I find the dimensions and specs of the 05 RL as compared to those of the TL interesting. The numbers say that the overall differences in power, capacities, and roominess are fairly insignificant. Clearly the RL has a more refined interior and power train. But it does not appear to be a significantly larger or more powerful vehicle. I have not driven, or even sat in the car though, so these observations are "clinical" at best.

I have a Microsoft Excel spreadsheet that compares the two. If anyone can tell me how to post it, I'll do so.

Some observations...

The TL has more room in the front.
The RL has more room in the rear.
With the exception of rear leg room on the RL (which is 3.86% greater) all other dimensions vary by less than 1%.
The RL's increase in exterior length and width is not matched by increases in interior space.
Wheelbase and track are nearly identical with the most significant difference being about +2" in the wheelbase of the RL.
Although power and torque are roughly 10% higher in the RL, power and torque to weight increase is only 2.89% and .85% respectively.
The RL has 1.21% more passenger volume and 4.58% more cargo volume.

At least from this perspective, the RL doesn't have much over the TL.

 

it has sh-awd :P

 

I noticed this info, too. RL isn't extremetly bigger or longer than TL... but agree, most of features or materials are all upgraded.

 

That's the main reason I'm interested in the RL... every time it rains here, the roads get all greasy. Used to spin the wheels on the old TL all the time! AWD is a big help.

 

is the RL built on the Accord platform as well?

 

The RL and the TL are "different" cars in that they are aimed at different markets - just as the TL and the Accord are aimed at different markets. To oversimplify somewhat, the TL is marketed to value-conscious people who like to drive; the RL is marketed to more affluent, status-conscious people who don't really like to drive. You will find the same distinction between models in the Lexus and Infiniti model lineups. The German cars, by contrast, are more or less all designed for people who like to drive.

 

Yes. Werd over at A-TSX is that Acura's considering an even more upscale, V8 car from a new platform, mainly used for Honda's trucks, to sit above the RL.

 

finally! did it really have to take them this long to figure out they needed v8 in the lineup to compete?

 

The price difference in Canada is about $30k more than a TL navi. Even though it is 300 hp it also weighs more than the previous RL. It does have some nice features but not $30k more than the TL imo. For me to be interested it would have to be a v8 for the price and alot more hp. I think I will be more interested in an awd 300 hp TL in 2006 or so.

 

give me a pm and i will host your excel doc

 

I realized that my math was wrong. HP to weight for the RL is 2.98% less than the TL. Torque to weight is 4.74% less.

 

Here ya go. This is the excel file that youngmic created.

 

You gotta love the 14.72% increase in width. The torqe output is a bit disapointing on the RL.

 

YES....but not the same.

The price of the new RL will be $48k

when the torque is distribute to the right places, it could make a world of difference.

 

In Canada it starts at $69,500 according to the review I posted which is quite a jump from the $44,000 TL Navi. It also is about $15,000 more than the current RL which currently is about $55,000 Canadian.

I like it but I like my TL more. For me its not worth $25,000 extra + 15% taxes just to own an RL.

I doubt if its even as fast as the TL as it is several hundred kg heavier and I am sure the awd takes away power too. They really have to get a v8 for that price.

 

The increase in width seems to be cosmetic only. Look at the "Track" numbers.

 

The US I mean US like in the UNITED STATES the Price will be $48-$49k.....

 

Move to Cars & Bikes now.

 

And as I've already ranted elsewhere, the lack of torque relative to horsepower makes the 300hp a disappointment. Especially with AWD, which will "steal" hp and torque. This is a car that will run with the V6 Accord in stoplight races, so the 300hp ends up being little more than marketing hype. The TL? It'll probably smoke the RL.

I guess I'm pissed because the hype (the big wheels, tough-looking stance, 300hp, etc.) made it look like this was going to be a high-class screamer ... maybe something that would take on V8 BMW 5-series and not embarass itself. But as car hype often goes, the RL is another disappointment. Not the big wheels, not the tough-looking big shoulders, a wimpy engine torque-wise. Another nice family car.

Mike