Hi! I am new to this forum and I am very grateful for all the useful information I am getting here! Thanks!

I am basically in the market for a new car and I am considering either a TSX or TL. This is what I also posted on the TSX forum. I wonder what you all think:

TSX:

1. More economical - price, fuel efficiency
2. Can afford the navigation system here
3. Folding rear seat - a big plus for me since I only have one car and I hated the fact that my current car does not have this
4. Handling seems to be sportier than TL - does anyone else agree with this?

TL:

1. More luxurious!!! Love that sound system!!!
2. Probably don't want to spend money on a navigation system here - will push the price too high
3. V6 is smoother and more powerful but handling is less sporty
4. No folding rear seat!!!!!!!!!!!

If it were you, what would you do? And do you agree that the TL's handling is not as sporty as the TSX?

Thanks in advance!

 

If it were me, I'd buy the TL....


and I did.

After driving each, there was no comparison. I wish the TL had folding rear seats and the sideview blinkers. Outside of that, it's no comparison if you can afford both.

 

Compare both of them; it is almost shocking that the TSX consumes so much. Difference is less than 5% for 33% more power!

Both are great, but In my mind, it is crystal clear that the TL worths every additional penny. A V6 makes a car feel much more luxurious. I *want* seats with memory. The limited slip differential is great to have.

 

I don't know much about the TSX aside from the fact that I've seen it in person at the dealership. Looks very nice

I've test driven the TL, and it's very powerful, smooth, and quiet...qualities that you seek in a luxury sedan.

I guess there's a certain image factor/refinement that the TL has that the TSX lacks. I'm not sure a lot of ppl would agree with me, but that's how I feel.

I would say go test drive both cars and decide for yourself, as you will be the best judge in this decision.

 

I drove them back to back.

I was hoping to be able to save a few bucks on the TSX, and actually like the TSX's styling a little bit better in some respects.

The TSX has no torque and poor shifter feel compared to the TL. The lack of torque was the deciding factor for me.

I like the TL interior a lot more. More room, better looking dash layout and trim, particularly the faux carbon fiber.

Of course, it looks like I won't be getting either due to the 6MT initial build transmission problems and my desire for another BMW, but I came very close to getting a TL (two hours away from delivery).

 

You have summed up the differences. TL has more interior room because of width...if you are not power crazy the TSX is "adequate". Handling feels crisper due to perception of size and forward view, but may not be measurably better especially with TL in MT trim. Build quality from Japan (TSX) arguably better so far. Styling, your call. TSX looks/feels smaller and therefore sportier, but again that may be only perception (which is 90% of the battle!). Of course drive both. Nav is a toy mostly. I am going with TL because of power (other car is quicker than the TL and once you have been there it is tough to go back) and size/comfort for long road trips. I trust dealer to take care of glitches. I agree with brahtw8 that BMW is hard to resist, but altogether different price point especially compared with TSX.

Good Luck!

 

Get the navi with the TL as you won't regret it. Its worth it for the voice control and handsfree cell phone alone. Everything else is a bonus. My car has been flawless since I picked it up last Saturday.

 

We have BOTH. I LOVE them both. It was REALLY hard to choose, but I bought the TL for myself because of the extra room for business passengers, and for the sound system! I feel that the handling is comparable, but a smaller car will ALWAYS feel different and more nimble than a larger car. If you need the space and higher profile get the TL.

If you prefer the more nimble handling and the fold-down seat, get the TSX. They are both a bargain! You didn't say anthing about financials - the TSX will be some $$ cheaper than the TL - maybe that should help you decision?

 

Thanks for all your suggestions and advice! I have driven both cars already - while I love the nimble handling of the TSX, I also enjoyed the power and smoothness of the TL. If the TL had fold down rear seats, I would have gone for it already!

I don't need all that passenger space and higher profile. In terms of finances, I can afford either, though if I get the TSX, I can pocket the $4000 - 6000 difference and use it on something else!!!

Maybe I will just have to test drive them both AGAIN...

Thanks!

 

I was in the same situation considering both the TSX and the TL. I loved the look of both, I actually find both to be the best looking Acura sedans ever. I in fact prefered the smaller size of the TSX and wanted to trade in my 00 TL for something smaller. It came down to the power and some of the luxury features for me. I didn't find the TSX to be slow, I just found the TL to be so powerful and torquey. Living in downtown Toronto you spend a lot of time in stop and go traffic. The torque is useful at green lights to get ahead of someone and that made a big difference. Also the memory seats were a big plus for the TL too. It was a pain evertime I picked up the 00 TL from the dealership and the seat was in a different position. In the end I bet I would have been happy with either, but I'm really glad I got the TL and didn't buy the TSX when it first came out.

 

The TSX is a rebadged honda accord.

 

Well, get the tl, and this is what I got. I have driven my brother's TSX. It is kind of under power since it has a four cylinders engine. The power compares to the new TL that I am driving, it is like I am in the different world.

 

The TSX is not under powered at all. The problem is that once you drive a TL you become addicted to its grunt. If you drove a civic or RSX you might think that the power is more than sufficient. I love them both. I would certainly not get a auto TSX since it kills the engine. If it came between an auto TL and a TSX the choosing would be very difficult. Acceleration between those two is pretty close and the TSX handles better. If you are a true car nut like me anything short of the manual TL will not do!!!!

 

I must say that when I first test drove the TSX, that sales person only took me around some useless residential streets. I was not that impressed. However, when I went to another dealer, I went on the highway with the TSX and wow, what a difference!!! I really began to appreciate how nice the TSX was! Yes, I was driving the automatic - it felt a little bit sluggish but with the Sportshift it was great!

I also test drove the TL - it was very smooth and powerful. However, I thought I got more road feel with the TSX.

Anyway, if the TL had rear seats that fold down, I would have got that right away.... now I am still trying to decide....

 

Any of the 2 cars is an excellent choice. With the TSX you also save some change$$$$$$. To get the sporty suspension setup in the TL you have to get the six speed. By your posts I think your a guy that appreciates comfort rather than ultimate performance, you would probably feel the manual TLs suspension to be a little harsh. The TSX can have a softer setting and still be nicely tossable because its a smaller, lighter car. Good luck!!!!

 

Yeah. But so what? It has a more powerful engine and better driving dynamics. Read Consumer Reports and they all but conclude that the TL is a Honda Accord in disguise.

 

I've got a TSX and have a TL on order as we speak. Different "feels" for both cars, but that doesn't make one "better" than the other. Man, enjoy it ALL while you can (if you can).

 

I bought a TSX in July and was not overly happy with it. I was going to buy a 03' TL and then I found out the 04' TL was comming out.

I was unhappy with the TSX for a few reasons. They weren't major reasons but enough that I went to the 04' TL.

In the TSX the rear view mirror would vibrate at a medium volume level from the radio. This was very annoying while driving.

I got used to the passenger side miror tilting when I put my old car (2000 CL-S) in reverse. The TSX does not have the tilting mirrors. With the TL both side mirrors can tilt.

Heated side mirrors. The TSX does not have that while the TL does.

The size of the TSX I was not happy with. It felt tight to me. The TL is much bigger inside.

The engine. 200 HP on a 4 Cyl is nice but the car is not as quick as I would have hoped. The 270 HP TL is fantastic.

And you can't forget about the TL 5.1 surround sound system. That is great.

So I am extreamly happy with my decision to go from a TSX to the TL.

 

Had a TSX loaner today (5AT with 2900 miles on it) while my TL was getting its tires re-rebalanced.

Both cars are based on Accords: the TL is based on the American Accord, the TSX on the European Accord. Sizes are roughly comparable to, for instance the old Ford Taurus and Contour.

TL is quieter inside.
TL feels heavier.
TL is much more powerful per the seat-of-the-pants-o-meter.
TL is much wider inside.
TL sound system is much better.
TL is better laid out inside (TSX has, for instance moonroof controls on the driver's door armrest, and you have to reach way into the gauges to adjust their brightness).

TSX practically screams to be revved.
TSX feels much more nimble, and loves to be thrown into a turn.
TSX engine sounds like a 4; not as refined.
TSX sport shift mode holds 1st gear all the way to redline.
TSX is not going to win any drag races, but you can get around in one quickly without the car feeling like it's being pushed.

Overall, although they look similar they have much different personalities. I went for larger, quieter, and more refined in the TL, but the TSX is a very enjoyable car to drive as well.

Mike

 

This is funny.... I have this exact dilemma! I drove them both, back to back, and they are both excellent cars!
I feel the TSX has 2 strong points going for it: The folding rear seat, and the way the instrument cluster looks! I like the TL instrumentation, but in my opinion, the one on the TSX is awesome! The best I've ever seen.
On the other hand, the TL rides better, is quieter, and the power is awesome! The price difference is there, but I can totally see where it went on the TL; still a very good value.
Anyway, I change my mind on which one I want every 2 hours or so! This is taking a lot of energy. LOL

 

Being a 04-TSX and a 04-TL owner I would say Mike your assessment is right on. I love both cars and couldn't part with the TSX so I gave it to the wife and traded her car in on the TL.

The TSX is a sportier car and the TL a classier though still sporty enough car.

 

If you do not see the value in the TL on a test drive, then buy the TSX. I found the TL to be a much better car, well worth the extra money. If I thought the TSX was even close, I would have saved the money and bought it.

Also, the gas mileage appears to be very close. I do not see how this should enter in your decison.

 

After the break-in period on my TSX (auto) I am getting 26mpg on my mixed loop daily commute and 33 mpg strictly highway. I think the TL may come close but not very close.