Hello,
Need your thoughts.

Comparing M340i xdrive with TLX Type S.
I am indifferent to price but solely focused on the driving experience and engine sound.

I test drove both back to back.

I thought going into this that I would not like the Type S engine note or the “bigness” of it.

1) The handling of the S made me forget the size. Was shocked at how good it handled.
2) The ergonomics of the S felt better than the M. The M is the same 3 series as all of them outside and inside.
3) The looks are no comparison. M is a stealth package while S is has more pronounced gravity in part because it is bigger but also the styling.
4) Was shocked at how good the M felt and drove.
5) I was shocked that the engine note between them was not as much as I thought given the reviews. Yes the M is more growly but the S has a good if not great sound. That is now not a deal breaker.
6) Obviously straight line speed from a dig the M wins but that is not important to me.

So after driving both I am undecided. I really thought I would walk away with the M but now stuck.

So anyone go from an M340 to S?
Anyone go from S to M340?

If it matters on am more of a Honda guy. I currently own a 6 spd Integra and this would be an additional car for wife and I to share. She also likes to have fun driving.

Again the fact that the S is less expensive than the M340 xdrive when specked out does not matter to me.

I just left with being stuck at two great but different driving experiences.

Hey thanks for your feedback in advance!

 

The TLX is big and heavy, but I find that also makes it an awesome longer-distance highway cruiser, so if you do a lot of highway driving, then I'd lean towards the TLX. If you drive in cities or other tighter streets more often, the TLX's size is going to be very hard to ignore and maneuverability may even be a hassle or chore. The TLX is easily the most comfortable car I've ever had though.

Out on open roads, I agree - both cars are great and depending on circumstances, for different reasons too.

My favorite car I ever had was my 2011 BMW 335i xDrive. I still miss that thing. Would I miss it as much if I had a Type S? Probably not, but BMW does really make great driver's cars. The TLX has impressed me even though I don't have the Type S though.

If the performance aspects aren't convincing you one way or another too much (as both vehicles have made such a great impression), maybe consider other factors? Gas mileage, maintenance costs/schedules, cargo space, passenger comfort, dealership experience and convenience of getting to them, ease of use of controls on a day-to-day basis, etc.? Some of these may not matter as much, but if the cars are so closely matched to you, it sounds like something else (even if small) may be enough to be a tie-breaker.

You're in the enviable position of "needing" to make a decision between what I believe are two great choices!

 

M has better fuel economy, if that matters. TLs does seem more unique ont he road. I think more BMWs than Acuras, so you do stand out.
Exhasut can always be experimented and changed

 

I don't know BMW's that well, but sounds like the M340i xdrive is a 6-cylinder with AWD. Google shows it looks nice and I don't think it's as big and heavy as the TLX Type-S. I would probably go for the BMW (with a high trim package) or loaded (but don't go crazy and drive-up the price too much).

I like your ScreenName. That is one of my favorite movies (including music by Ennio Morricone).

Yeah, we used to only buy (new) Hondas and Acuras also (there are a couple of older ones missing from my sig because of allotted space)

 

Does the "X" brace in the trunk of the Type S reduce your future plans for trunk storage? It does limit what you can slide into the trunk even with the rear seats folded down.

The Type S is also missing the HUD, heated rear seats, and surround view camera that can be found in the TLX Advance package. You may want to compare this against what's available on the M340i.

Good luck!

 

You are in a different boat then i was because cost was a factor for me. $15g canadian difference was a big deal. However i would have struggled to go with bimmer anyways just because previous German reliability issues have pretty much permenantly scared me. im not saying that will be an issue because they seem to do much better now in reliability, but its a thought i couldnt shake. Thus far there has been almost no issues with the type S except for the puddle lights which i dont even care enough about to know if they are working right now or not.

The bimmer is both faster and gets better fuel economy, thats hard to accomplish. In a straight line the type S is quick, but the 340i is fast, and there is a notable difference. Real world driving it doesnt matter, on back roads i dont even think it much matters, especially since the handling of the TLX is a different sensation in itself. In a straight line though, the type S starts to loose its breath and the 340i just keeps going.

the 340i looks like every other bmw on the road, theres nothing visually “special” about it. Every time i look at the type S it gives me a “jeezus” feeling. My family does a thing where every time we are out in another vehicle and come home someone says “wow look at that car!” When we pull up to our driveway, and although its obviously a joke it does give you that feeling everytime you pull up on it.

youre not going to go wrong with either vehicle, just get the one that moves you more and dont look back.

 

I started out to buy a car thinking I was going to buy an M340. Done deal, end of discussion. I went to drive the BMW and left... uninspired? I learned how to drive stick on an E36 M3 and expected to feel the same sense of "I want to be in here all the time" that the E36 gave me. Instead I left with the feeling of a $60k drivetrain with stuff wrapped around it. The drivetrain is a piece of art, but that has become such a small part of how and why I use a car. You can't go around hammering it all the time, and when I wasn't, I felt an overwhelming lack of engagement. I'll probably get roasted for saying this but I enjoyed existing in a Kia Stinger and Genesis G70 more than the BMW.
Immediately after that I took my wife's 2020 MDX to get serviced at the dealer. (For background we leased the MDX solely because we got a stupid good offer, no previous affinity to Acura or Honda). While I was there I saw the TypeS and started asking some questions as I wasn't at all familiar with it. A test drive later I was sold. All the things that are 'problematic' with the car really either don't matter to me or don't manifest in the way you would think (like the size of the car). The BMW was faster, but frankly I'm not going to track the car, so it's got more than enough power to get me in trouble.
Buy whatever gives you the warm and fuzzies, even if it's not the car you expected to do that...

 

It sounds like you'd be happy with both. If it's a shared vehicle, how does the wife feel about each? If she favors one more than the other, that would be the deciding factor for me if I was in your situation.

 

Save up a bit more, and go for the M3. Acura has nothing in the M3 league for you to choose from.

 

Guys- thanks for the replies.
Yes GBU was a great movie.

So I put a deposit down on the S. The car will arrive at some point over the next month or so.
The trunk issue is not a concern for me.
The wife is indifferent either way. She likes both.

As one response said re M340 either M3 or bust so maybe that is in my future but now will be happy to get S.

Thanks for your help.

 

Congrats, but I don't understand your "M3 or bust" comment when clearly performance is not a priority for choosing the Type-S. If the Type-S is good enough, then getting the M340 is also an upgrade. As good as the handling may be, it's still a very heavy sedan.

 

Congrats on a fantastic choice! You will love the car. Fair warning about this forum, theres like 4-5 people that love to shit on the car so just ignore them and enjoy the new ride! What colour did you go with? Add Any options? I suggest the carbon fibre interior trim, it is a really nice add at a reasonable price.

 

Can't you just say "Congrats" and leave it at that without having to trash talk his decision with your rambling slight to his decision?

 

Congratulations!! Enjoy driving the Type-S when it arrives

 

Congrats! You’ll certainly enjoy the Type S. If you have a FB, I’d recommend joining the Type S group for insightful information. MPGs not too bad with ACC 😃

 

Because him choosing the M340 instead over the Type-S would also have resulted in only positive comments in this lovely forum. He asked for opinions, now I'm asking his as well. Just curious, relax.

Both cars are brand new, no one made the switch in this forum. Maybe in 2-4 years when lease is up.

 

What color combo did you go with? Is it a 2022 or 2023 at this point of the model year. 🤔. It's a very fun daily if that's what you choose. Mine is a hybrid garage queen lol.

 

One doesn't need to consider performance (or practicality) as a priority to purchase a M3, just having the killer-looking M3 sitting in your driveway is enough of a motivation for most, and in MasterCard's word : Priceless.

 

I am relaxed, just wondering why you can't do the decent and classy thing like the rest of us to just congratulate him instead diss and trash talk his decision (which was made by the time you sent your response). Perhaps you lack class or it's just the way you were raised

 

I did say congrats, so grow up. I question the comments about him saying things like money is no problem and M3 or nothing, but still getting the Type-S. It seems the M340 was never fully considered. He never responded to me or to the color chosen question, so meh.

I have no problem with him getting a Type-S, I wish him the best of luck in getting one and having years of enjoyment.
Now mentioning how one was raised just by some innocent comments, very classy ... goes with the forum these days.

 

And this seems like a personal attack from a AZ moderator, even classier.

 

It's human nature to want the best of something but also to segment things arbitrarily, consciously or not. Yes the M340i is overall a better performer than the Type S, but the M340i is second fiddle to the M3. On the other hand, Type S represents Acura's top trim and looks the part.
Some may prefer the best TLX over the second-best 3-series. I'm not saying that's entirely logical (it isn't) but that's just how it is.

 

Thank you for a respectful response with meaningful explanation. The reason why I asked is because the Type-S is always associated to price. Once that part is thrown out, it becomes interesting to know why only two cars were used for comparison. When I was shopping for my S5 SB, I didn't need to test drive anything else since my mind was set after extensive research. I'm just curious, that's all.

 

I’m quite surprised that many people cross-shopping those vehicles didn’t consider the CT4V blackwing considering it’s the epitome of performance and everything else in it’s “class” is inferior in regards to performance in nearly every category.

 

You did followed by questioning his decision with no innocent comments.

Nope just pointing out common decency and etiquette and not questioning his decision. You playing the victim now doesn't alleviate your first posting a snarky comments to the OP's decision.

 

Hey Guys- did not mean to start a “war” or rather healthy discussion so to speak.

The car is white with non-summer tires.

I was considering the higher performance tier of cars and thought about CT5 BW and M3/M4 and maybe even Vette. Maybe when spring rolls around here in the NE will consider.

But I am a Honda fan boy I guess having had 3 Si, one TSX , one ZDX 2 Civics and now new 6sp Integra.

After my drive with the S it seemed to hit the sweet spot for me at this point in time.

I have a friend who is bored with his new M3. I have another with a base Carrera who wishes he had gotten the Turbo S. I have another friend who has the Turbo S but is ordering the GT3.
And so it goes. Familiarity breeds contempt especially when your paying not insignificant money for these. I know you only live once but there are opportunity costs with these purchases.

I love my Integra and will love the Type S for what they are not what they are not.
The Integra 6 speed which is basically the Si with some outstanding upgrades (not in performance) in amenities is very engaging to drive. I think the Type S despite being a “pig” compared to Integra will be just as engaging.
Looking forward to when it arrives!

Best!

 

No, that was a direct attack. Man-up and accept it. Says the one now trying to explain etiquette.

 

Thank you for your thoughts. You did not start a war, others did so on your "pseudo-behalf".

I'd like to point out I was not trying to attack your purchase process, I just find it very interesting based on all the comments from the comparison thread. I guess having many friends around with high performance cars you get to witness their pros and cons. Then it becomes a "that's it" situation with the M340. So going with the Type-S being close enough and saving some cash can help in the future for others

Hope you get your car soon, all the best!

 

Hello,

Just to add I am not an exclusive Honda buyer and here is a list in the past of cars I have owned all bought new except for 69 Camaro.

1) Camaro ‘69 small block dragster with double pumper Holley. My Gosh had to baby that thing but fun. Compared to cars today a crude machine but visceral feedback.
2) STI , the first one with the huge wing when it came here. Worst shifter in the world but otherwise fun.
3) Cayman- what can you say. Outstanding.
4) Mazda RX8. Rotary engine. Believe it or not the SAME steering feedback as Cayman. Incredible but no power.
5) TT ‘97 Supra. OK- engine could NOT be destroyed no matter how much I increased the horsepower. Downside was big fat pig and lifeless steering. Sold it 8 years later for more than I paid for it with 75K bullet proof miles but don’t miss it. (I think the new Supra is a much better car- but my opinion only and yeah I know it is technically not a Supra but please get over it).
6) C4 Vette targa top. Believe it or not only mechanical issue was the AC went out once. Easily fixed. Never modded it. Compared to new ones a crude machine but straight line fun.
7) ‘98 Trans Am - modded it. Handled like a pig but loud and fun on a certain level.
8) Mitsubishi (remember them?) 3000 GT- not a performance car (not the turbo version) but rock solid and some fun. Can’t believe what has happened to that company.
9) Mustang Bullit - the first generation. Modded it. Loud, Loud and fun. Never had an issue.
10) The first Infiniti G35- red coupe. Not a performance car but a fun refined auto.
11) 2 Toyota 4Runners when you could get the stick shift version. My Gosh. Tanks and no weather conditions could stop them!!
12) F 150 truck with stick shift. Fun for two years and again did not recognize snow similar to the 4Runner. Treated it like a summer day and I lived in the hills.
13) Buick Riviera -‘83- when I was young.
14) Olds Cutlass when I was even younger that would leave me stranded now and then but was young and broke and all I could afford. I liked the coupe looks.
15) Toyota Sequoia - the family beast- a tank that could not be broken! I love the new one’s looks but do not need the family van type car any longer.

Lovin’ my new Integra and looking forward to S.
Best!

 

Meh, you're not man enough to apologize for dissing the OP's decision to buy a Type-S with your original statement. Now your playing the victim when you started it

 

TYPE S handling is on point. if you don't care 0-60, TYPE S is the best option out there. Congrats and Enjoy!

 

Here people praise you when you buy a non Acura product and ditch you when you get one lol! OP will get used to it.

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