So the 3.5L in the TL-S is supposed to be from the Acura RL.

However, the Acura RL is rated at 290hp/256ft*lbs and the TL-S is rated at 286hp/256ft*lbs. Both of these values are AFTER the de-rating from the new system. I realize that the TL-S runs the J35A8 and the RL runs the J35A3, but what's the difference?

Does anyone know what accounts for the RL having 4hp+ over the TL-S? Is this a part that can be easily swapped over, or is this simply ECU mapping?

I'm sorry if this has already been discussed (there's a lot of threads to dig through).

 

I'm guessing Honda bumped it with timing or fuel. With the RL being the flagship of the lineup, it obviously needed to be the most powerful as well. But, the RL has 600 lbs on a TL-S, so it is by no means real world faster. This is probably the last year for the RL as we know it... rumors are the 2011 model will sport a V8 and RWD, as it should be to compete in that market and price range.

 

you will never feel 4hp

 

the rl might be the flagship but the tl is the best looking of the line up...

 

I would look at stock dynos of RLs vs TLs to see if there is really a difference. Not sure if it would even be relevent due to the AWD. What I'm getting at is it's normal for a manuracturer to rate their flagship with a higher hp than a lower model. My other car was rated 5hp less than the Vette every year it was made yet destroyed it in the real world.

If there is a difference it's probably due to the intake tract or exhaust tract being different.

 

I wonder if some RL owner anywhere has even taken his/her car to a dyno... not exactly an enthusiast car there.

 

I think I remember an RL dyno'ing around 200 whp.

 

my brothers 05 RL is 3500lbs and my 08 TL-S is 3600lbs plus the RL does have aluminum body parts as well. I think because of the fact that the RL is AWD they rate it better.

 

but the tl is acura's bread and butter...regardless of the rl being acura's flagship....more tl's than rl's sold

 

 

'05-'08RL is 3,984lbs. Much heavier than even the heaviest TL (TL-S).

AWD shows less hp to the wheels than FWD or RWD.

 

Who knows? Maybe a difference driving accesories robs a few HP. Maybe it's just natural variation in the test rig?

It's 4HP at the crank. Who cares.

 

x2

 

I was gonna say the same thing where did your brother pull 3500lbs out of? lol No way in hell does a big RL weigh the same or less than a TL. Your brothers bullshittin you ;-) unless ofcourse he gutted the crap out of the car which would be stupid since its a big luxury car thats not fast no matter how much it weighs.
My 08 TL brochure rates the 08 Type S 6mt at 3,559lbs which is the lightest of the TL bunch and for the 04-06 the 6mt would also be the lightest.

James

 

The RL is AWD??? Could that AWD setup work on the TL?

 

how much does the tl-s 5at weigh? it should be the heaviest tl right?

 

07-08 tl w/ navi AT weights about ~3636. tl-s 5at should be about 3500. definitely not the heaviest

 

Alright so I did a lot of comparing on the RL, TL Type S, and Infiniti G35 before I finally settled on my Type S 2008 and if your comparing all 2007+ models this is my take! Type S wins!
1. 286 horse 4 less than RL..big deal you won't notice
2. Lighter!
3. With average miles lets say 50,000 Type S wins again with price..best bang for your buck! RL's are more expensive usually
4. My opinion Type S has best looks hands down
5. Only downside might be the 4WD versus the FWD but depends on how you use your car
Not saying I know everything but I'm completely satisfied with my Type S! =)

 

AWD* not 4WD ha its quite late here!

 

^^ Damn I always get them to Confused FML. N/M but thanks