own ... *shrug*

 

The TSX best view is the rear (unfortunately it makes for a crappy bumper). The TL has a more aggressive side stance. I think the front is very plain (but elegant) in both.

 

I love the way the TL looks and also love the TSX. I ended up buying the TL mainly because of the power. Living in a big city we don't really get to take full advantage of the TSX's nimble handling which I agree it has over the TL. But the power I use on a regular basis at every stop light. Not that the TSX is slow or that the TL has bad handling. I just feel that the TSX has more nimble handling and that the TL has more power.

 

i almost considered a tsx but the interior of the tl just blew me away.