Acura TL vs Honda Accord

bodble2 · January 2004

I just use natural cellulose sponge - one to wash, one to dry. No special wax, just a cap of Turtle Wax's Wash & Shine in warm water. Yep, you right if you are thinking I'm a lazy sucker when it comes to washing cars! There are just more important or interesting things to do on a Saturday morning!

kennyg5 · January 2004

You are so patriotic. Taking what you said literally, it appears only USA MADE 100% cotton towels will work, but pure 100% cotton (no nylon, polyster or other fiber) towels made by any other country will ruin the car :-) I think you are a cotton grower or you hold a significant commodity position in cotton. LOL!

Do you think the paint used in the TL is better than the paint in the Accord?

pat · January 2004

No, actually the thinking is that the United States regulates the "100%" label to ensure that it is accurate and that may not be so elsewhere.

But I'm contributing to this off-topic thread here, and I thank you for getting back on topic by asking for a comparison of the paint on our subject vehicles.

:-)

johnny420 · January 2004

Relax. I was only ribbing you. I was smiling because it's only here at Edmunds that I find other individuals like myself that take car maintenance, car care and their cars in general very seriously.

Most of the people I come across in everyday life regard vehicles as mere appliances. To me, and entusiasts here at Edmunds, they represent far more, namely freedom and joie de vivre.

I take what you said at face value.

Johnny

billyperks · January 2004

My TL is White Diamond Pearl.

raher · January 2004

I use microfiber towels for waxing and removing wax from my cars. They are excellent for application and removal and do not leave any swirl marks. They also are excellent for removing water after you have washed your car as they absorb water like a chamois. I get mine at Costco.

lig1 · January 2004

I'm trying to choose between a TL and
Accord V6 6MT. For some reason, the Accord Coupe doesn't have stability control. Isn't this a pretty important item to have these days...all sports sedans have it, or is it something easily lived without?

s852 · January 2004

A Honda Accord is not a true sports sedan. If stability control is your priority, get a TL.

bodble2 · January 2004

Well, I'd have to say though that the Accord Coupe V6 MT is probably as sporty, if not more so, then the TL.

mdhauke · January 2004

Really? Does it accelerate faster or is it's top speed greater? Does it handle better than the TL? I don't know about you but when I think of "sport" having anything to do with a car it's with the car's speed and handling.

bodble2 · January 2004

Without digging out magazine tests articles, I would say the 2 are pretty damn close. Truth is neither is an out and out sports sedan. (The Accord coupe is really just a 2-door sedan by EPA criteria)

webby1 · January 2004

From Car and Driver test

"The six-speed two-door hit 60 in 5.9 seconds and hustled through the quarter-mile in 14.5 seconds at 98 mph. Although the coupe did weigh 140 pounds less than the sedan, that's still a pretty strong testimonial for the efficiencies of a standard transmission. We should also add that the Accord manages to deliver the engine's substantial output to the drive wheels with only the barest hint of torque steer. "

pmf13 · January 2004

I don't know if this issue has been dealt with previously in this board. If so, I apologise for the repition.

I've just read in the Automobile Protection Association review of the 04 TL that it is based on the previous generation Accord platform (the model which starts in 98), not the current Accord platform. Can anyone verify this and, if so, what ramifications does it have for the car, if any? This review also hinted that a near future version of the TL will be based on the current Accord platform. Does anyone know about this?

dulnev · January 2004

They must've been writing about the 2003 TL.

pmf13 · January 2004

Went back and checked - and you are right - as usual. Thanks.

kasperghost · February 2004

Taking a driving course on emergency control may give you the ability to handle stability control situations and be fun to take as well. Your competence that you carry from car to car over a computer that may give out (not likely, but...)

Both come with sport packages... is the question to haul 2 or 4 people? If you have a family, get the TL hands down. A coupe is murder with more then 2 people.

Good Luck

bodble2 · February 2004

That may be true literally, as I'm learning the hard way with my CL-S. Try dropping off or picking up more than 1 passenger on a busy city street with a coupe!

htt · March 2004

I was looking at the TL, TSX and Accord EX-V6 when I was shopping for a new car. I ended up with the Accord EX-V6 w/ Nav. I didn't test drive the TL or TSX. From the features/price equation, the Accord EX-V6 gave me the most for the money. 240 hp is more than enough for me. I don't think I need anything more luxurious than the Accord EX-V6 w/ Nav. And it only requires regular gas is a big plus.

igiban · March 2004

I agree. But that thought will also keep me driving an Accord for another 30 years, on top of the 10+ years I already have. Valued but also scary to me.

kahunah · March 2004

...does not equal a thorough and intelligent comparison. Had you test driven the TL or TSX you would have realized that these vehicles are in different driving class, offering a higher lever of performance and driving excitement. If that's what you're looking for, the TL & TSX are well worth the extra money.

htt · March 2004

I don't believe the TSX is more fun than the EX-V6. How can a 4 cyl. with 200hp, 166 ft-lb of torque is more fun than a 6 cyl. w/ 240hp and 212 ft-lb of torque ? And the TSX gets that kind of numbers at a very high rpm. The two are about the same weight. The TSX may be more fun if I live in a city with lots of twisted roads, turns, etc... I would mostly benefit from that scenario with the TSX because of its better handling. But where I live is different. I use the car mostly for work. It's about 21 miles each way and I only have to turn 5 times from my house to my office. And it's mostly freeway driving. So that hp is a lot more important for me. On top of that the '04 EX has XM radio, the TSX doesn't. Of course the TSX has some features that the Accord doesn't have but the TSX is more expensive. My brother owns a 330 and I drive it a lot so don't tell me that I don't know how a better handling car feel like.

The TL is definitely a better car than the Accord EX-V6. But it's at least $8k more. For me it was almost $10k more because I got a very good deal on my Accord. It was about $2000 below invoice. No, it wasn't a demo car or anything like that. It was a brand new car with only 7 miles on it.

jrock65 · March 2004

How and where did you get a EX-V6 for $2000 below invoice?

jmaxe · March 2004

I got a similar deal in San Antonio on an EX-V6. See my post # 3826 in the "Prices Paid & Buying Experience" forum for the details.

dulnev · March 2004

"I don't believe the TSX is more fun than the EX-V6"

You can believe what you want, but the entire automotive critics profession disgrees. It really is a very dumb thing to compare cars only on paper!

nw1997 · March 2004

Hello Everyone,

Just finishing reading the results of bumper tests that were conducted on midsize vehicles. TSX, Maxima and several other vehicles were included. The TSX was among the worst. Click on link below to read the story.

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/4422851/

kahunah · March 2004

I'm not surprised the TL got a marginal rating. I love the way my TL looks but I do worry about how close the front grill is to the edge of the bumper. Thank goodness for my Brembos!

htt · March 2004

If your TSX races with me, the only thing you see is my Accord's beautiful butt. So how did you test drive your car ? Did you keep it a few days to test all of its features like the critics do ? Did you take it to a open highway and see how fast it runs from 0 to 60 ? Did you take it to some twisted roads to test its handling ? Did you do all that and more or just 15 minutes test drive ? If you don't do all that then you are very dumb because you buy your car base on some other people opinions on papers. For me, I would be dumb to turn down a offer of $25,700 driveout for a '04 Accord EX-V6 w/ Nav. If I want the Nav. on the TSX, it would be around $30000 driveout. But who know ? You may still want to buy the TSX.

nw1997 · March 2004

htt,

Where in the world did u get your 04 EX V6 w/Nav for 25,700.00 OTD?

Thanks

htt · March 2004

I bought my '04 EX-V6 w/ nav. at Gunn Honda in San Antonio. I know this dealer from reading this board. Thanks Edmund. I remembered that someone said they got a very good deal at Gunn Honda. I believed them and I contacted Gunn Honda for a quote. The internet saleman gave me the quote of about $25,700 driveout. I just round it up but it was actually a little bit less than that. A few days later I just showed up at the dealer and bought it. It was the most easy car buying process I ever experienced. They didn't really push me to buy anything more. But I did pay for the tinted windows, splash guard, wheel lock, trunk cargo. The total add-on was about $400.

nw1997 · March 2004

htt,

Excellent deal. We got ours for 27,900.00 OTD, with splash guards and wheel looks. NYC pricing I guess. A friend of ours is trying to get one, but can come close to the pricing we got.

htt · March 2004

Your deal is actually not that bad at all considering NYC pricing. The second best quote I got from another dealer in San Antonio was $27,300 driveout. The best quote I got from dealers in Houston was $27,800 driveout. I believe my deal was once in a life time deal. The saleman said they were moving due to the upcoming road construction. That might be why they wanted to get rid of all the cars.

dulnev · March 2004

First of all, I don't have a TSX, I have a 2004 TL. I had a TSX as a loaner, while my previous TL was in service. And I took it on a 500 mile trip. I liked the TSX Ok, but that's ENTIRELY beyond the point.

You obviously missed my point completely so I'll repeat it. Making a comparison PURELY based on what you read in magazines is a dumb thing to do. You have to actually see the cars for yourself and drive them, in order to form comparisons. I'm happy that you like your Accord and I have absolutelly nothing against it. I'm also not saying that TSX is a better car than your Accord. All I'm saying is that you made your purchasing decision based on incomplete information.

htt · March 2004

"You can believe what you want, but the entire automotive critics profession disgrees"

I don't think I missed your point. Look to me you believe what the critics say on papers if any exists.

danny1878 · March 2004

I think both cars have different purposes to serve. If I am young and like to hang out with friends, taking on corners etc then I might buy a TSX but if I am a family person then I might go with an accord (no twisties and safe driving).

I myself have a TL and an Accord. If I still hang out with friends and do a little crazy things like I used to over the weekend, I would not bring an accord. TSX would be more fun. But that was history.

I like everything about the new accord but its new butt. I might replace my old accord with the new one but not V6, I dont need big power, I just need good mpg just for daily activities. But that is just my opinion and my need.

grove4 · March 2004

I test drove them both and the TSX just doesnt have enough motor, plain and simple.Especially since my wife doesnt drive stick I would need an auto which is really a dog.I did test drive the stick.Yes it did handle well but not leaps and bounds over the accord.Remember the accord does not come with a performance tire like the TSX.And tires are an easy change.Bottom line is I personally was not going to spend upwards of 27k for a 4cyl.I bet when you get 4 people in that car on a hot,humid day with the air on it wont seem like much of a sports sedan.I'm sorry but the TSX needs the accords motor.Leave the 4cyl to the rsx.

bodble2 · March 2004

The TSX needs a V6, for power as well as image. But more for power.

kasperghost · March 2004

Eventually the TSX will get a 6 with more HP and torque (where it truly lacks). The 70 HP gap is too large to ignore as a clue to future planning. Carmakers often wait until a sales slump until freshening the line with a major update such as an engine. The TSX sales are strong and if they stay strong it could be as many as 4 years when it is due for an update. Look at the PT Cruiser or the VW Bug for examples. At least Honda won't go the way of the turbo.

johnny420 · March 2004

In response to your post, I own a TSX, and drive it everyday and I disagree with your assertion that the TSX doesn't have enough motor. Mine now has 3000 miles on it and it has loosened up considerably. Coupled with the 6 sp MT, this is an excellent drivetrain with all the power most people will ever need. It is snappy and very smooth. Granted, it doesn't have the torque and "oomph" of a V6, but remember the horsepower rating (200hp)on this four-banger is the same as the previous gen Accord V6.

As far as handling goes, I would have to say that the TSX IS leaps and bounds better than a V6-equipped Accord. The TSX is much better balanced and less prone to pushing in turns. The suspension tuning is far better suited for the twisties than either version of the Accord, coupe included.

If you state that better tires would improve the handling of the Accord, then I can say the same for for the Michelin Pilots on the TSX. They are hardly a performance tire. Putting summer tires on the TSX would truly make it a fine-handling car.

I also think adding a V6 to the TSX might ruin its excellent balance characteristics. Also, as I understand it, Acura would be hard-pressed to shoehorn a V6 into the TSX's smaller engine bay anyway. I would say, if anything, a more potent I4 is in the cards, not a V6.

I just needed to throw in my .02 worth. I really do love the new generation Accord, especially V6 equipped, but the TSX is an outstanding automobile in it own right. It ain't no dog!

Cheers,

Johnny

bodble2 · March 2004

The TSX is a fine car. And it's not so much the HP, but the 166 lb/ft of torque trying to motivate 3300+ lbs of car that's the problem. Coupled with the automatic, there just isn't that much off-the-line grunt. On my test-drive, I had to merge onto a bridge with a right-hand uphill turn and I almost got run over by the traffic. The manual is definitely better in that regard.

johnny420 · March 2004

Agreed.

kman1 · March 2004

Drove 'em both. Bought the TL. Liked the slighly more squared rear -- Car and Driver says its an imitation of the BMWs (but says that's okay cause its a great look) -- and other intangibles. Car just felt right for me. Sometimes you gotta go with what you feel, particularly if you're behind the wheel a whole lot. The Accord just struck me, like the Camry, as fairly mundane. But, I get the $$ issue and don't fault anyone who opts for the EX

qbrozen · March 2004

didn't buy either (yet), but the one big difference I noticed immediately is that the shifter in the Accord coupe I drove felt very rubbery and the clutch very springy and unintuitive. The TL was completely different. Felt perfect to me. I felt instantly in tune with it. To me, that alone would be worth it. Would love to buy one, but its not in the cards any time soon.

jkg · April 2004

For those trying to decide between these 2 cars, I have driven both, and have purchased both. I find the shifting in the Accord 2 door 6 speed V-6 to be precise, and the power to weight ratio being about equal to TL 6 speed. The shifting in TL 6 speed is marvelous. Benefits of TL 6 speed include Brembo brakes, wonderful DVD Audio stereo, and 2 rear doors. For those who are younger, and without children, consider the Accord 2 door 6 speed v-6. Drive carefully because you will receive speeding tickets.
For those who have older children, or the children are off at college, consider the TL 6 speed. Also, drive carefully because you will receive speeding tickets. Send bribes to your insurance agent to maintain your insurance policy.
Have fun with either car; both are outstanding values vs. Infinity, Toyota, Lexus, Mazda, etc.

greathanny · April 2004

I haven't driven a TL yet since there are no dealers in my city. In general, I like the new Accord; however, I really don't like the quality/feel of the leather that comes in the Accord. It feels somewhat plasticy, stiff and cheap. I really like the leather in, for example, the Lexus ES 300 -- its a soft luxurious feeling leather. Can anyone describe the leather in the TL? Is it similar to the Accord leather? Is it a soft leather, stiff leather, or somewhere in between? Does it feel cheap (plasticy) or luxurious? Thanks in advance.

jmaxe · April 2004

Go over to some of the TL sites and you will find some grumbling about the leather seats. Just do a search on "leather" and you'll probably come across them.

skelm · May 2004

- Quick update on my choice. I had decided to purchase the TL without even trying the accord. A friend told me to try it out before purchasing the TL. When test driving the accord i noticed many similarities in the interior - dash, seats, trim ... I actually liked the drive of the accord better and it felt a little bigger (higher roof). The TL has a much better look from the outside than the Accord but otherwise I didn't notice too much different. Comes down to your opinion. I would suggest you test both

igiban · May 2004

Not sure why test driving is not considered trying.... but I got your point and I bet you're not along. Look sells (or costs), attention (head turning) sells, hell vanity sells,........, and that means TL can sell over Accord.

kahunah · May 2004

Yes, the sheet metal is more attractive but the TL offers much more than the Accord. More power, better handling, advanced amenities, better interior, 6-speed with 4 doors, etc.

igiban · May 2004

Maybe to you but not quite so to skelm, who seems to think that Accord is quite enough for all the attributes you mentioned, but the look along at the end was worth the $$ north. Would many still be paying $5K more if just the looks switched between TL and Accord V6? I read many posts on TL about how pleased owners are due to the attention they now get so don't tell me its look is not a big draw for many people. I am not saying there's anything wrong with that. It seems like an ego booster even and that itself may be priceless, as long as not too much is boosted!

bmwm3 · May 2004

It's standard because they want to make money from the XM subscription. I don't think radio is worth paying for personally but others may disagree. I like free radio and if I want to listen to hifi commercial free music, I'd prefer an iPod or other such device installed in the vehicle.

Acura TL vs Honda Accord

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