jason60050

I just bought a new 2009 GS 350 AWD and my friend is telling me I am an idiot for not getting the new TL AWD...what are some of the main differences between the two vehicles so I can tell him he is an idiot!!!! Some of the features and technology seem to be the same between the two vehicles yet the TL was about $9k less...

ReyRey305

iTrader: (3)

he is just jealous, lol .

jason60050

Looking at everything online...it seems the TL is not even the direct Acura competitor to the GS. It looks like the RL is the direct competitor to our GS.

TWong350

iTrader: (8)

The main difference?

GS = Beautiful and sleek
TL = Ugly and Alien-ish looking

Rexus300

iTrader: (1)

The new TL is so hideous it makes me want to cringe when I see it. It also has a busy interior that is similar to the Honda counterparts. Also, Lexus has a better service and reliability than Acura and better look inside and outside. My old 2002 TL was a classic.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

lol, of all the cars i consider in this segment, tl is NOT in the picture. that's all i'd say

bzss7x

As a 6 year owner of a 04 TL - which I traded for a '10 GS - I can say your friend needs to drive both and he would not even utter such nonsense. The TL is a fine automobile and very high tech, but it is not close to the same drive.

And BTW, that TL redesign may be one of the worst in modern automotive history.

cowsgomoo

iTrader: (2)

Super Treated haha.

Modeler

I had three TLs before getting the GS. TL is not in the same category of cars as GS. Everywhere you look the TL is referred to as "near luxury", where as GS is a true luxury car. Too many things go into this equation, but some of the key ones are:

- The quality of interior materials.

- The quality of service.

- How quiet the car is.

I do believe TL offers among the best values in the near-luxury category. The best value place is now firmly held by the Genesis.

Yang1815

iTrader: (1)

Your "friend" needs to keep his personal opinion to himself and not call other people who don't agree with his personal opinion idiots.

I had a 2TL before and there is no comparison. TL should be the competitor of ES350 however sporty they want it to be.

BinaryJay

I don't have the same hate for the new TL that most people do... I think it looks alright in it's own futuristic boy racer kind of way. Not really for me, though. Worst part of the design is the can opener nose.

It's trying a bit too hard to be flashy, and I think a few years will go by and it will start looking dated. Lexus did a great job of designing the GS to look good without succumbing to fashion trends.

Yang1815

iTrader: (1)

Yeah no kidding. When the 2TL was first released, I loved it and that's why I bought one. But then the re-style of the huge headlights pushed me away. Then the 3TL was a beautiful car as well. But now the 4TL with the rest of the Acura and the whole nose shield/bulldozer look? Kills me.

LexFather

Before I start the TL is a fine entry level luxury car when you can get past its horrendous looks. Its main advantage is the SH ricer name AWD which does provide a performance advantage for people to argue about on the internet since owners will not track EITHER vehicle.

Now this is how you state your case
-GS built in Tahara, Japan an award winning plant
-TL built in Ohio alongside the Accord
-GS is true Japanese world car, sold here, in Japan, in Europe, Asia, Middle East etc
-TL is design in California, built in America, for America, by Americans.
-GS starts at 45k-65k
-TL starts at 35k-45k, and like others have stated is a class below the GS, it is in the IS/ES class.
-GS proper RWD platform with 70/30 RWD split in normal driving
-TL uses Accord FWD platform with 30/70 FWD split in normal driving
-GS has won design awards for its design
-TL has been mocked and bashed by everyone
-GS has real wood and 3 different wood choices
-TL has no wood choice and if it did it would be fake
-GS Mark Levinson is fantastic
-TL audio is good but not to the same level
-GS makes better use of space
-TL is longer, wider with hardly any more room and the same size trunk and a terrible example of efficient design
-GS has 4 piston calipers up front
-TL has 2 piston calipers up front
-GS makes 303hp from 3.5 liters and the AWD model has been tested at 5.3 seconds
-TL makes 306hp from 3.7 liters and only the manual can hang with the GS 350 AWD. The auto TL is slower than the GS 350
-GS has titanium gauges
-TL has Lexus like gauges
-GS 350 has 6 speed auto
-TL has 5 speed auto
-GS has higher build quality
-TL is Accord based with good quality but like an ES 350
-GS has direct injection
-TL does not
-GS gets better gas mileage than the TL



In reviews for example the GS was even pitted against the CLS. The TL in reviews the 3 series and G37. There is a reason is costs less.

I won't even go into why Lexus as a brand completely makes Acura seem like childs play.

Again getting past the looks it is a car to keep current Honda/Acura fans happy I guess.

rominl

iTrader: (4)

lol why did i imagine mike posting long before his post

*Batman*

1SickLex has the points. To sum it up - GS is a rear wheel drive based world-class luxury platform built to standards exceeding Mercedes and BMW and is sold globally including in Europe. The TL is a souped up Honda Accord and is of a lower quality such that they cannot even sell it in Europe.