Wellp regardless of everyones input I just got rid of my 07 base nav that I had for only 2 months for an 07 Type S and I am sooo glad I did. If there is any question that you think you might want the Type S over the base then DO NOT get the base car. You will be kicking yourself everyday.
I know the HP difference is only 30hp but obviously there is much more to it than that. I wonder if anyone has a good video of a base TL against a Type S. I would be curious just how much the S pulls. I do know that when VSA is off my Type S lights up the tires like the base never could. I was actually very surprised (ofcourse when racing that would only benefit the base car:-)

 

Ill chime in on this one. I had a 04 base auto TL and loved it. I then decided to go check out the TL-S and fell in love with it and by the way its a 2008 TL-S 6MT. Like i have read others posts on here, the happiness i once had when getting the TL-S is now gone and im looking at other cars already to see what i want next. Personally i would rather of stayed in my 04 with no payments than to be riding around in the Type S. The car is extremely fun and good looking but with the new 335 and the G37 S out now i would be going after one of those.

 

Well if the person makes good money then who cares about payments. Everyone is saying not to have payments acting like everyone is completely broke and out of jobs in this economy. Thats not true. With a great loan rate (under 4% for used) and a decent down payment I so absolutely go for it.

 

I agree completely. Its just a bulk purchase of mods, however mods that are "reliable" unlike bolts ons that are always taxing to the car. And also, when buying it new vs trading up like the OP is doing its different. When buying new you're right only a 3k difference and a much better value in the long run which is why if I was shopping now, I'd only consider a TL-S. However the OP has to sink 11k into it which to me.. I'd be on the fence and start exploring other cars that are far more superior. If it was a 3k upgrade for a trade in, I'd do it.

Half a car legnth at best. Did this race, I was stock vs, a fully modded TL-S with everything except Super Charger. He pulled half a car on me when we reached about 90mph. My nose was at his rear door. Like I said.. its not like buying an M3 vs standard 3 series. One of the reasons I despise Acura because this is one of the reasons why they never get the luxury brand credit they should.

Think about it, BMW created the 3 series, then they said lets take the same car throw in a twin turbo .. but they didn't hype it up and give it an exclusive badge like its the god almighty, they just said its the 335 and they reserved the badge for the M3.. which was a monster engine upgrade! Now that's respect. Same with Lexus IS250 vs IS350 and IS-F. The badge shouldn't be thrown around so loosely. But that's Acura.

 

New for new (08), there is a 10-12,000 dollar difference between the TL and a comparable 335. And the differences don't stop there. Don't know about the G37, but these cars are in different price ranges. I'm sure if one had the money, they would go for the 335 since it is an all around better car. Andi'm sure the op would save up for something better if he could.

OP... The Type S is worth it, especially in light of the used car market right now. I got mine for under 25k with 13,000 miles. Try finding a loaded '07 335 for that. A base TL would be 4-5k less. Spread that over your loan term, and you have very little difference. If you want save up for something better, then keep the car. If you want a Type S the buy it. It's your option.

 

That's a funny comment. If you looked you'll realize that the different between an M3 and a 335 is pretty much the same as the difference between a base TL and a type S. In fact, the 335 has more low end torque than the M3. You can run a 335 and a M3 on a quarter they'll end up being very close. A chipped 335 will actually come out on top. The difference shows up on track but not street.

 

i would add that just because the type S doesn't kill a base TL in a straight line doesn't mean it won't own one on the first curve. potenzas + brembos + extra power + better suspension + LSD (for the 6MT anyway - is it on the 5AT?) will make a difference.

 

Is it just me or does the 07-08 bases feel different from the 04-06 bases in terms of handling? I had a loaner and I felt like the 07 base was alot more plushier in terms of ride characteristics compared to my 06. And this was before my TEIN SS upgrade. My 06 in its stock form just had a more firm and stiff feel to it, which I liked, but when I had that loaner, I kind of felt like it was more lackluster. Weird, maybe someone else can comment.

 

Most type-s owners don't have the regret-bug at all ... so get one (if you can find one that fits your requirement ) before they run out ... LOL

 

The Type S is a great car. The 6spd is a lot of fun, but when I think about the money you can save buying an 04-06 6spd you can throw a couple bucks at the car and beat a stock Type S. Just a thought.

 

Maybe it isn't all about the speed...

 

i say you do it. huge differnce deffinatly worth it man

 

Hardly. An M3 is a solid 8/10 and 8-9 mph faster in the quarter than a stock 335. The difference with the base/S TL is 2-3/10 and a couple mph at best. In fact, the difference is so miniscule that a 6MT base is as quick as a 5AT Type-S.

 

Well Balla im not gonna say I dont believe you because if you say you did that race (base vs S) and it was almost neck and neck then I believe you. I just find it crazy because when I floor my 07 Type S it pulls much better than my 07 base. I dunno maybe I will get my buddy out with his 05 automatic and I will video us running against my Type S :-) If I do it I will let you guys know.

James

 

here's a comparison from C/D on the '04 TL and the '08 type S (in bold). both 6MTs with potenzas and brembos - couldn't find 5AT/EL42 specs for either model:

0-60:
5.7s
5.5s

1/4 mile:
14.4s
14.1s

weight:
3521lb
3515lb

skidpad:
0.81g
0.93g

70-0mph (braking):
189ft
163ft

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/hot_lists/high_performance/japanese_performance/acura_tl_road_test/(page)/1

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...type_s_feature

the 5AT type S and the 6MT base will probably be similar in straight-line performance, but i think it's clear who the winner is on handling.

to me the type S and honda's Si labels have never meant the same thing as BMW's M-class. the "S" is just the sport trim, like many other car companies have - some call it the sport package, etc.

the BMW M3 is really a separate model (the other Ms not as much). in fact i believe the latest M3 actually has a V8 instead of the 3-series models' V6. so agreed, they don't compare, but don't knock acura for throwing around the S label because it was never intended to mean the same thing. it's a sport type of the base model, where the M3 is a high-performance car based on the 3-series platform, and you pay a lot more than $4k over a 330i or even a 335i to get it.

 

I'd say no to the switch.

 

Wow those figures for braking and skidpad are a huge difference. I always felt my 07 base had very weak brakes. The biggest difference I noticed when going to the Type S was how good the brakes were.

 

All well said (except BMW's have an I6, not a V configuration). For a roughly 10% price difference, the S isn't a bad deal considering what you get. I mean I spent 2K in bolt ons to get the extra power, but nothing else. As far as the visuals, it's pretty subjective. I like the quad exhaust and front end of the S, but don't care for the wheels, two tone leather, red lighting and S badging. The better handling is also a moot point for me, because if I wanted ultimate handling I wouldn't be driving a TL in the first place, but as I stated, a few extra grand isn't a bad premium for all the extra performance. Especially considering the full A-Spec package put the '04 base TL at a higher price than the '07/'08 Type-S, and that was with no power enhancement.

 

So why else would somebody spend 11K if it isnt about speed. It's already been shown that both cars in 6SPD setups arent that much different. I'll go buy an 87 trans am if I want red gauges. It would be nothing more than bragging rights. I personally wouldn't do it.

 

See this thread is kind of pointless. You get people that have base models that say dont do it (but you know they really love Type S's lol). You get people that have the Type S's that say hell yes do it. And you get people like me that have had BOTH and say absolutely go for it!!!! Its all personal preference.

Its not all about bragging rights. Its an all around better performing car and if performance and the visual changes are what you want then the Type S is for you. If you could careless about handling, braking, slightly better acceleration then there would be no reason to get the Type S.

 

There is a laundry list of reasons. I shouldn't have to list them. You really think people who buy BMWs and Audis are spending more money just for speed and bragging rights?

 

I almost bought an E39 2003 525i......until I found out all the things that could and do go wrong with these things. And not only that, the E39's are among the more reliable BMW's out there. I also considered an 03 E66 745i. But it has transmission issues and if the tranny goes out, say bye bye to something like $6000?

But I must say that when I was test driving the 525i, it was so nice. It was probably the best ride I've ever experienced. Who knows if it was because of the hype or if it was really truly that good. I spent several hours in it. Test drove it for an hour in the evening and went back the next day to take it to a BMW dealer to get it checked out (pre-buy inspection they call it). Turns out it needed a new camshaft position sensor (common failure) and they had to add coolant. When I got back to the Toyota dealer (the seller) the low coolant message popped up. I opened the hood and found coolant spray inside. I went home disappointed. I also found the phone number of the previous owner in the glove box. I called them and found out they dumped it because it was a repair nightmare. Guess how long they owned it. Less than 2 months! I'm glad I was able to walk away from the car. But let me tell you...when I've talked myself into something, it takes a LOT to convince me otherwise.

My conclusion was that at this point in my life (going to school and having 2 children) it would not be a good decision to get a car like this. As much as I like working on cars, I have more important things to take care of at this time.

If only they could put Honda/Toyota parts in a BMW shell, that would be the ultimate car.

Anyway, unless the OP has tons and tons of cash (which I'm guessing not since he had to get a loan) I would think it highly unwise to go for such a minuscule difference of a car. It's like, "you're paying eleven thousand dollars for what?" Do you plan to race it?

Unless you're sure your job is secure and your future is fool proof, there are plenty of better things to do with your money than spending it on an upgrade with which its excitement will just die off in no time.

I just got my 2006 6MT TL and I'm having a blast with it. Sometimes I just go out and drive around for no reason. It boggles my mind why someone would want to spend $11,000.00 for, afaic, virtually no significant improvement in performance. But I must admit that I've never driven a type-S so I really don't know, but the numbers speak for themselves. Now if it's a psychological thing, then that's another case.

What I mean is that if the type-S feels tons more powerful, and that difference is worth $11,000.00 to you, then you'll have to decide. I had a 2005 Volvo S80 before my TL. It had a 2.5 liter turbocharged engine that delivered its full rated torque beginning at 1500rpm. Even though its 0-60 is in the high 7's (I think) it felt very powerful. I could peel-out after I've started rolling. It was like it had the torque of a V8. The TL feels very wimpy in the lower revs. It's something I'll have to get used to.

What I'm saying is that the difference in feel between cars can make a huge difference too.

I test drove several G35's when I first looked for a car. They're nothing special.

But I must say that I was quite disappointed when I found out that my TL uses a timing belt and doesn't have hydraulic lifters. Those are two maintenance items I can live without. The G35 uses a timing chain and I don't know about the lifters. Probably hydraulic like most cars.

And you probably don't want to add a supercharger. My friend bought a Jackson Racing supercharger kit for his Prelude and while it was fun, it added lots of problems and just wasn't up to Honda quality. He removed it and I helped him sell it on eBay.

Anyway, my thought is that this is why so many people are in money troubles. They can't stand not borrowing money or something. It's like, "oh no! I don't have a car payment! what am I going to do?!?! must get another car payment!"

Maybe you could save the money or use it to pay off your house so that you'll be 100% debt free. That's far wiser than spending it on something like this.

 

I'm with robocam- just not a compelling enough reasons for an upgrade. I guess it depends on how strong the desire to have the latest/greatest car (house, boat, rv, etc.) or do you want to build wealth and have a comfortable life.

I remember being tempted in 1985 shortly after buying a 1985 Prelude (no trim level options then) and finding the 1986 Si model came out 6 months later. The Si had more power and lots more options- these were options I really wanted like power windows, locks, spoilers, wheels etc. I fought off the urge and don't regret that decision one bit a year afterward and certainly not now. Then in 1988-ish the 4WS prelude came out and again I was in awe and wanted that too. I wound up buying a Toyota Supra instead and kept that car almost 10 years- that was a much better car than the 4WS Prelude.

By fighting these urges then, I used that money as well as the time not stressing about the next car to have to actually invest in stuff. 20 years later, I have a comfortable life style with no payments on anything but my amex card that i pay off each month. The cars are paid for and the house is too. The 401K gets max contributions each and every year.

You'll find that many wealthy people get that way by not making poor financial decisions and they generally don't drive the latest model car either.

 

omelet1978, I've been cruising the CarMax website the past couple of months seriously considering getting a 2008 Type S since the model change in 2009. I can't bring myself to do it, because I'll wind up paying $10k-$15k more for upgrades that can be done in total for much less. My rationale at this point is to keep the car and do upgrades on it. Once I get tired of that, I'll trade it in for a BMW.

 

... or possibly a 4th Generation TL if they ever get that whole beak situation resolved

 

"Anyway, unless the OP has tons and tons of cash (which I'm guessing not since he had to get a loan) I would think it highly unwise to go for such a minuscule difference of a car. It's like, "you're paying eleven thousand dollars for what?" Do you plan to race it?"

I don't know what this means. Minuscule difference hardly. The driving dynamics of a BMW are not even closely matched by an Acura. And the service record of every BMW that has been in my family? Impeccable. As for my brothers M3...Have your heard of a company paying for blown speakers and tires under warranty? Or my fathers X5 that ran to 150,000 miles without any major issues?

"What I mean is that if the type-S feels tons more powerful, and that difference is worth $11,000.00 to you, then you'll have to decide. I had a 2005 Volvo S80 before my TL. It had a 2.5 liter turbocharged engine that delivered its full rated torque beginning at 1500rpm. Even though its 0-60 is in the high 7's (I think) it felt very powerful. I could peel-out after I've started rolling. It was like it had the torque of a V8. The TL feels very wimpy in the lower revs. It's something I'll have to get used to."

What 11,000 dollars? I payed less than what most people pay for base TL's for my Type S.

"Maybe you could save the money or use it to pay off your house so that you'll be 100% debt free. That's far wiser than spending it on something like this."

This isn't the place for financial advice. If a person isn't smart enough to spend their money wisely, then that is their problem.

 

I'll make this brief, Test drive the Type S. Decide for yourself. I know what I would do. These other folks know what they would do. I can't make the decision for you. Good luck.

 

I faced this dilema at one time. I went into it with an open mind and test drove an auto and a manual type s. I wanted to "trade up" while my car was relatively stock and had fairly low miles.

I drove the auto version first and I really had to try and feel a difference in straight line acceleration. It was nearly impossible to feel a difference.

Handling was better for sure but far from what I wanted.

Next I drove the manual model and it was a nice difference but I didn't have a manual base to compare it to. Besides, I want an auto for my daily driver so I mainly drove it just to drive it.

In the end, I decided it wasn't worth the modest performance improvements.

My a-spec-Koni-RSB combo will blow a type s away in the curves.

IMO, all TLs are slow in a straight line and a .2-4 tenth reduction in 1/4 times just wasn't worth it.

There's no doubt the TL-S is a better car than the base stock for stock, I would never deny that.

If the TL-S was available in '06 I probably would've gotten one if the price was right but I don't think it's worth getting rid of a base model with no payment.

 

Thats pretty much how I feel. And with a 10 second Grand National, I think you know your stuff when it comes to fast cars. I'd love to see more pics of that Grand National. It's a very nice car. I always loved Olds's and Buicks from that period.

 

Miniscule difference between the base and the type S TL.

My dad had an E34 and it needed a radiator replacement early in its life. The E39 I test drove had a leaking radiator. If you search for "E39 common failures" you will see what I mean. If you check the reliability ratings at consumer reports, you will see tons and tons of black dots and the like. You can also read about common issues at MSN Autos.

I don't deny your findings. It's just that I think you're the exception. You got lucky.

The $11,000 is the money he'll lose by going from a base TL or a Type S TL.

How much did you pay for your Type S anyway? I'm curious.

Why not? We're people here. We're not computers. We're good people helping each other out. He solicited our opinion so we're giving them.

 

Going from a base TL to a Type S TL.

 

I was not making that comparison.

BTW, why did you chose a Acura over BMW? Just curious.

 

I could have considered a BMW when my Lexus was totalled. But, especially with newer models, BMW nickle and dimes you on luxury options. Historically BMW's reliability is not good, I don't care how many stepfather's brother's cousins have owned them and had no serious issues at all. They are statistically in the vast minority.

http://money.cnn.com/popups/2006/aut...ble/index.html

Go through the list. Acura has 3 spots in the most reliable categories, one of which was the TL. BMW has several in the least reliable categories.

Acura and Infiniti's lines right now, IMO, are two of the best bang for the buck entry level luxury cars that exist. And Honda indisputably has built and continues to build some of the most reliable cars on the market.

 

Good sum up because thats exactly how I felt when I drove a friends TYPE S, I just couldn't feel a difference in straight line.

Have you driven an 07-08 base though? Its alot more softer and plushier than ours I feel. I on a different suspension now, but I'm talking stock for stock.

 

I'm in the market looking at cars also and have driven an '08 base and an S and did feel a difference in acceleration. I read above that a base vs. fully modded TL-S was only half a car length difference. I find that very hard to believe. I have driven MT cars with specific numbers from R/T and C/D and must say you cannot always trust their numbers.

We gotta have two fellow aziners do a real world video on this, things just don't add up...

 

i wouldn't think that a 11-12% increase in HP is going to make a major difference. but remember the C/D test was an 04 model (with stiffer suspension, apparently, than the 07-08) with an MT and performance tires, not the plushier 07-08.

assuming both were autos or manuals, a fully-modded type S vs. a stock base TL with those results says more about the drivers than the cars, in my opinion (no offense). even 2 tenths at 60mph should put the other car squarely behind the lead, not next to it. but that close could be the difference between launches.

i agree. of course you'll have to find someone who hasn't modded their base TL...

 

Wouldn't it be cheaper for the OP to keep the Base and do some settle aftermarket upgrades?

I keep hearing everyone saying that that the S handles better and its faster, which is true in stock form. If the OP wants a stock car than I say upgrade, however, if the OP is planning on doing mods than the S just seems like a waste of money, even more so since the Base is paid off. When I was buying my car I looked at the S and it was an awesome car but I wasn't going to pay $5k more for better suspension, S rims and a minor difference in HP, especially since I know I can upgrade the Base for way less than $5k. Ultimately its the OP decision but having no car payment would be the definite deal breaker for me. Good luck!

 

Agreed.

The S is great for those who want a nice turn key car but don't have plans to mod, at least as far as suspension is concerned. Especially when compared to an 04-06 base with the stiffer suspension. With a RSB and equal tires you've closed the gap.

With the larger engine you have more displacement to work with and in theory each mod may make a larger difference but there's just not much difference.

Then again, the turbo and superchargers are not available for the S.

 

So it is true.. the 04-06 does have a stiffer suspension! I just learned something, it makes total sense why when I had the 07 loaner I felt like it was detached from the road. And having a stiffer suspension also gives you the sense the car is faster. Notice "gives you the sense".

Maybe that's why some people misinterpret this feeling as a tremondous difference in power and speed. If I was in the market for a new TL now, I'd only get the TYPE S.. but I won't sink 11k and give up no payments to get one.