this question has been bothering me for a while and here goes ...

remember when C&D did a comparo of sport-luxo cars several months ago? i think it included the Acura TL, G35, BMW325, Jag X-type, etc... anyway, the TL could only garner third place. last month C&D did a comparo of the TSX, A4, Subaru Legacy, etc. the TSX finished first.

here are my points:

1. most or all of the TL's and TSX's are rear drive or AWD.
2. most or all are European.
3. both TL and TSX are based on Accords (TL = US Accord, TSX = European Accord)

so, why would C&D put the TL third and the TSX first??

 

C&D dont like TL with that much HP and FWD... they dont like torque steering. They believe TL is much better RWD

 

Car and Driver's problem with the TL was the torque steer. With the TSX, there is no torque so there is no torque steer .

(I'm exaggerating with the "no torque" comment). Plus the TSX is more nimble in terms of handling, the TL just feels "bigger".

 

but i do like FWD!! ... those bastards!

Quoted from C&D:

"Here's where that integration of comfort and dynamic ability counts. The TL boasts the largest, best-furnished interior, the strongest engine, one of the slickest shifters, exemplary build quality, and generally superior esthetics. A pity its front-drive layout falls short of perfection."