Hey Guys

So I've read many reviews on edmunds from users and many talked about comfort especially on the AWD model.

From driving the AWD model I've noticed the same thing when hitting small bumps, each are noticeable to me so I've been very careful.

Any idea if this issue is just due to the tires / tire pressures being 40 40 40 40 for me as that's how it came with the dealership, and system checked all = ok.

Thanks

 

The tires are inflated to 40 all around at the factory, but the dealer during PDI is supposed to adjust them to the spec (I beleive that is 32 for stock 18"). While the AWD is a firm ride that you will feel bumps, I find it far better at soaking them up than my 08 Type-S was. I'm also sure if your tires are at 40 then you are feeling far more than you normally would since the tires are far stiffer at 40 psi. I usually run my tires at 34-35 all around on the AWD.

 

I lowered my pressure on the SH-AWD to 35 PSI (COLD). Factory recommendation is 32 PSI. When they get really hot, PSI can reach 39-40. Remember that MAX pressure for these tires is 44 PSI.

 

My car too came with 40psi on the tires... apparently it's a common mistake for the dealers to NOT lower the pressure to 32psi or so (I've got the 18"-ers).

After I lowered them myself, it seems a bit less stiff, but still a much firmer ride than my 2000 TL was. In comparison, I carpool with a guy who has a 2008 TSX, and I've found that ride surprisingly "jittery" especially on some of the SoCal bumpy freeways. My older TL was much better at soaking up some of the smaller bumps and road surface irregularities. In is TSX, when I try resting on the way into work, I can't seem to keep my head against the headrest, as the bumps tend to bounce everything around.

The new '09 AWD I'm driving is somewhere in between... definitely not as jittery as the TSX, but clearly moreso than the base model and my prior drive.

Closer to the Audi A4 w/19" sport tires I almost bought actually... that car was very firm and you felt EVERYTHING... that was a bit too much for me, and the AWD TL is acceptably firm.

 

you guys need to start checking your tire pressures like your life depends on it....

as for a harsh ride, i havent driven the sh, but the standard tl felt like a cruiser compared to my type s which feels every stinking little bump in the road...

 

FWIW, That's Max cold tire pressure.

 

So should I bother w/ my tire pressures or just leave them?

 

N/t

 

?

 

I've said it before so I'll say it again. I was completely sold on the SH-AWD car UNTIL I drove it. I found the ride to be absolutely harsh and jarring. I didn't like the [overly] heavily bolstered front seats and I found the steering to be entirely too heavy for comfortable daily use. So I figured before I moved on to another brand I'd give the FWD car a try. Holy crap, what a difference. It felt much lighter and more nimble, it had just the right balance of firmness and ride compliance and the steering was simply perfect. Further icing on this already great cake was that the seats were nothing short of perfect. All this and a savings of about $4k.

Oh, I almost forgot to add, you'll get at least 2mpg better gas mileage.

 

Interesting thread, as I've been really feeling the bumps around LA lately, and I'm on the stock 50 profile tires? I do feel it is better than my 3G though, and I realize that I had 45 profiles on that, but the way the car absorbed the bump is what I'm feeling now, it's less "percussive", for a lack of a better term. I'm also quite happy with the FWD, no regrets.

 

Another thing I was amazed by. Every FWD car I have ever driven has some (or a lot) torque steer. The FWD TL has none, and I do mean none. I almost couldn't believe it. How the hell did Acura tune the dreaded torque steer so completely out of this car?

I also found that the AWD car doesn't 'coast' well -- that is, when you're up to speed and take your foot off the gas, it begins to slow down MUCH more rapidly than the FWD car. It's as if it's competing against all of it's internal mechanicals and losing the competition. This is part of what makes the FWD car feel so much more nimble. And I do think the 'official' EPA mpg numbers aren't going to really tell the story of the differences in real life mpg differences between these two cars.

 

Yes, this is because the SH-AWD has an upgraded sportier suspension. Tire pressure can relieve some of that as well. Still can't get over how well this car turns. Enjoy your SH-AWD!

 

^+1

 

everyday

 

Actually, when I first had my FWD 4G, I did notice some torque steer.....not as bad as the 3G's but it's definately there. Also, the FWD is quite nose heavy and it has a tendency to plow into turns pretty easily. The AWD car on the other hand, has better weight distribution and flies through corners like it's on rails. Even when the pavement is wet with rain, this car will fly through any turn with absolute precision....amazing! Right now, I switched my 18" snow tires with my 19" rims and summer tires.....the ride is still sweet and handling at times defies physics!

 

Weight distribution (% front / rear)61 / 39 | TL
59 / 41 | TL SH-AWD

2% difference. Hardly seems like a deal breaker.

 

....it's a small difference but you can definately notice it. The biggest difference, of course, is SH-AWD. The AWD car is going to launch almost perfectly every time. And as far cornering, forget it.....the AWD will eat up the FWD, on wet or dry ground. To me, the AWD TL is the only Acura outside of a NSX that can compete handling-wise with a BMW. But anyways, I can see PsychDoc that you don't seem to particularly care about the performance aspects of the 4G....that's fine by me, you like your ride to be comfortable cruiser and I appreciate all the fine, sporty things the AWD TL can do.

 

PetesTL-Lets not forget the RL it's AWD system is the most sophisticated out of all Acura's vechicle and I know would give any Bimmer a run for it's money.

 

I'm not sure what the slalom times for the current RL is but a while ago, Acura was showing off what the 6MT TL SH-AWD could do in a slalom as it beat the 335i and G35 on a track course. The SH-AWD TL also did over 0.9G on the skidpad.....unequaled by any Acura other than a NSX.