Is the Acura TL SH-AWD 3.7L V6 engine as refined as the 3.5L V6 Lexus IS350?
12-06-2009, 04:34 PM
#1
Is the Acura TL SH-AWD 3.7L V6 engine as refined as the 3.5L V6 Lexus IS350?
I had a Lexus IS 350 3.5 liter V6 DOHC (306 hp/277 lb-ft torque) before getting my TL SH-AWD Tech in September. I have noticed that the Acura TL SH-AWD 3.7 liter V6 SOHC (305 hp/273 lb-ft torque) does not feel nearly as refined and as powerful as my IS 350. Has anyone compared both vehicles? If so, what did you think?
12-06-2009, 05:07 PM
#2
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
I had 09 IS 250 AWD for a few months before getting my 2010 TL 6spd, so I can only offer a perspective on the 250, not the 350.
The 250 of course had about 100 less hp than the 350, and obviously less powerful than either the TL or 350. The IS I recall was very quiet inside, and isolated me from the road and the car. I felt disconnected, as if I was watching the world go by me. Too serene for my taste.
The TL is also quiet; though not as quiet as the Lexus. But I feel more connected with the car and the road. The TL has a little more growl I can hear inside than the cabin than the IS at low end rpms.
I hated my IS with a passion. The only good thing about the IS was that its exterior is styled right and is a good looker. That's it. Even the navigation sucked; couldn't use the dam nav when the car was moving; what the hell is the point of the nav then??
The 6spd TL beats out the IS in terms of its transmission, comfort, interior design, performance, navigation, cargo space, and safety.
The 250 of course had about 100 less hp than the 350, and obviously less powerful than either the TL or 350. The IS I recall was very quiet inside, and isolated me from the road and the car. I felt disconnected, as if I was watching the world go by me. Too serene for my taste.
The TL is also quiet; though not as quiet as the Lexus. But I feel more connected with the car and the road. The TL has a little more growl I can hear inside than the cabin than the IS at low end rpms.
I hated my IS with a passion. The only good thing about the IS was that its exterior is styled right and is a good looker. That's it. Even the navigation sucked; couldn't use the dam nav when the car was moving; what the hell is the point of the nav then??
The 6spd TL beats out the IS in terms of its transmission, comfort, interior design, performance, navigation, cargo space, and safety.
12-06-2009, 05:21 PM
#3
Racer
Lexus prides itself in refinement so its definitely much more refined in terms of engine growl and acceleration. The best way I can explain it is that the IS350 has a muted acceleration to isolate its driver from the exterior noises while the TL has a throatier acceleration. But when it comes to Torque, the SHawd does wonders for the TL and is hands down the winner. Lexus may have refinement down to a sience but sacrifices performance by doing so. The TL in my opinion is just a tad bit less refined than the IS but is heads and shoulders above the IS in terms of performance.
12-06-2009, 06:08 PM
#4
Lexus prides itself in refinement so its definitely much more refined in terms of engine growl and acceleration. The best way I can explain it is that the IS350 has a muted acceleration to isolate its driver from the exterior noises while the TL has a throatier acceleration. But when it comes to Torque, the SHawd does wonders for the TL and is hands down the winner. Lexus may have refinement down to a sience but sacrifices performance by doing so. The TL in my opinion is just a tad bit less refined than the IS but is heads and shoulders above the IS in terms of performance.
12-06-2009, 06:13 PM
#5
I had 09 IS 250 AWD for a few months before getting my 2010 TL 6spd, so I can only offer a perspective on the 250, not the 350.
The 250 of course had about 100 less hp than the 350, and obviously less powerful than either the TL or 350. The IS I recall was very quiet inside, and isolated me from the road and the car. I felt disconnected, as if I was watching the world go by me. Too serene for my taste.
The TL is also quiet; though not as quiet as the Lexus. But I feel more connected with the car and the road. The TL has a little more growl I can hear inside than the cabin than the IS at low end rpms.
I hated my IS with a passion. The only good thing about the IS was that its exterior is styled right and is a good looker. That's it. Even the navigation sucked; couldn't use the dam nav when the car was moving; what the hell is the point of the nav then??
The 6spd TL beats out the IS in terms of its transmission, comfort, interior design, performance, navigation, cargo space, and safety.
The 250 of course had about 100 less hp than the 350, and obviously less powerful than either the TL or 350. The IS I recall was very quiet inside, and isolated me from the road and the car. I felt disconnected, as if I was watching the world go by me. Too serene for my taste.
The TL is also quiet; though not as quiet as the Lexus. But I feel more connected with the car and the road. The TL has a little more growl I can hear inside than the cabin than the IS at low end rpms.
I hated my IS with a passion. The only good thing about the IS was that its exterior is styled right and is a good looker. That's it. Even the navigation sucked; couldn't use the dam nav when the car was moving; what the hell is the point of the nav then??
The 6spd TL beats out the IS in terms of its transmission, comfort, interior design, performance, navigation, cargo space, and safety.
12-06-2009, 06:22 PM
#6
05 slate grey e500 AMG sp
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The SHAWD is a power leach there is a ton of driveline loss compared to rwd check Bob's Dyno on the RL site. The IS is also .2 liters smaller with equivalent power.
12-06-2009, 07:01 PM
#7
Racer
I agree, the IS 350 is a very quiet ride compared to the TL SH-AWD. Sometimes I had to check if my engine was even running... I guess that's what Lexus means by the "the pursuit of perfection". Regarding perfomance, IMO the IS 350 feels much quicker than the TL SH-AWD. However, I agree the TL SH-AWD system is impressive. Remember, the IS 350 is rear wheel drive only. I found the IS 350 quicker for passing and merging into busy traffic. I recall the Lexus service advisor telling me that the IS 350 was a much quicker vehicle that GS 350 due to weight (303 hp/274 lb-ft torque). So maybe the TL-SH-AWD does not feel as fast because of weight?
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12-06-2009, 07:15 PM
#8
I had a Lexus IS 350 3.5 liter V6 DOHC (306 hp/277 lb-ft torque) before getting my TL SH-AWD Tech in September. I have noticed that the Acura TL SH-AWD 3.7 liter V6 SOHC (305 hp/273 lb-ft torque) does not feel nearly as refined and as powerful as my IS 350. Has anyone compared both vehicles? If so, what did you think?
I know this might sound like I'm 'splitting hairs' here, but I also believe that the differences will be equally small. In all likelihood, many of these things are going to be design decisions, for example, if the Lexus is more 'refined' it's because it's their "thing". If the TL lets a little more engine sounds or vibration, it's because that's the cars 'sportier' mission in life. Does that make sense?
12-06-2009, 07:32 PM
#9
The IS350 is expected run a 0-60 in 5.6' .... and a 1/4 mile is about 14 flat
Acura does not list their performance times... but im pretty sure you can run low 6' times, and a 1/4 mile might be 14.3~ for a 5AT... the 6MT will be a little better
The IS350 is i believe around 3500-3600lbs... the SH-AWD TL (with Tech 5AT) is about 3975lbs... big difference
If the IS350 came in a 6spd, it would probably land in around 3400-3500lbs.. and would be dominating its class, or at least holding its own against a 335i
The J Series motor, is a fantastic engine IMO, the only thing the IS350 engine has, that i think is better, is DOHC....
Toyota/Lexus's VVT-i is not as good as V-TEC, because the V-TEC in The SH-AWD TL lifts both the intake and exhaust valves
Acura does not list their performance times... but im pretty sure you can run low 6' times, and a 1/4 mile might be 14.3~ for a 5AT... the 6MT will be a little better
The IS350 is i believe around 3500-3600lbs... the SH-AWD TL (with Tech 5AT) is about 3975lbs... big difference
If the IS350 came in a 6spd, it would probably land in around 3400-3500lbs.. and would be dominating its class, or at least holding its own against a 335i
The J Series motor, is a fantastic engine IMO, the only thing the IS350 engine has, that i think is better, is DOHC....
Toyota/Lexus's VVT-i is not as good as V-TEC, because the V-TEC in The SH-AWD TL lifts both the intake and exhaust valves
12-06-2009, 07:42 PM
#10
Three Wheelin'
They're both very refined engines. Lexus is famous for noise isolation and a quiet ride, so their cars will definately ride more smoothly than Acura and have quieter interiors. As far as performance, the problem in the TL is the weight and 5-sp auto. The 5sp SH-AWD feels more like a car with a 270 hp V6 rather than one with 305 hp. (Although the Takeda ram intake helps a little in this dept.). I think the best experience in the TL is with the 6sp.
BTW, I think as a group, the Lexus V6 engines rank below only to Infiniti and BMW 6 cylinders as the best in the business. They are smooth, powerful, and get very good gas mileage. (It's surprising that the Lexus LS 460 V8 engine gets similar mpg as the TL's 3.7!).
BTW, I think as a group, the Lexus V6 engines rank below only to Infiniti and BMW 6 cylinders as the best in the business. They are smooth, powerful, and get very good gas mileage. (It's surprising that the Lexus LS 460 V8 engine gets similar mpg as the TL's 3.7!).
Last edited by PetesTL; 12-06-2009 at 07:44 PM.
12-06-2009, 09:07 PM
#12
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
The IS350 is expected run a 0-60 in 5.6' .... and a 1/4 mile is about 14 flat
Acura does not list their performance times... but im pretty sure you can run low 6' times, and a 1/4 mile might be 14.3~ for a 5AT... the 6MT will be a little better
The IS350 is i believe around 3500-3600lbs... the SH-AWD TL (with Tech 5AT) is about 3975lbs... big difference
If the IS350 came in a 6spd, it would probably land in around 3400-3500lbs.. and would be dominating its class, or at least holding its own against a 335i
The J Series motor, is a fantastic engine IMO, the only thing the IS350 engine has, that i think is better, is DOHC....
Toyota/Lexus's VVT-i is not as good as V-TEC, because the V-TEC in The SH-AWD TL lifts both the intake and exhaust valves
Acura does not list their performance times... but im pretty sure you can run low 6' times, and a 1/4 mile might be 14.3~ for a 5AT... the 6MT will be a little better
The IS350 is i believe around 3500-3600lbs... the SH-AWD TL (with Tech 5AT) is about 3975lbs... big difference
If the IS350 came in a 6spd, it would probably land in around 3400-3500lbs.. and would be dominating its class, or at least holding its own against a 335i
The J Series motor, is a fantastic engine IMO, the only thing the IS350 engine has, that i think is better, is DOHC....
Toyota/Lexus's VVT-i is not as good as V-TEC, because the V-TEC in The SH-AWD TL lifts both the intake and exhaust valves
Not too shabby
I'm sure as other reviews test the 2010 TL 6MT, they will post their own performance figures. But I surmise 0-60 times will be around low 5'
12-06-2009, 10:29 PM
#14
The 6MT SH TL is the only current TL model that is in line with the GS350 RWD and AWD. Until Acura gets the 6AT and an auto tranny that can be brake torqued/launched their auto models will remain slower than the competitions but at least they offer a manual.
12-06-2009, 11:54 PM
#15
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
The auto, more of a touring sports sedan; the 6MT, a spirited and aggressive, yet neutral handling, rock solid powerful driver's car. IMHO...
12-07-2009, 07:12 AM
#16
Pro
Now, I can't make an on-topic statement as I've never driven the GS350 so I'll just shut up now.
Have a good day!
12-07-2009, 07:33 AM
#17
Safety Car
The IS350 may seem better, but they have the engines have the issue with the knocking noise that is loud and Lexus says it's normal. The GS350 also has this issue.
12-07-2009, 09:00 AM
#18
Grandpa
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A significant minority of the potential purchasers look at the 0-60 and 1/4 times that are published in the motoring press, and will come away thinking that the automatic TL is slower than the competition.
The old bullet proof 5 speed automatic was the only logical choice for the TL at the time it went into production.
But they should speed the inclusion of the 6 speed automatic as soon as it is practical.
12-07-2009, 12:47 PM
#19
Three Wheelin'
Bragging rights. That's the problem.
A significant minority of the potential purchasers look at the 0-60 and 1/4 times that are published in the motoring press, and will come away thinking that the automatic TL is slower than the competition.
The old bullet proof 5 speed automatic was the only logical choice for the TL at the time it went into production.
But they should speed the inclusion of the 6 speed automatic as soon as it is practical.
A significant minority of the potential purchasers look at the 0-60 and 1/4 times that are published in the motoring press, and will come away thinking that the automatic TL is slower than the competition.
The old bullet proof 5 speed automatic was the only logical choice for the TL at the time it went into production.
But they should speed the inclusion of the 6 speed automatic as soon as it is practical.
I would say the 6-sp AT is most likely coming out in the 2011 model, along with new packaging options such as the Advance Package (as seen in the new ZDX).
12-07-2009, 01:16 PM
#21
The same publication, Car and Driver tested the IS 350 0-60 mph (automatic) at 5.1 sec. Lexus does not offer the IS 350 in a manual transmission. That may suggest that a manual IS 350 (if offered) may bring in a 0-60 mph time in the high 4s.
12-07-2009, 01:34 PM
#22
2010 TL AWD 6MT: New King
It would be interesting to compare dynos/performance figures of the IS 350 and TL 6MT. It appears the 2010 TL's newly engineered manual transmission "off sets" some of the hindrances of its heavier weight/size/baggage accrued from the SH-AWD (compared to the auto version).
12-07-2009, 01:37 PM
#23
Agreed! However, I'm always wondering what % of the piopulation use the braque torque ability when they go to work? Probably some smidgen fraction of the population. I'm not nitpicking on you, don't worry, but I can't stop myself from laughing when people talk about 0-60 & 1/4 mile times when talking about speed. While it's nice since it gives you an absolute measure, it's very rare you'll use that kind of launch ability when you'll drive normally, no?
I usually only pay attention to trap speeds because it's a fair indicator of what is going on in terms of hp to weight and I feel it's good for everyday driving comparison. With the 5AT as high as 99 mph and the 6MT as high as 101 mph that makes either SH TL in line with the best of it's similarly powered, sized, and weighing competition. Some might run better down a track or test better in a magazine but as you said no one is really driving a car like for their daily commute.
12-07-2009, 03:48 PM
#25
The Sicilian
Engine wise, I think they are very compadible. They are both very dependable and I do wish the TL had a more performance oriented exhaust system. Even the G37 sounds aggressive compared to the TL. But I definitely like the road feel you get from the TL versus the Lexus.
12-07-2009, 04:58 PM
#26
Burning Brakes
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12-07-2009, 05:38 PM
#27
Pro
This 100% correct and it is something I didn't want to get into with my post but I am glad you brought it up since most people go off of what they feel (torque band and shorter gearing) and what a magazine or timeslip says it runs but that does not always translate to real world driving and scenarios and doesn't necessarily mean anything is faster. Most of the time 2 cars in comparison are too close to ever officially label one as faster.
I usually only pay attention to trap speeds because it's a fair indicator of what is going on in terms of hp to weight and I feel it's good for everyday driving comparison. With the 5AT as high as 99 mph and the 6MT as high as 101 mph that makes either SH TL in line with the best of it's similarly powered, sized, and weighing competition. Some might run better down a track or test better in a magazine but as you said no one is really driving a car like for their daily commute.
I usually only pay attention to trap speeds because it's a fair indicator of what is going on in terms of hp to weight and I feel it's good for everyday driving comparison. With the 5AT as high as 99 mph and the 6MT as high as 101 mph that makes either SH TL in line with the best of it's similarly powered, sized, and weighing competition. Some might run better down a track or test better in a magazine but as you said no one is really driving a car like for their daily commute.
Did you know that when I got my 2003 Honda Civic, I was 25, was about to become a lawyer and had no insurance problem but it still cost me close to 2k$CDN per year to insure a 25K CDN car? All thanks to dumbasses who race their Civics and end up wrapped...around telephone poles and trees...
...To be honest, I care about 0-60 and 1/4 mile to see the potential but I know too well the reality is different altogether. I don't spend my life bench racing so I don't care the 0-60 time of a Subaru WRX with a 6MT is 4,7-4,9 seconds...my car isn't a penile enlarger...
12-07-2009, 07:03 PM
#29
Pro
12-07-2009, 07:28 PM
#30
Instructor
If you took the Japanese luxury brands, and on one side you have comfort, and on the other sportiness. It's Lexus far into the comfort end of the scale, Infiniti on the opposite end, and Acura somewhere in the middle. The same probably applies to their regular brands, Toyota/Honda/Nissan. At least this is how the marketing wants us to see it.
12-05-2012, 01:10 AM
#31
Acura TL's and Honda in General have beaten Lexus in Crash safety which the IS received one of the worst rateings compared to the ilx, and tl and etc.. toyota Camry even reiceived a better frontal crash test... soo overall the acura is the safest and will always be!!! all around acura's will be the best cars. every auto maker has there flaws... you can learn to love them or hate them... but your gonna have to deal with them 
btw The new Tl and tsx are great cars the Tl has a 280 hp j35 while the tsx has a 11-1 201 hp k24z7 engine these cars are new so there power band are very consistent.
btw The new Tl and tsx are great cars the Tl has a 280 hp j35 while the tsx has a 11-1 201 hp k24z7 engine these cars are new so there power band are very consistent.
12-05-2012, 01:13 AM
#32
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=560
Poor Front crash rating...for the Lexus
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=436
Good Front crash rating for the Acura
which one will you decide??!!! I will go with the car thats sportier and safer!!! TL ftw!!!
Poor Front crash rating...for the Lexus
http://www.iihs.org/ratings/ratingsbyseries.aspx?id=436
Good Front crash rating for the Acura
which one will you decide??!!! I will go with the car thats sportier and safer!!! TL ftw!!!
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