3G Type S owner's impression of 4G TL after 2 days of driving

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Old 02-09-2011, 07:49 AM
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3G Type S owner's impression of 4G TL after 2 days of driving

My 3G TL type S is at the Acura dealer for the first time in nearly 4 years for some minor warranty issues (SES light, broken seat heater and a few misc. rattles). I was given a 2010 TL Tech (non SH-AWD). From the outside Im still getting used to the drastic styling changes but I have to be honest that its certainly grown on me some..... I used to think the car was butt ugly and now while Im certainly not in love with it, Im finding it to be easier on the eyes. I am anxiously awaiting the 2012 release today to see what Acura has in store for us in both the looks and specs department.

On to the driving experience....... Im amazed at how "small" the car drives for how large/portly it looks from the outside. Its quick and nimble and seems to be well balanced. It honestly feels like the tuning is more aggressive with better low end torque and less torque management on shifts. I also find that it seems the engine revs quicker from a response standpoint. I like the what seems to be smaller diameter and much fatter steering wheel, very minimal torque steer compared to my 3G as well.Many of the driver controls are familiar/similar and while Im still getting used to them Im not really happy about the Navi controls losing the "touchscreen" ability. My biggest complaints thus far are the HFL controls.... it seems you cant dial by voice anymore or just say "redial" etc..... My second big complaint is the "today's destinations/destination list", I use this feature regularly in my 3G TL.... it lets you add 5 destination and tells you the distance from closest to farthest, it also lets you switch the order around if you see fit. The 4G is not user friendly in the least bit. Now in defense of the 4G I dont have the owners manual so I may be missing something regarding both the HFL and destinations. Certainly these things are not deal breakers but minor disappointments. On to the good now..... The ELS system is a quantum leap better than the ELS in my 3G, I added a 10" sub to my car which helped but the mids/highs of the 4G system are absolutely amazing as well as the low bass in stock form. The addition of the HDD and Bluetooth audio is a great feature, so nice to be able to listen to the music from my iphone without wires..... sound is crystal clear too.

After driving this car I would say that I am more inclined to possibly purchase one down the road. I mentioned earlier Im awaiting the 2012 release...... besides the toned down styling that been rumored in addition to spy photos I would really like to see the addition of the 6 speed auto as well as a bit more power. I would definately opt for a SH-AWD model as I feel that would be one of the biggest upgrades from my current 3G Type S. Overall I feel Acura did a nice job with the car from a driver standpoint. I typically buy a new car ever 2-3 years but I have been waiting as nothing has really sparked my interest..... I have considered spending more money and looking into Audi S4's, Caddy CTS-V's. In the past I have considered Infiniti G's but to me the styling is a bit on the blah side while the TL is currently a bit over the top....... Ive been so happy with my Acura ownership experience over the past 10+ years and 4 cars that I would like to purchase another Acura Vehicle....... lets just hope I like what I see today with the 2012.
Old 02-09-2011, 08:34 AM
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the sh awd is more sporty thats for sure...i came from a type s, and although it took me a little while to get used to it, the sh awd is superior to the type s in all aspects...i like the interface dial over the touch screen, for me its just easier....

the hfl is way better then the 3g, you dont have to enter your contacts as it does it for you, plus you can either use bluetooh or usb mem or ipod for music and it interfaces with your nav screen...plus you can store music on the hard drive too...
Old 02-09-2011, 08:35 AM
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I agree with your findings. I test drove a AWD TECH yesterday and the first cool thing I noticed was the small diameter steering wheel, thick and easier to grab (I too have a 3G TLS). Handling was excellent and well balanced compared to the FWD 3G.

When I punched it entering an on ramp, I didn't fell that aggressive downshift and surge of power compared with the TLS.

One wierd thing I noticed was how the cheap-cheap-cheap the inside latch to open the door. It was plastic and felt flimsy, like I was going to break it if I was in a hurried state to open it. The 3G's inside latches are actual metal and feels more substantial. The navigation had crisper graphics.

Only if the 4G's looks is as balanced as its driving dynamics....
Old 02-09-2011, 08:50 AM
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I agree - wait until you drive the 6MT version, really a totally different animal.

I came from the 3G and really didn't know what to think of the knob control, other than that it was nice I would have no more fingerprints and it would be easier to see in bright sunshine. At first it took some getting used to but like most thing after a couple weeks it was a non-issue. There is not one thing I miss about my 3G that I wish my 4G had, not even the touchscreen Nav.
Old 02-09-2011, 09:48 PM
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threadisfullofwin

i wish more people would be open minded about the 4G and its potential. I stopped in the dealer to shoot-the-shit with the sales people (they know me well) and i signed the papers within 45 minutes of test driving and sitting in the 4G TL.

everything about the car is superior to the 3G TL-S... except for the lack of Bi-Xenon projectors and only having paddle shifters.

i did kind of like the carbon fiber accents on the 3G too

i loved my TL-S (still, my favorite TL i had) but the 4G drove 20x better, with a much MUCH better interior and super nice technology. UA7 was a nice looking car tho
Old 02-10-2011, 07:18 AM
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After another day with the car Im certainly liking it and getting more used to the controls that function differently from the 3G. Im pretty pleased with the results of the mid model change on the 2012...... the car is a welcome transition from the 3G now. Im hoping the 6 speed improves the straight line/acceleration aspect of the car some, it would be really nice to see standing 1/4 mile times closer to 14 flat so its closer on par with the competition. When I do purchase a new car in the next 12-24 months I will be taking a strong look at Acura again (largely due to the 2012 changes) which would make my 5th Acura purchase. Im also very interested in the CTS-V which I would likely purchase CPO about a year old so I can keep the price as close to $50K as possible, Infiniti G is not out of the questions and I have also kicked around going Audi S4 or Audi A6 with the 3.0 supercharged engine. As you can see by my choices I would really like to go AWD but I will make an exception with the caddy, it will do just fine with snow tires and if it gets too bad I can drive my H2. I do really like my Type S and there is nothing strongly propelling me to make a change right now but due to age alone I will be making a change in the next 12-24 months.

I will be very curious to see the reviews from owners here once the 2012's hit the showrooms, cant wait to see it at the Chicago Auto Show when I go next week.
Old 02-10-2011, 07:23 AM
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I was originally dead set against a 4G but now that I am in a position to keep my 3G and start looking for another ride, I am not as turned off.

I'm going to head over to the dealer to check it out. I don't have a Type S but I can give a comparison to a 3G 6MT with a turbo.
Old 02-10-2011, 07:29 AM
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Originally Posted by KN_TL
I was originally dead set against a 4G but now that I am in a position to keep my 3G and start looking for another ride, I am not as turned off.

I'm going to head over to the dealer to check it out. I don't have a Type S but I can give a comparison to a 3G 6MT with a turbo.
No comparison needed.
Old 02-10-2011, 09:43 PM
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MVR 155 - you have to drive a SH-AWD model - I had an 04 TL and like you had it in for service - was given a 4G FWD loaner - that got me interested - later I test drove the SH-AWD model and was sold

Push it hard in a corner and you will be amazed as to it handles compared to 3G
Old 02-10-2011, 10:22 PM
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SH-AWD is a different beast.

the 4G has the best audio system of any car. if you could only pick one or the other (tech vs awd), go SH-AWD
Old 02-10-2011, 11:09 PM
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agree with Blackura... best OEM sound system I've ever experienced... combine the power and the ELS system and long trips are an absolute blast!! Addictive almost
Old 02-11-2011, 12:07 AM
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what about pure acceleration?

a couple of you have mentioned that the 4g is better than the 3g in every way. but the 4g is slower than the 3g tl and that's a real issue when you consider the g37 is faster than both. i know very few of us ever race but it's nice when you know you can get onto the interstate faster than the guy next to you when merging.
Old 02-11-2011, 08:28 AM
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disagree... the stock 4G in 6MT form is faster than any stock 3G TL out there.
Old 02-11-2011, 08:36 AM
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its just a better car...shawd makes the car....
Old 02-11-2011, 09:21 AM
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Originally Posted by lji
disagree... the stock 4G in 6MT form is faster than any stock 3G TL out there.


I came from a 3G TL-S and the 4G 6MT blows the crap out of that car. It may be a bigger car, but more HP and better gearing (IMHO) helps a lot. 0-60 is great, but once you get it into a corner and as you feel understeer you actually push the gas to correct, it's a thrill.
Old 02-11-2011, 01:27 PM
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i just saw the new 4G... I want to sell my 06 RL and get the new TL with that body kit.

sick
Old 02-11-2011, 01:31 PM
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The 4G model that is slower is the FWD and that is only when compared to the 3G TLS or 04-06 6MT and it's only marginally slower than the auto TLS. Under typical acceleration stats, like 0-60 and 1/4 mile, the 5AT SH is on par with the 3G TLS 5AT and the 4G 6MT is the fastest TL to date.

My assumptions are that the FWD 6AT for 2012 should return to 3G TLS auto numbers and maybe a bit better and the SH 6AT will probably be very close to the current 6MT but still fall a little short of it due to the auto's extra power loss and weight.
Old 02-13-2011, 01:27 AM
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Originally Posted by jharrison
a couple of you have mentioned that the 4g is better than the 3g in every way. but the 4g is slower than the 3g tl and that's a real issue when you consider the g37 is faster than both. i know very few of us ever race but it's nice when you know you can get onto the interstate faster than the guy next to you when merging.
I dont know what 4g you drove but I have a 2006 3G and a 2011 AWD and I love the 3G but the 20111 AWD blows the doors of off the 2006 model.
Old 02-13-2011, 06:32 AM
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Originally Posted by hondo164
I dont know what 4g you drove but I have a 2006 3G and a 2011 AWD and I love the 3G but the 20111 AWD blows the doors of off the 2006 model.
I'm taking delivery of a 2011 SHAWD 6MT next Saturday, finally putting my 2004 6MT to pasture. I've test driven the 2011 a couple of times, and while the 04 is a worthy competitor, the SHAWD leaves it in the dust.
Old 02-13-2011, 08:47 AM
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^^ Excellent Purchase!
Old 02-13-2011, 10:37 AM
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Originally Posted by halls120
I'm taking delivery of a 2011 SHAWD 6MT next Saturday, finally putting my 2004 6MT to pasture. I've test driven the 2011 a couple of times, and while the 04 is a worthy competitor, the SHAWD leaves it in the dust.
Congrats.

On e clarification before I offend any of the 3G owners, I love my 2006 Tl and it is still in the family being driven by my 18 years old son who is a senior in High School. However, these are 2 different cars, the SHAWD is faster, surer footed and has a bigger foot print........and has a more aggressive styling that befits it.
Old 02-13-2011, 12:09 PM
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I loved the style of the 3G (never owned one but I drove it more than once) but in my opinion it was not worth the premium price over my fully loaded manual Maxima of the time.

As much as you may not like the 4G styling, it is undeniable that it's a much more refined car than the 3G.

Bigger, better seats, more "padding", less rouad noise, more powerful and with the SH-AWD option on a total different category.
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