If anyone can help I have 2 questions. On a 2007 type S.
1. If I put in a K&N Air filter by itself ( all i can afford ) Will I notice anything?
2. When I bought my car I asked the Sales Mgr. for Acura that the 286 HP for the TL/ S seemed underpowered compared to Infiniti And Lexus. He told me that Acura adopted a different HP rating system and that it normally would be around 300+ compared to the old system--??? Any feedback on this.

P.S. I chose the Acura because I liked it best not because of what I was told. I also had a 2005 G35 sedan, and my TL/S feels faster on the highway.

 

Do you mean that the 286 HP seemed understated? I thought the G35 and IS350 both accelerated a bit faster when I was shopping around.

 

I was told that Acura subscribes to a more stringent HP requirement ? Meaning that 286HP is equal to about 300-310 of another mfg.

 

Dealer is telling half a lie. Basically it's .

The SAE (Society of Automotive Engineers) did put in place an updated HP measurement method. Under the current method, the TL-S measures 286 HP at the crank. Under the old standard, it likely would be in excess of 300 HP.

Now here's the lie: Lexus and Infinity ALSO use the new standard. So the current G35/37 and the IS350 state (IIRC) 305 HP at the crank. You can compare that number DIRECTLY to the TL-S 286 HP.

The reason the TL-S is "under-powered" is, IMO, beacause the TL-S is based on current Gen Specs. A 3.7L (or possibly a 4.xL V8) is hoped for in Gen 4.

Second, the TL is FWD and can only get so much power to the wheels before becoming a torque steer nightmare (AWD is expected in Gen 4).

IOW - Acura will probably catch up in Gen 4.

 

From the Acura Owner Link Site regarding the 2007 TL-S stated HP and Torque ratings:

 

Thank you to your response bearcat..