Acura TL vs Honda Accord

exshoman · November 2006

Heck, even the 4-cylinder Accords have some wicked axle hop. After my wife's 5 speed 2006 Accord was broken in, I figured it was time to see what this baby (our first 4-cylinder car) could do. Stuck it in first, revved up to around 3k, dropped the clutch and floored it. Had a good solid 4-5 seconds of pretty violent wheel hop. Haven't seen that kind of wheel hop since my buddy did burn-outs in his early 70's Mustang.

ezshift5 · November 2006

........Stuck it in first, revved up to around 3k, dropped the clutch and floored it

....speaking of clutches, I understand the 6M Acura TL-S now offers less abrupt engagement via added takeup - longer pedal throw - provision............

..my current AV6 6M is a great car.....but that clutch......

..ez..

vetmxr · December 2006

I recently traded in my BMW 328 on a 2004 Acura TL with the 6 speed manual. The amount of torque-steering felt at the steering wheel is alarming. It seems the car is pulling to one side and then the other, again felt at the steering wheel, under hard acceleration. Is this normal of front wheel drive cars?

For the record, I was considering the 2007 Accord SE V-6 and chose a certified used '04 Acura TL instead. Nice car, save for the torque-steering issue.

qbrozen · December 2006

???

I'm confused. Why in the world would you buy a car that you felt was "alarming"??

ggesq · December 2006

Yes, torque steer is normal for FWD cars-especially the TL w/ 6sp manual WOT.

You would have had torque steer in the Accord as well.

laurasdada · December 2006

Yeah, what gg wrote (for powerful FWD cars, generally). It is less pronounced in the automatic. But you knew that from your extensive test drive of the TL, right?

vetmxr · December 2006

The issue doesn't present itself under normal driving conditions, only under hard acceleration or when conditions are wet/slippery. I assume that the issue is amplified by the traction control system attempting to minimize wheel slippage under these conditions. These conditions were not present during the test drive of the vehicle (and I wasn't about to row through the gears with my right foot to the floor with the saleman sitting next to me).

Again, the car is fantastic. Under normal driving conditions it purrs along nicely. I purchased the vehicle over the Accord because of the additional features it provided. The reliability and cost of maintenance on the BMW were beginning to be an issue, and the Honda products are known to have exceptional reliability.

qbrozen · December 2006

oh, i've gotten used to scaring the heck out of salespeople. I won't buy a car without fully testing it. I'm not beating the heck out of it, by any means, because I wouldn't do that to my own car, but I do drive it quite hard. When I tested the TL, the salesman had quite a few exclamations slip out.

Anyway, I hope you can continue to enjoy your vehicle, and maybe this experience will get you to not let a salesperson hamper your future test driving.

hauss · February 2007

Your post was spot on. Car magazines, experts, and fans like those of us on this forum often use feel to override the measurements they take to test a car's performance. Like when a 3rd generation TL has better lateral g force limits than a G35 sedan, a BMW330i, or a Lexus IS350. Same goes for slalom course speeds. Feel is a personal preference and people forget that. Some people feel the cockpit of a BMW 3er is great. I'm 6'1" and 200lbs with broad shoulders. I get in it and I feel cramped. That's my feeling of it. So, whenever I have driven one of them I hate it because I'm constantly uncomfortable. I don't feel the steering response or any of that stuff people love about it. It's my feeling...it's right for me. My point is that we should read the forums and the mags and the internet articles on cars before we purchase. But ultimately drive the car and it's competitors and then forget everything you read and pick what you feel is best.

And to add to the car magazine testing times I like Consumer Reports best. They buy the cars themselves just like we do, they drive them for 6000+ miles, and when the test things they try to make it real world. For instance in acceleration they simply mash the pedal. No dropping the clutch at high revs or brake torquing automatics. It's more realistic.

frisconick · February 2007

I agree with you on CR, they buy the cars like a regular customer, they don't reveal they are from CR. Therefore, I trust them more than other car mags.

blane · February 2007

hauss,

You replied to a September 14, 2006 message. I wonder if the original poster is still monitoring this forum.

hauss · March 2007

blane, the answer is probably no but I was just browsing this forum and had to throw my two cents in. What the hey, right? At least I know you and frisconick read it.

bodble2 · March 2007

...or still alive! :P

blane · March 2007

bodble2,

Actually, the original version of my message did say that. I checked bearavhistory's profile and found that he/she is still posting in Acura TL forums. So I modified my wording.

bodble2 · March 2007

Ahh...I should have done my due diligence!

:P

bodybuiltbrock · March 2007

The TL is a good $8,000 more than an Accord, isn't it?

Interesting comparison, but I'd stick with my Accord anyday.

thegraduate · March 2007

Yes, the TL costs a lot more than an Accord, but you do get a lot of stuff backing it (most importantly style).

passatowner · March 2007

It sounds like most of these posts are comparing a new Accord to a new TL (thus the major price differences). I'm considering an '05 TL or an '07 Accord EX-L V6. Which is a better buy, if the price difference is only about $3k? The more luxurious TL or the brand new Accord?

ggesq · March 2007

Without addressing which is the better buy part of your question, if you can wait a few months, the new 08 Accord will be out and Honda will be giving away the 07 models with discounts and incentives.

passatowner · March 2007

Not sure if my '02 Passat will last that long... :lemon:

elroy5 · March 2007

Yes, the TL costs a lot more than an Accord, but you do get a lot of stuff backing it (most importantly style).

Style is way down at the bottom of my list of priorities, (with one exception). I refuse to buy a car or truck with wheel covers. Wheel covers make me upchuck :P . From reading other people's posts though, I think style is near the top of their list. I know the TL has other things going for it (over the Accord), but they don't add up to the price difference IMO.

goodegg · March 2007

I know the TL has other things going for it (over the Accord), but they don't add up to the price difference IMO.

They do to me. And thousands of others every month.

Take a loaded Accord and tweak UP just about everything you can on a car. That's a TL.

You get the beautiful styling as a bonus.

ezshift5 · March 2007

...Take a loaded Accord and tweak UP just about everything you can on a car. That's a TL.

You get the beautiful styling as a bonus.

..gonna side with elroy here (8k buys a hell of a lot of Crown Royal)

..ez..

jvette · March 2007

I didn't see a $8k difference between the TL with Navi and the loaded Accord with V6 and Navi. Matter fact the Accord seemed more like a family sedan and the TL was more like a sports car. There are so many differences betwee the two. The Accord is a very nice car but I like the TL much better and feel it's worth the money.

kennyg8 · March 2007

"I didn't see a $8k difference between the TL with Navi and the loaded Accord with V6 and Navi."

Using carsdirect, the TL is actually $8.5k more expensive.

"Matter fact the Accord seemed more like a family sedan and the TL was more like a sports car."

IMO, both are great family sedans, but the TL has more oomp and better high tech creature comfort features, plus an edgier styling (sports looking) to boot!

"The Accord is a very nice car but I like the TL much better and feel it's worth the money."

Agree, particularly if you can afford to spend (or don't mind spending) $8.5k more.

fedlawman · March 2007

Accord EX-L = $27,400

Acura TL = $33,600

That's a $6,000 difference, not $8,000.

Performance - The TL has more HP and torque, bigger brakes, larger sway bars, and wider tires.

Luxury - Better audio system w/DVD, Bluetooth interface, driver memory settings for seats and mirrors, bi-xenon headlights, fog lights, more upscale interior and striking exterior styling (subjective).

Warranty - 4 yr/50k miles (6/70 powertrain), Acura TLC

May seem pricey for a "family sedan," but for an "entry-level luxury/performance sedan," the TL is a bargain.

elroy5 · March 2007

performance: The (slightly) better performance would be worth something to me. The V6 Accord is adequate, for me.

Luxury: Memory settings would be nice. So would fog lights, and the styling. Don't need nav. or Bluetooth though.

Warranty: The longer warranty could be a benefit.

For me, it would have been paying for extras I don't want, to get the extras I do want. Just not worth the $5-6k more. I can see how it would be worth it to some though. It's a very nice car.

hauss · March 2007

Some other differences...

TL suspension is stiffer (more than just larger sway bars) than the Accord to accomodate better handling. TL chassis and it's overall body rigidity are stiffer (this helps with handling). And the TL has a tire pressure monitoring system that the Accord does not. Plus, the TL will come with more NVH materials and engineering than an Accord to keep up with the luxury aspect of reducing road and wind noise.

elroy5 · March 2007

A few more extras. Some I want, and some I don't. I realize that "Style" is more important to some people. Style is near the bottom of my list, whereas it's near the top for some. The quality (under the skin) is more important to me. In the quality arena, the Accord is an equal to the TL.

jvette · March 2007

I just pulled out the paper work from the Accord I looked at. The sticker on the Accord fully loaded with V6 and Navi and freight was $30,095.00. The Acura TL I purchased had a sticker price of $36,795.00 so that makes it $6700 difference and it's for sure a worth while $6700.00 for me.

fedlawman · March 2007

Sorry, my list of features wasn't meant to be all inclusive. Just illustrating the major differences between the two, that's all.

Of course the TL is more luxurious, more refined, sportier, has higher quality appointments, and has a better warranty. There are numerous "behind the scenes" differences between the two.

Very similar to the reason why a Honda Accord costs more than a Hyundai Sonata. On paper, the Accord and Sonata look very similar, but features alone don't separate the two cars. My point is simply that for some, the difference between the Accord and TL is not worth $6000. For others, it is.

ezshift5 · March 2007

... My point is simply that for some, the difference between the Accord and TL is not worth $6000. For others, it is.

..can't miss that point....

6k buys mucho Crown Royal (granted, not as much as 8k)....
..I'd like to think that edmunds is totally populated by diet and exercise car buffs...........

best, ez..

elroy5 · March 2007

My point is simply that for some, the difference between the Accord and TL is not worth $6000. For others, it is.

Right. Just like some people think the RL is worth the extra $$$$, and choose it over the TL. There are many different classes, from the Fit and Element class, all the way up to the RL and NSX class. The Element could be your (personal) perfect Fit, so to speak.

stevehecht · March 2007

And there's still another price class in this equation, the one at $20,000 for a V6 Accord--the SE, that is. People who buy the SE don't want to spend the extra $3-4000 for the bells & whistles that come with the EX V6, but are still buying the same car where it counts.

elroy5 · March 2007

There is a Honda to fit just about everyone. Steve found his, you found yours, and I have mine. I didn't want bells & whistles, but I did want leather seats, moonroof, and auto climate control. So I got the EX V6. It's a wonderful life, isn't it?

fedlawman · March 2007

"still buying the same car where it counts."

There is one major difference...the 6-speed MT :shades:

stevehecht · March 2007

True enough.

meateater · March 2007

I'd say the $6000 is worth it just to get the TL looks over the Accord. The extra amenities are a sweetner.

The 08 Accord has a chance to narrow that gap tremendously.

elroy5 · March 2007

I'd say the $6000 is worth it just to get the TL looks over the Accord.

The TL doesn't look that good. It's not a Porsche or Ferrari. There's only so much you can do (style-wise) with a sedan.

stevehecht · March 2007

I agree with elroy5. I don't think either the TL or the TSX are particularly good looking. I think they're both kind of plain and don't stand out from other cars very much. Their exterior styling would certainly not be a reason for me to spend extra money. I know this is not a common view, but I think the '06-'07 Accord refresh (but only in Royal Blue or white) have more "road presence". But I do agree that the TL and the TSX are more stylish in that they conform to the current image of what a sporty sedan should look like.

ggesq · March 2007

"I'd say the $6000 is worth it just to get the TL looks over the Accord. The extra amenities are a sweetner."

Although "looks" are entirely subjective, I agree with you 100%

"The 08 Accord has a chance to narrow that gap tremendously"

True and then the 09 TL will come out and then eclipse the 08 Accord

jvette · March 2007

Thing is you got to drive both cars and then make your choice. Hands down the TL for the sport minded driver.

laurasdada · March 2007

"Hands down the TL for the sport minded driver."

And style-minded driver, too...

Too each, but IMHO, TL's got style. Accord, while a fine car, is kinda the box it came in...

elroy5 · March 2007

Looks are not important to me (as far as cars are concerned). When I look at the Accord, all I see is the best overall sedan in it's class. The TL (while it is a nice car) is not really the leader of it's class. If I were to spend TL class money on a car, I don't know if the TL would be my choice. The TL has some tough competition, from Infinity and Lexus, among others.

Sure, the TL is worth more than the Accord. Honda planned it that way, because they charge more for it. But is it the best car in it's price range? Not so sure about that.

kennyg8 · March 2007

"Sure, the TL is worth more than the Accord. Honda planned it that way, because they charge more for it. But is it the best car in it's price range? Not so sure about that."

Are we simply comparing the TL against the Accord only, or are we also comparing the class of cars (E350s, G35, BMW 3 series etc) in which TL is in against the class of cars (camry, altima, galant, sonata etc) in which Accord is in?

Looks and styles can be subject, but performance and luxury feastures are purely objective. For those who choose the Accord over the TL, affordability or economics (or the lack thereof) must play a very important part in their choice.

Again, the $8.5k difference is via carsdircect (zip 11357), both fully loaded and with navi (but not TL-S), and accounting for all discounts and incentives currently offered on both cars (ie 26421 vs 34906). Try it for yourself.

ezshift5 · March 2007

..Again, the $8.5k difference is via carsdircect (zip 11357), both fully loaded and with navi (but not TL-S), and accounting for all discounts and incentives currently offered on both cars (ie 26421 vs 34906). Try it for yourself.

...hard facts noted G8 (good post)

..goes without saying (8.5k buys a ton of CR) best, ez..

jimmy81 · March 2007

Sure, the TL is worth more than the Accord. Honda planned it that way, because they charge more for it. But is it the best car in it's price range? Not so sure about that.

You need to check out the ELLPS forum and the opinions over there, where the TL competes. The TL's BIGGEST ADVANTAGE is it's PRICE compared to the others. Period.

Price a G35 or a IS350 with comparable amenities to the TL. You'll see what's what.

elroy5 · March 2007

The TL's BIGGEST ADVANTAGE is it's PRICE compared to the others.

If price is the main sticking point, maybe you should be shopping a lower class of car. I would have to try the G35, before making a decision (based on the test between the two cars, that I've read).

fedlawman · March 2007

The Hyundai Sonata Limited is $6000 less than the Accord.

Did you know that Hyundai ranks higher (3rd) than Honda (6th) in JD Power Initial Quality, with only 102 problems/100 vehicles? Honda had 110 problems.

Folks, this is a discussion that can never end. Nobody NEEDS a sedan that costs more than $20,000. Anything more than that is simply emotional.

Is the Accord worth $27,000? Is the TL worth $33,000? Only you can answer.

jimmy81 · March 2007

If price is the main sticking point, maybe you should be shopping a lower class of car.

Obviously not a 'sticking point' to me cause I bought one. I looked at the G, the 328, and the IS350 as well. All those (all great cars) were a lot more money.

The TL has a lot of appeal when its priced thousands less. Plus your car doesn't look like another bland Accord.

Acura TL vs Honda Accord

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