Allen K

iTrader: (4)

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/...son/index.html

FIRST PLACE: Audi A4 3.2 quattro
Premium cabin features, premium road sensations, and premium curb appeal justify a premium pricetag.

SECOND PLACE: Acura TL SH-AWD
Bang for the buck proves out of luck due to controversial looks, somewhat sluggish acceleration.

Here's a quick synopsis of the article:

The A4 was faster in a straight line despite being 40HP/30TQ down.

The TL handled better but MT is assuming that a lot of it is due to the TL being on PS2s while the A4 is on All Seasons.

They do admit that the TL would do better in a track day while the A4 would be better for a daily commute.

I'm thinking the 5 speed is holding the TL back on the acceleration test because the 40HP/30TQ advantage that the TL has should be enough to make up for the extra 103 pounds it's dragging around.

All in all I'm pretty disappointed because for the most powerful Acura ever built, it should have dominated this test especially since the V6 Audi is the least impressive of the 6 cylinders in the class (G37/IS350/335)

FKL

Proves that you can only guise up a Honda Accord so far - The TL lacks the sophistication, grace and harmony that should benefit a premium car in this price range. Just look at the side by side comparison pictures - the Audi A4 represents the essense of elegance, poise and refinement - all traits that a Honda Accord in drag will never be able to compete with.


And just to prove you never get a free lunch...The TL lacks design precision and refinement to boot.



vs.

TRDFantasy

Wow, that side-by-side picture is beauty and the beast .

I must admit I am really surprised, that the A4 was actually faster in a straight line than the TL. The A4 is one of the slower cars in this class in terms of straight-line speed, yet it still beat the TL? Things just continue to get more embarrassing for Acura.

Also further embarrassing is that the Acura was equipped with the sportiest options/tires and package, while the A4 was not.

bitkahuna

iTrader: (20)

that tl front overhang is unforgiveable.

the audi though is elegant.

TRDFantasy

Audi has always been a great example of FWD-based cars with styling done right. Front overhangs are short, and Audi models always have very nice proportions.

whoster

the rear overhang is unforgivable as well.

it's all hiked up too.

wmb0000

IMO, the Audi is a beauty, even compare to the IS/BMW/Inifinity/Merc competitor. I like the look of the Audi best. I am really disappointed in Acura

rdgdawg

The TL just flat out sucks... internally, it's okay, but there's just too much to overcome

Mr Johnson

FKL: Regarding the shark fins. If you mean the design of the shark fin I have to disagree. The Acura shark fin is IMO a much better design. If you mean the gap on the shark fin then... yeah.

LexFather

Exactly. Amazing how Audi has always figured out how to make FWD designs elegant. This is the first Audi sedan on the new engineering to give it less FWD looking proportions. The TL makes the Aztek look like Sara Varone (Google is your friend). No TL is going to the track so PS2s are overkill and when owners see the price of them, I am sure they will be replaced with General Tires

This is the 2nd mag to pick the A4 over the TL.

The G Man

I am not suprise at the numbers, Acuras have always drive slower than their HP numbers for some reason.

FKL

Yeah, the gap is unexcusable. I am willing to write it off as a pre-production glitch (the one on my Accord is sealed much better), along with the mismatched paint on the body typical of many Honda/Acura products, but still, it's all embarrasing.

Allen K

iTrader: (4)

Like I mentioned in my first post, it has to be the 5AT. The last gen TL, while not a rocket, was a lot quicker with the 6MT when compared to the 5AT.

Lexwang07

I am still prefer an Audi A4 3.2! My kind of car. The styling of Audi A4 3.2 pretty good design. The brand new styling Acura TL doesn't selling like hot cakes. It's dame an ugly.

jwong77

I had no idea the A4 was still on a FWD chassis, it looks just like a RWD car. And to think the old school Acura Legend's did this almost 20 years ago.