Acura TL looking pretty good
The thing is, it doesn't perform like it has all that power. Perhaps I shouldn't have used the word 'drivetrain' because the SH-AWD is one of the best, but the engine is outdated. For however much hp it is, it's very slow for what it is.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
I will agree that the drivetrain is not the best. The TL is in fact slow for the amount of power it makes, and it's slower than it's specs suggest or imply.
The problem, as with many Honda/Acura models, is the narrow powerband of the drivetrain. It's tricky to get the most out of a Honda/Acura since most of the power is available only at a narrow RPM range. Due to that, the car's speed in real-life situations is limited.
An engine with a wide powerband is almost essential to top performance.
The problem, as with many Honda/Acura models, is the narrow powerband of the drivetrain. It's tricky to get the most out of a Honda/Acura since most of the power is available only at a narrow RPM range. Due to that, the car's speed in real-life situations is limited.
An engine with a wide powerband is almost essential to top performance.
Lexus Test Driver
Joined: Jul 2008
Posts: 1,279
Likes: 0
From: CA
I don't know about world's best AWD system. SH-AWD has already proven it is no match for Quattro in snowy conditions, so it is still essentially a nice track tool. The problem is, every review has stated that the car is numb and robotic in it's articulation of grace around a bend. SH-AWD or a RWD IS/3/G? I'd take the latter three.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Jan 2005
Posts: 7,285
Likes: 0
From: A better place
I agree. There is so much hype around SH-AWD, but I don't think it's the best, and it's been proven already it's not the best. For the best all-around AWD system, my pick would probably be Quattro, the Haldex XWD system, or Subaru's S-AWD. Mitsubishi's S-AWC is also a very good system.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Oct 2003
Posts: 94,511
Likes: 261
From: Virginia/D.C. suburbs
I don't know about world's best AWD system. SH-AWD has already proven it is no match for Quattro in snowy conditions, so it is still essentially a nice track tool. The problem is, every review has stated that the car is numb and robotic in it's articulation of grace around a bend. SH-AWD or a RWD IS/3/G? I'd take the latter three.
Lexus Champion
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 3,054
Likes: 3
From: Alberta
Just saw a black TL yesterday, that car looks as ugly coming as it does going. The front shield and the chrome V in back stands out way too much in black.Even the wife was appalled at how much worse the new one looks. The only way to describe that color is poo brown....and it certainly fits on this car.
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: US
http://editorial.autos.msn.com/artic...umentid=435745
Note for the MSN test:
One note about the competitive vehicles that Acura provided—while these tests were not suspect in any way, one needs to keep in mind that Acura was not going to bring any competitive product that performs better than their own vehicles. So while the Acura system appeared better than the competition in all three tests, that's not to say that there aren't other available all-wheel drive systems that would impress as much or more than the Acura system. That said, here is how the tests went.
Judging by these reviews, SH-AWD is very capable.
Rookie
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 55
Likes: 0
From: US
Anyway, hasn't this topic been beaten to death? Maybe the Mods should create a sticky asking if you like the exterior of the new TL.
Lexus Fanatic
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 14,100
Likes: 1
From: tech capital
i agree front and back of TL are 'homely' 
i just came across that one and thought from that side view and in that color, it looked decent.
i know they're different target markets, but comparing TL and ES side profiles for example...
i just came across that one and thought from that side view and in that color, it looked decent.i know they're different target markets, but comparing TL and ES side profiles for example...