[clutch09]

Hey Guys,
Just drove to New York this past weekend with a couple of friends in my JB 330xi. My friend has a 2006 Acura TL (AT w/ Nav). First I want to say that I really like the TL, I think it's a great car (not as good as the BMW of course).
The TL is indeed a very fast car and I felt that from 0-60mph it had a slight edge because of better low-end torque (this 'edge' is very minimal) and if you're like my friend who is still an amateur at fast driving, the 330 can take the TL. However, once you pass 60mph, the BMW is just in a league of its own. I've always felt annoyed with my car for one reason, you don't know when you're going 80mph - you always feel like you're just coasting and it can get you into trouble if you're not paying attention and you happen to pass a cop. Nevertheless, from 80mph onward the TL just became a small speck of dust in my rear view mirror. One just doesn't feel safe to go 'all out' in it because of inferior brakes (only the 6MT has brembo) and handling. Overall, maybe with a little modification to the powertrain, one could easily beat the TL comprehensively.

[younghov85]

I really was thinking of getting the TL, but I was pulled towards the BMW because of its wonderful sport ability, far better than the TL. I felt that the TL was much better in its interior looks (not quality) and its cruising manners. Both great cars and either would have been a wonderful choice for anyone.

[gscone]

The TL is an awesome car considering it's $33/33k price tag.

[KL2DC]

As impressive as the TL is in showroom appeal and test results...the BMW has a certain abstract and visceral feel about it that the TL can't match. In choosing on the e90, I understand that I gave up on a lot of creature comforts (keeping within the same price range) and tech-gadgets...but I don't regret it one bit.

[Pazzuzzu]

I had a TL from 2004-2006 and it's a venerable car. Now that I drive a 330i, it seems like the TL use to have acow starpped to the hood, it was so nose heavy...compared with the RWD 330i.

As far as FWD cars, the TL will be remembered as a masterpiece of engineering. The stability controls was superb, when understeering in a high speed tight curve, it would break the appropriate rear wheel to send me into oh so slight oversteer...just to get me lined up.

I loved that car, but I can go through the same curves 10-20 m/h quicker with the 330i...confidently.

For FWD there is no match for the poise of the TL, luxury, limo interior space and handling, but it's no match for the 330i for handling. The 0-60 is very close.

That's my 2cents worth...

[gscone]

Originally Posted by Pazzuzzu

I had a TL from 2004-2006 and it's a venerable car. Now that I drive a 330i, it seems like the TL use to have acow starpped to the hood, it was so nose heavy...compared with the RWD 330i.

As far as FWD cars, the TL will be remembered as a masterpiece of engineering. The stability controls was superb, when understeering in a high speed tight curve, it would break the appropriate rear wheel to send me into oh so slight oversteer...just to get me lined up.

I loved that car, but I can go through the same curves 10-20 m/h quicker with the 330i...confidently.

For FWD there is no match for the poise of the TL, luxury, limo interior space and handling, but it's no match for the 330i for handling. The 0-60 is very close.

That's my 2cents worth...

Good, quick review

[voltron1011]

If the TL was rear wheel drive, I would have seriously considered it. To me the TL felt exactly like my brother's '01 Accord....

[NaTuReB0Y]

if the TL was rear-wheel drive or AWD....i would have gotten it.

[findtom]

The TL is a boat. There's a guy in my building who has one and he had to remove the bicycle rack in his spot to fit the car in properly.

I like it though.

[tl_boy]

You can get a 325i for that price tag too.

Made in Alabama
Made in Munich

Hmm.. thats a tough one.

Originally Posted by gscone

The TL is an awesome car considering it's $33/33k price tag.

[Pazzuzzu]

Originally Posted by NaTuReB0Y

if the TL was rear-wheel drive or AWD....i would have gotten it.

Had they put the Super Handling All Wheel Drive system found in the RL, in the 2006 TL even as an option...I regret to say, my bretheren, that I would have chosen a new TL without hesitation.

But, aided by one of the better technicians at Acura Brossard, we had a look at the undercarriage of both cars and there is just no space for the SHAWD under the TL without major rework, which would limit the interior (living) space tremendously, especially in the back seat area. So the TL was never designed to receive the AWD system in the future...too bad...for after my one week in a 330i, I will never go back to FWD again.

[Pazzuzzu]

Originally Posted by gscone

Good, quick review

Thanks :rocks:

[hotsand5]

I also considered one, and agree that the inside is impressive and roomy, however I could not live with the violent tourqe steer under heavy acceleration , especially off-the-line.

[Pazzuzzu]

True, but that was more of a pain in the dynamic (6 speed Manual which came with LSD) that the automatic.

Although I had to hold the steering wheel tight for 100 ft with the auto, when full throttling from a dead stop.

Best automatic launch: DTS off- hold the brakes...rev to 4000...let go...wait 20 feet then floor it.

[gscone]

Originally Posted by findtom

The TL is a boat. There's a guy in my building who has one and he had to remove the bicycle rack in his spot to fit the car in properly.

I like it though.

Boat? Thats a silly comment, buddy.

[gscone]

Originally Posted by tl_boy

You can get a 325i for that price tag too.

Made in Alabama
Made in Munich

Hmm.. thats a tough one.

IMO, 325 vs TL, I would cop the TLf or sure. Much more bang for the $$, plus better features..

TL vs, 330i, 330i hands down...

[Juve29]

The TL has a nicer interior and the seats are much more confortable. The probblem with the TL is that it just does not handle like a 3 series. Plus there is a lot of rattles inside. Eventhough, the TL as nicer interior layout then the 3 series it does not have the same quality feel to it. The BMW is a drivers car, the TL is a passenger car.

[clutch09]

Well put gscone. I would have picked the TL too if I had a choice between the TL and the 325i. The thing about the TL is that if you get the A-Spec Kit with the car (suspension, wheels, steering wheel, body kit), I hear that the suspension really does make a huge difference. A friend of mine has one and has commented that its handling is very close to that of the 3series, an interesting observation. Even though there are more rattles in the Acura, being a Honda-built car, it will definitely have lower maintenance and higher reliability as that has been the norm in Japanese cars. But who cares, the 3 is world car of the year 2006 and its friggin amazing.

[stymiedny]

OK

I too owned a TL 6-spd from 12/03 to 3/06 and I have to say it was a great car. BMW at the time could not compete with all the techno gadgets the TL offered.

Fast forward 2.5 years and the 330i has everything plus more (it will cost you) but the added benefit and a much more precision tuned vehicle is worth it.

I always thought it was hype when people would say BMW was in a class by itself and was very content driving my TL. Even when I test drove the BMW you really cant tell but own one and take it through your everyday lifestyle and man oh man this is a great ride

[stressdoc]

I get enough honda fwd torque steer driving our odessey van around. The TL would be great for room for the kids in the back, but even they refuse to compromise, and demand another BMW. Well trained... until they turn 16 and want their own bimmers.