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#1 G37S vs. #2 CC VR6 4Motion vs. #3 TL SH-AWD

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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 11:21 AM
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Arrow #1 G37S vs. #2 CC VR6 4Motion vs. #3 TL SH-AWD

http://blogs.edmunds.com/strategies/....sportsedans.0

Sport Sedan Shootout: Two Wannabes, One Winner
1st: The G37 wins because we couldn't resist its rambunctious character. However, we have no problem recommending the more civilized Volkswagen to those who find the Infiniti's enthusiasm a bit over the top. As for the TL SH-AWD, it's a thoroughly capable sport sedan that Acura's stylists inexplicably smacked with the ol' ugly stick. Give it a facelift and an interior that doesn't look like a stylized Accord's, and then we'll talk.
2nd: The CC VR6 4Motion is the gentleperson's midsize sport sedan. Takahashi said it best: "If I were older, or not into sports cars, perhaps I'd opt for this over the Infiniti."

3rd: Judged on talent alone, the TL SH-AWD runs neck-and-neck with the thoroughbred Infiniti. But it's got a face that only a Transformer could love -- and looks are vital in this image-conscious segment.


No I don't work for Edmunds. Funny we make very similar comments though (Megatron turd anyone) .
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 11:24 AM
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This month's sales numbers should be pretty interesting. I've been seeing a lot of paper plates on new 08 TLs but I have yet to see an 09 TL on the road.
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 11:28 AM
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i still cannot believe how much the G37S improved from the old craptastic 1st gen G35. It's getting good ratings from many major press and it's no surprise.
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 11:32 AM
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Sat in the Passat CC in LA Auto Show on Sunday, very impressed with the interior. To bad that it only sits four and carries a VW badge.

The FWD Passat CC VR6 Sport starts at $38k and the AWD Passat CC VR6 4Motion starts at $39.3k. I don't know if I can justify getting a VW with less performance over the much better valued G37 sedan. This car should be carrying the 4-ring badge instead of VW.
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 11:39 AM
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Glad to see the G37 drawing blood all around. But, by gosh, the CC sure has a gorgeous interior!
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 11:47 AM
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The G37 is just about all the car anyone needs for 35-40k. It is SUPERB!! I cannot understand how 5k sedans are not sold every month.

The CC also is a very good car, pricey loaded (and once u get past the badge). It is however a worthy competitor.

Won't rehash the acura/TL fail comments
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 12:44 PM
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it still awes me that acura did not consult a studygroup when it drew up the TL.
Surely not every top level at Acura approved the design.......

they might have to go the way of subaru tribeca and quickly redo the bumpers for 2010
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 12:49 PM
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Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
No I don't work for Edmunds. Funny we make very similar comments though (Megatron turd anyone) .

I love the bit where someone asks if the inspiration for the TL's face was an elephant seal.
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 12:50 PM
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Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
The G37 is just about all the car anyone needs for 35-40k. It is SUPERB!! I cannot understand how 5k sedans are not sold every month.
Well I would think being last in fuel efficiency probably didn't help G35 sales at all.

For 2008, City/Highway MPG
A4 V6 18/27
A4 I4 21/30
335i 17/26
328i 19/28
TL-S 17/26
TL 18/26
ES 350 19/27
IS 350 18/25
IS 250 21/29
C300 18/25
C350 17/25
S60 19/27
MKZ 18/28
CTS 18/26
CTS w/DI 17/26
G35 17/24
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 01:26 PM
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1mpg difference is negligible in this class. Fuel economy isn't as big of a factor. Most buyers wouldn't even know how the G-series stack up against other cars when it comes to mpg.
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 01:38 PM
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I do not agree with the review on the TL interior. TL interior are much nicer than the G.
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 01:41 PM
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..Just goes to show you that the Passat has always wiped the floor clean with it's immediate competition. The Accord, Altima, Camry - they are all in a lesser class than this car, and it's really always been that way. The fact that it can compete, and even out-class it's mid-size competitior's premium-marque vehicles (Infiniti/Acura) goes to show you there is a reason their cars cost more.

Remember, the VR6 Passat 4 Motion (Non CC) has been selling since 2006 in this $40K price range. Same narrow angle screaming V6 (which is like an angry beast at redline, like a Honda, yet has obscene amounts of low-end pull), same upscale interior (that easily can compete with the ES/TL), 4 motion system, 600 watt Dynaudio (which can be had in low grade upper twenty something Passat's (LUX package). Finally this masterpiece of a vehicle in so many areas gets the respect it deserves, too bad it took until a new body style and to 2009! I have been trying to say all of this for the last three years. Passat 3.6 non-CC VR6 4 Motion is a superior vehicle to the outgoing TL, IMO, yet many Honda people refuse to admit this. The fact that a 4 year old platform VW B6 platform car beats out Honda's latest Accord and TL both (read MT comparison, passat #1, Accord distant 4th) goes to show you the detail and engineering that is built into many VW products. This car is not really your average VW either - it may as well have an Audi badge on it (as Passat's in top trim always should have had).

But really, the CC is a bargain put up against the A4, which for the same price, is smaller, has a lesser audio system, is slower, etc. Funny how the 3.6 VR6 outpaces the 3.2 Audi V6.

Last edited by FKL; Nov 25, 2008 at 01:45 PM.
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 01:43 PM
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Originally Posted by 1SICKLEX
The G37 is just about all the car anyone needs for 35-40k. It is SUPERB!! I cannot understand how 5k sedans are not sold every month.

The CC also is a very good car, pricey loaded (and once u get past the badge). It is however a worthy competitor.

Won't rehash the acura/TL fail comments
For 35-40k I would rather take the IS350 or BMW 335I. Nothing against G37 but IS interior kill the G and 335I handling is just amazing
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 01:48 PM
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Originally Posted by FKL
..Just goes to show you that the Passat has always wiped the floor clean with it's immediate competition. The Accord, Altima, Camry - they are all in a lesser class than this car, and it's really always been that way. The fact that it can compete, and even out-class it's mid-size competitior's premium-marque vehicles (Infiniti/Acura) goes to show you there is a reason their cars cost more.

Remember, the VR6 Passat 4 Motion (Non CC) has been selling since 2006 in this $40K price range. Same narrow angle screaming V6 (which is like an angry beast at redline, like a Honda, yet has obscene amounts of low-end pull), same upscale interior (that easily can compete with the ES/TL), 4 motion system, 600 watt Dynaudio (which can be had in low grade upper twenty something Passat's (LUX package). Finally this masterpiece of a vehicle in so many areas gets the respect it deserves, too bad it took until a new body style and to 2009! I have been trying to say all of this for the last three years. Passat 3.6 non-CC VR6 4 Motion is a superior vehicle to the outgoing TL, IMO, yet many Honda people refuse to admit this. The fact that a 4 year old platform VW B6 platform car beats out Honda's latest Accord and TL both (read MT comparison, passat #1, Accord distant 4th) goes to show you the detail and engineering that is built into many VW products. This car is not really your average VW either - it may as well have an Audi badge on it (as Passat's in top trim always should have had).

But really, the CC is a bargain put up against the A4, which for the same price, is smaller, has a lesser audio system, is slower, etc. Funny how the 3.6 VR6 outpaces the 3.2 Audi V6.
Maybe because honda/toyota have better resale value and more reliable. Just my guess.
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Old Nov 25, 2008 | 01:51 PM
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Originally Posted by wmb0000
Maybe because honda/toyota have better resale value and more reliable. Just my guess.
The second point maybe but VWs resale value is #1 in North. America, higher than both Toyota and Honda.
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