ragincajun

So I'm going to be purchasing a new car in the next six months or so. My requirements are a manual transmission "sports sedan". Two of my main competitors are the tl type s and the g35.

My mom was at an Infiniti dealership looking at FX's, and I noticed that they had a 2007 cbp acura tl type s in 6mt and I knew that I had to drive it. While i was there, i decided to also drive a g35 even though amazingly they didnt have ONE g35 or g37 in 6mt on the entire lot (2 or 4 door).

ACURA

First impressions were that I did not like the cbp color on this car. I am a bit concerned that the car looks a little to "tuner special" in general, and the cbp in my opinion accentuates that type of look. The car in general had a nice size to it. Not too big, not too small.

Interior/Ergonomics

This car had the tan interior. I did like the look of this inteerior, and the seats were fantastically comfortable. The shifter felt good, everyghing was placed well. The backseat size and comfort was also very good. The trunk was very spacious. Overall, the interior was very good.

Electronics

The screen was ok. The stereo sounded pretty good, but nothing amazing imo. The resolution of the screen and its overall design is a bit dated as compared to the more modern cars available. I did not get a chance to test the bluetooth, but im sure it works well.

Driving Impressions

First impresssions were that the cars shifter is smooth as hell. I cannot remember a car that was easier to drive smoothly in my life. I felt like I couldnt bog a shift if i wanted to. Made for a nice drive. The engine sounds were very muted which surprised me. The car was also not quite as powerful as I expected. This might have been partially enhanced because of the lack of sound from the engine. Not nearly as vocal as the g35.

FWD was an experience. I did feel the dreaded torque steer and squirrely feeling that came with it. Overall, fun car to drive and it handled well even though I cant say i really liked the feeling of FWD.

G35

The styling is decent on this car to me. Though my family and friends find it classy and expensive looking. My thoughts are more like "meh" towards the styling. Its ok.

Interior/Ergonomics

Good size, but smaller than the TL. Seat comfort was much worse imo. Stiff seats and cheaper leather. Styling is conservative but boring. Decent interior. Did like the placement of the nav screen.

Electronics

Very good nav unit and display. I was really impressed with this unit. This is one area where the g was vastly superior to the TL in my opinion. Stereo was decent, but its a BOSE. I dont like BOSE so id prefer the tl unit here.

Driving Impressions

It was a bummer to have to drive the auto. This cars power also did not blow me away. More powerful than the TL, but really mainly noticeable that low end and mid range power is more plentiful. The engine also sounds much better. Maybe an intake on the tl (honda engines always sound damn good with an intake) would open it up a bit.

The handling was equally as good, and id give the steering feel and the fact that its not fwd the nod over the TL.

OVERALL

I came away lukewarm on both. I liked things about both cars, but really wasnt in love with either.

If the TL had about 20-30 more whp and torque especially in that midrange and a better functioning nav, id be sold. As of now, im not convinced.

If i had to pick today, the tl would likely edge out the g based on styling, clutch feel and interior comfort.

Fun test drive and I look forward to driving some more cars and a manual transmission g35 or g37.

Shift_Acura

So you already have an 03 G35 Coupe? Why not try a 3 series?

ragincajun

Yes I have an auto g35 coupe. I want a four door car and manual trans in my next car.

I fear the hpfp issues that plague the 335. The 328 is too slow.

majin ssj eric

Try a G37 sedan. Its a little snappier....

ineedmyfixofacura

iTrader: (2)

Nice write up, one thing that made me smile was you saying how nice the TL shifted. I myself own a 2003 RSX Type S, my cousin let me drive his 2001 BMW 540i for the first time, and I was blown away by how nice it felt when I shifted, like there would be no way to screw up, so smooth every time. My RSX is stiff, and some gears even grind if I'm lazy which sucks. I was worried the TL would be the same, but clearly I was wrong. I'm 18 so I don't think they would let me test drive one to feel it, but I do plan on buying a TL-S 6MT as a car to keep for a long time to come.

ragincajun

I'll have to make sure to give the new g37 a look too.

As for the manual transmission, I liked the one on the rsx-s too, but the tl feels smoother and easier to drive to me. I felt like the rsx had a stiffer clutch feel.