I love my '07 TL, and I will be getting another when my lease is up in the next month or so. Three years ago, I found the TL-S to be a little too souped up for my tastes. But now I'm faced with the question of whether to go for the base model with tech or the SH-AWD with tech.

I live in Los Angeles, and have a very short commute to work, so foul weather is thankfully not a factor for needing All-Wheel Drive. But safety and drive comfort are of course big factors, and I do like bells and whistles, so my question is, given that I don't need AWD for weather or terrain concerns, is it still worth it for improved performance?

Looks are also important to me (of course). Is there much of an aesthetic difference between the TL and TL SH-AWD both on the exterior and the interior? I can't really find any interior side-by-side pics to compare the two. The one factor that may draw me to the TL (without AWD) is that my favorite cover of Black and Parchment is only available in that trim level.

Thanks in advance,

Lee

 

AWD and FWD have only sublte differences in looks, the biggest being Wheels!! They ride night and day different, more different than 3G TL vs. Type-S in my opinion and I owed all flavors of 3G. I hated the FWD 4G too soft and steering sucked IMO. I love the AWD, it rides tiht, firm, but not punishing and has great seats!

 

I would describe the TL SH-AWD more like the sport package that is available on some other vehicles (stiffer suspension). Acura's SH-AWD is different than competitive systems becuase it designed to improve handling in dry weather conditions and not just inclement weather. The most visible difference between the base TL and the SH-AWD TL are the wheels. However, Acura now offers an 18" wheel upgrade on the 2010 base TL for about $1000. Personally, I would go for SH-AWD Tech but it's your decision.

 

The AWD's ride is very sporty. It's not Lexus cushy and soft, but firm and very Germanic IMHO. You feel more of the road, but definitely not punishing. I can't comment how a 3G TL drives, but I used to have a 1G TSX; my TL-AWD easily out handles and out performs the TSX FWD drivetrain.

AWD performance is there. It sound like you care (like most of here on AZ) about how a car performs; with the SH-AWD the TL is a very neutral handling car. Almost zero understeer, and you can tackle corners with blinding ease.

Since you're in LA, like you said, you probably don't need to worry about nasty weather conditions. But with AWD, you can always take that occasional ski trip to Mammoth with confidence.

 

Lee, the exhaust is different and the tips have a vertical center bar giving an immediate clue on the rear end that it is not the base model. On the front it is readily apparent by merely looking at the turn signal bar above the fog's (no reflector on the SH-AWD as it is open for brake ducting). Other than those two styling clues the exterior's are identical.

Safety, identical, with perhaps some saying that the AWD will be slightly safer due to having superior handling capabilities, however, that handling really, imho only comes into play when you are being somewhat aggressive in the twisties and more often than not (of course depending on your driving style***drive it like you stole it) will not be called upon that often in a city environment.

The suspension, is tuned a bit differently for the AWD and I believe that it comes with slightly larger sway bars too if I remember correctly. Again, in the city for the most part, this fact will be lost on you. Of course you are getting the 305hp 3.7l powerplant.

Interior wise, the only difference is the stitching on the hand brake, shifter knob and steering wheel with the latter being fatter and having bolsters on it for hand placement. You also will notice that the side bolsters on the front seats are deeper and the seat seems to cradle you more for stability when you are carving up the twisties.

I hope I am not missing any of the major differences, but in reality there aren't many.

As far as whether you "need" the AWD or not, it really comes down to personal preference. If you are driving it a majority of the time in the city, then you most likely will never put the superior handling or additional ponies to the test and for the most part you will not notice any discernible difference in cornering at city speeds.

You will also be losing an advertised 1mpg for having the extra horses and AWD. But that really should not be a factor in your decision as city mpg's are going to suck any way.

I personally have found the SH-AWD to have a noticeably smoother yet firmer ride suspension wise. I think I read somewhere, it was purposefully softened a bit in order to enhance the SH-AWD.
(I may be completely wrong on that)

In the end, think about what kind of driving you will be doing the most of and be sure to test drive both of them. Try to simulate your commute and then make your decision based on that.

Either way I don't think that you will be disappointed.



my opinions only.

Hope this helps

 

Sorry I did not include this in the previous post, but I purposefully left out wheels as the 2010's are now available with the same 18's on both the base and awd as stated in the above posts. From what I am seeing most people are getting rid of the 17's and at min, putting the 18's on anyway, so you really are only left with the exhaust tips and front turns as your exterior clues, well other than the SH-AWD on the trunk

 

You don't need one but you will want one

 

I for one went from 17's to 19's and I can tell you the ride is night and day. I think there is a major reason why they made the FWD with 17's it was so cushy which wasn't bad but when I put 19's on the car it became so much more engaging and fun to drive.
On the pricing sideb it didn't justify the extra $120/month for the AWD on my lease payment right now. Depending when my lease is up I might go the AWD route. If your into tech stuff the Tech package on the FWD and the AWD are the same,.

I also have less than a 2 miles commute to work. Here in NYC while the winter weather can get bad its never bad enough where you would have to take out the snow chains for the tires. Not enough twisties to validate AWD, but in the rain and whenever the light snow would come I guess it would be handy but who knows with this global warming.

 

Thanks for all the terrific and insightful replies! I will definitely test drive both. I do go over twisty canyon roads every other weekend or so, so that is a bit of a factor, but not a big one.

My dealer says the residual is a little lower on the AWD, which will bring the lease payment up about $40/month. Not a huge deal, but that, combined with being forced out of my first color choice could draw me back to the non-AWD.

 

You won't ever not "need" SH-AWD. Go for it if you can.

 

Your first post said that the TL Type-S was a bit much for you in the 2007. If that is the case then you definitely don't want to go with the SHAWD. Factor that with the fact that you are partial towards black/parchment combo, go with the base model because that is where you'll spend your time the most. Good luck with the purchase and welcome to AZ

 

SH-AWD = TL-S but with more power and a drive train to accomodate that. Like Chaiwala said, if you didn't like the TL-S, you probably won't like the SH-AWD, but test drive it, you never know...

 

Actually, I should be more specific about my feelings on the TL-S. Truth be told, I never test drove it. I wasn't crazy about the (for lack of a better term) "race car"-esque features. I felt like the base model had a more streamlined, luxury feel to it. Now it seems the aesthetic gap between the base model and the SH-AWD is narrower, so it's a harder decision for me. I'll definitely test drive both, and let that be the true deciding factor.

 

Plus if you're someone that prefers to shift manually, then the SH-AWD is the only choice as the 6MT is not available in the base model.

That was the main factor for me in choosing the SH-AWD, of course the improved handling, performance & 305 HP didn't hurt either!

 

If you are looking for aesthetics, the SH-AWD is better IMO because of the quad exhaust and the lack of front reflectors to make room for the cooling ducts. Other than that(minus the wheels which is a choice on 2010s)the car is the same.

I understand what you mean by boy racer looks on the Type-S with the striped brake lights and the very noticable difference in the wheels. I agree aesthetically the Type S did well look like a TL Type Sport. This is simply not the case with this generation TL atleast for now.

 

This is the same question I asked my self when I bought my base Tech TL.

I could see that a lot of the posts here compare the TL AWD to "like a BMW/Audi".

IF I wanted a BMW I could have easily bought a BMW, (i returned my 07 750Li for the TL, so money is not so much an issue), If I wanted something to handle, I would have bought a Porsche or a Lotus.

IF I wanted something fast, I would have bought a 2010 ZR1 Vette. And If I wanted superfine luxury leather interior, I would have bought a Designo S550 Benz.

My point is, I bought the TL for its total purpose, an affordable all around everyday car that is not pretending to be something else. I would have never used the SH-AWD in my normal everyday commute.

 

I can never understand why people always associate AWD with bad weather. Acura's system is called "Super Handling", not super cold weather drive, or super snow plowing drive. I bought the SH-AWD version because I always want the top of the line model with anything that I buy. I hate to know that there is a better model out there of something I have. Like others have said, test drive both and decide for yourself. I drove the AWD version first, as I never considered getting the FWD model. After buying my AWD, I had to get a FWD for a loaner, and trust me, I couldn't wait to get back in my AWD. Talk about night and day!

 

I hear what you're saying, but you failed.

You didnt get the "Top of the line" RL with SH-AWD.

 

The 3.7L in the AWD doesn’t make the car go faster. The extra added weight of the AWD cancels out the bump in HP. It is the stiffer suspension, retuned electronic assist steering, and SH-AWD that improve the handling which makes the car faster. After all, Acura is still a luxury brand and they want to be able to offer the comfort to those people who are looking for a softer ride. I personally find the AWD ride too hard so I’m glad Acura offers this option. If I lived in west cost or down south where the roads are generally in better condition I might of opted the AWD.

Oh and if you get auto, the shift paddles on the AWD is silver and the FWD is black

 

Actually acura naming the AWD system "Super Handling" is very clever. How many G37X or GS350AWD do you see in warm weather state? Probably very few, Acura can sell the Tl SH-WAD as also great in bad weather, go into an acura dealership and get a brochure. I can bet you your TL that one of the pages are going to have the SH-AWD driving in rain. Someone sitting in traffic on a 3 mile commute to work doesn't need SH-AWD when you are paying for an added feature. Lets be honest and many have said on this forum the SH-AWD suspension is more firm than the FWD. I guess when he test drives it he will feel it especially since the TL-S was a little more race like feel. With extra bolsetered seats and thicker steering wheel I think it might be a little more race car esque. Nothing against SH-AWD but from what he's telling us the FWD sounds like it might be the better option.

Another question: How are your roads? I'm from NYC and when we drive we look down before looking ahead to make sure we don't hit any potholes another reason why I leaned more toward the FWD.

 

Okay, my mistake! Let me clarify, I meant top of the line for that particular model, not top of the line for the entire brand. So for example, if I would have bought a TL back in '07, I woulda got the TL-S over the base, or base with nav. Sorry for the confusion.

 

I test drove both the FWD and the AWD and decided to go with the AWD for several reasons. Mainly I felt like the ride was smoother, tighter, and more "real".

While you may not have snow where you live, you still have rain, sand, and oil on your roads like everyone else, where AWD can help. Also the AWD doesn't give me any oversteer like I used to get with my 07 FWD TL. Another plus is the 18in wheels you get. They look much more at home in the wheel well than the 17in wheels.

On the down side, you take a hit on MPG. The hit small, but real. But in my book its worth it. I'll just buy a bit more gas for safety.

 

I say go for the SH-AWD. It'll grip the road better, the acceleration is better, the ride is better, and if you're ever stuck in bad weather you'll be glad you have it.

Of course, I had no choice. I wanted manual!

 

Had the car for a couple of months, and finally had a few chances to open her up. The speeds that you can get through some turns is scary fast. Way faster than you should ever be going through turns, unless you know 100% there are people or things that could get in your way, because if they did you'd not have the reflexes to avoid them.

You can feel the AWD kick in on semi-tight turns, but its is crazy fast on tighter turns.

On ramps are very fun

 

"Need" SH-AWD? No, of course not.

I just bought a 6-6 SH-AWD yesterday. I took a particular isolated corner at 5 mph faster than I have ever taken it in my 2006 Accord 6-6 HFP Coupe in all-out, almost tail-out mode.

And the TL had more to offer than I was taking.

No, you don't need SH-AWD. It's up to you, but considering what a good buy these cars are right now, I would get it if you can afford it, plain and simple.

:-)

 

The only complaint I had about my 07 TL and 04 TSX was the torque steer when I accelerated quickly. Both cars would yank left and right like crazy and were hard to control sometimes (what? I like to drive fast sometimes). My wife got an 07 RDX just after I got my TL, and I remember saying to myself "If they ever put SH-AWD in the TL I will be all over it."

They did, and I am.

Not to mention, and I don't really see anyone else saying this, but the engine in the AWD just sounds meaner, more throaty, if you will. I'm loving it, and totally glad I went with the AWD.

If you can, do it.

 

My 2010 TL SH-AWD 6MT suffers some torque steer, and wheel chirp before the AWD engages. Despite the on-screen chart, I think it's basically open to the rear until slippage occurs, by which time it's a bit too late.
I'm sure it's better than FWD, but coming from Quattro, it has some room for improvement. Any chance of a software fix?

 

Concur with skipdeez for the SH-AWD: "If you can, do it." Am, thrilled with FWD TL w/ Tech. It's a major step-up from 2004 RSX-S that we traded in after 110K. Simply, could not swing the extra few $K's for a SH-AWD. Believe me, we're wanting of the AWD, upgraded seats, FAT steering wheel, way-cooler rims and the additional performance... "If you can, do it."

 

In the highest performance scenarios, I agree with you that there is an infinitesimally small but perceivable hesitation while the car decides what it's going to do.

I used to have a 6.3 litre Mercedes. When you were driving that car enthusiastically, the air suspension would seemingly take forever to decide the set it was going to take in manoeuvrings, by which time you'd find yourself having to countersteer through a turn.

The SH-AWD is nothing like that...it's an SH-AWD hesitation of less than a split second...but it's noticeable to the average human, I think.

It's a different way to drive, and it takes a tiny bit of getting used to.

 

I have heard that if used incorrectly SH does not act as it is often described. You should gas completely through or at least out of the turn otherwise you will experience understeer and then when VSA acts on SH to correct this, which can do so without applying the brakes and often unknown to the driver, it can cause a very delayed response. I have not had much aggressive driving time behind the wheel of one so I really can't say if that's the case or not.

 

Yes. Do it!

 

You must have one.

 

You'll never "need" AWD here in LA. Now, do you "want" it...that's the real question.

 

Just a quick update...

I finally had the chance to test drive both the AWD and the FWD. I preferred the AWD slightly, but the preference isn't strong enough to merit a several thousand dollar increase in price (or over $100/month higher lease payment). Combined with the fact that I can't get my precious Black/Parchment combo in the AWD, I'm going to go for the FWD.

Here's one more question... I now have to decide between the FWD with standard wheels or the 18" wheels as found on the AWD. Aesthetically, it's pretty close for me. I think I like the 18" wheels slightly better. But what difference will I experience in drive quality? Will the addition of 18" wheels on the FWD give me back that tightness I preferred when I test drove the AWD? If so, it's definitely worth the extra $10-$15 a month for the 18" wheels. If the difference is solely aesthetic, I could live with the standard wheels.

Thanks again so much!

Lee

 

I have the 18's and I think the new tires and wheels transform the look of the car. I cant say what does for the suspension, as I do not remember what the stock ride was like. I bought my car with the 18's on them. Look in the picture thread and I believe my car as well as other have pic with the 18's. I can say the ride and handling is very acceptable for the size of the car

 

I myself was fighting a similar battle. I drove both cars a couple of times and ultimately decided on the AWD trim. My fight was whether or not to spring for the Tech Package. At this point to think I will opt to get a model w/ out the TECH.

 

let's put it this way...i live in NJ where we got "decent" winters..hehe and I do NOT need an AWD...front wheel drive w/ tires in good condition never gave problems. The reason I got the the FWD was basically $$$ but if I could go back I'd definetely get the SH AWD, not because I need it but because is a much better ride.

 

Thanks, everybody. Any other thoughts on what difference the 18" wheels make on a FWD in terms of drive quality? Again, if the difference is purely aesthetic, I can live without them.