TL(value for money) VS BMW 3 (handling and more handling)?? - Acura Forum

kirankotu · 06-16-05, 02:48 AM

hi,
i have been a passive participant of this forum for 2 weeks now.i am 2 months away from my brand new acura TL(mostly with navigation).i have been doing a lot of forum research on TL.another contender is 2006 BMW 3 series.when i went to bimmerforums read some reviews they were all about BMW handling due to RWD as opposed to acura FWD. i am not a big car enthusiast.but i love to show my tail lamps sometimes.that is the closest i come to being aggresive.so can anyone help me pick one between acura TL and bmw 3.i would really really appreciate any advices.
thanks
kiran

*jinny* · 06-16-05, 03:05 AM

welcome to acuraworld...

for me it would depend on what 3 series...

if it's a 325 sedan, I think I would go with the TL...
if it's a 330 sedan, I think it would be a really tough choice for me... I'm not all into the new design yet, but I'm guessing that it would be a really fun car...

The TL is pretty damn fun too... I don't have one, but I have had a chance to toss one around "enthusiastically" and boy is it a fun car... it's amazing how much power they put into this FWD... I was grinning from ear to ear when I was thrashing it around.

tcm75 · 06-16-05, 11:43 AM

kirankotu,

I am curious to see exactly what decision you come to seeing as I am facing the EXACT same dilemma. I test drove a BMW 325i and liked it but I did a side by side comparison of it and the Acura TL and it seems like the TL gives you more bang for your buck. A similarly equipped BMW 325i is like $4000 more than the TL; which tops out at about $33,670 (I have decided against getting Nav if I get either car).
I'm a moderately aggressive driver and my wife is not aggressive at all so there's not much need for the handling abilities of the beemer; although I would be remiss if I didn't admit that I would like the ability to get past that semi on the freeway when I need to!

Keep us posted on your decision....

RedGTP · 06-16-05, 11:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tcm75

kirankotu,

I am curious to see exactly what decision you come to seeing as I am facing the EXACT same dilemma. I test drove a BMW 325i and liked it but I did a side by side comparison of it and the Acura TL and it seems like the TL gives you more bang for your buck. A similarly equipped BMW 325i is like $4000 more than the TL; which tops out at about $33,670 (I have decided against getting Nav if I get either car).
I'm a moderately aggressive driver and my wife is not aggressive at all so there's not much need for the handling abilities of the beemer; although I would be remiss if I didn't admit that I would like the ability to get past that semi on the freeway when I need to!

Keep us posted on your decision....

You can get past that semi just fine in a TL. BMWs are overpriced IMO. You're paying for the name.

*The General* · 06-16-05, 12:03 PM

My suggestion would be to go drive both and see for yourself the difference between the handling capabilities. The Bimmer will definitely out-handle the TL, but not by enough to justify paying $7k+ more for it.

I'm sorry, I just don't see why people are willing to pay so much more for a Bimmer when they could get more car for less with a TL or G35. It's got to be a status thing!!!

integramodder · 06-16-05, 01:15 PM

I test drove a 330i last week. Heres my insight.
I didnt like the brakes "readiness" feature, I like to slowly come to a stop, and this feature makes it harder as it shortens the length required to depress the pedal to fully engage the brake.
Acceleration was quick. Its a heavy car with lots of luxuries and a good punch.
It was auto :sad:, but was smooth in changing gears during cruise and acceleration.
Seating was comfortable, but I wouldnt mind a stiffer suspension. The car didnt have the sport package that I would get if I got one. But nonetheless, it seemed to handle fine in the few S curves that I managed to get into.

Hoping I could swing by the acura dealership on monday.

*Acura_Kid* · 06-16-05, 01:51 PM

my guess is, here at a Acura forum you're gonna get alot of "buy TL". if you post the same on a bmw site they will say "get a 3".

you need to drive both. both are excellent cars. each offers something for the $$, one costs more than the other.

kirankotu · 06-17-05, 12:13 AM

hi guys,
thanks for all the replies.i think i am going to go with the TL.there are far too many BMWs on the street.and i totally agree with paying more money for the badge (BMW). i will be happy with my TL.anymore first hand experiences abt TL and BMW 330i.thanks guys (so far)
kiran

06-16-05, 02:48 AM	#1 (permalink)
kirankotu Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Age: 30 Posts: 23	TL(value for money) VS BMW 3 (handling and more handling)?? hi, i have been a passive participant of this forum for 2 weeks now.i am 2 months away from my brand new acura TL(mostly with navigation).i have been doing a lot of forum research on TL.another contender is 2006 BMW 3 series.when i went to bimmerforums read some reviews they were all about BMW handling due to RWD as opposed to acura FWD. i am not a big car enthusiast.but i love to show my tail lamps sometimes.that is the closest i come to being aggresive.so can anyone help me pick one between acura TL and bmw 3.i would really really appreciate any advices. thanks kiran

06-16-05, 12:03 PM	#5 (permalink)
The General Go ahead...make my day. Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Texas Age: 41 Posts: 5,467 Your Mood: Car 1: 2004 TL Car 2: 2006 FJR1300	My suggestion would be to go drive both and see for yourself the difference between the handling capabilities. The Bimmer will definitely out-handle the TL, but not by enough to justify paying $7k+ more for it. I'm sorry, I just don't see why people are willing to pay so much more for a Bimmer when they could get more car for less with a TL or G35. It's got to be a status thing!!! __________________ ~ Mike ~ 2004 Acura TL (#06155) Anthracite/Ebony 6-speed manual Navigation (v3.7) 35% Tint Decklid spoiler K&N air filter (#33-2299)

06-16-05, 01:51 PM	#7 (permalink)
Acura_Kid MODERATOR Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: AZ Posts: 1,808 Your Mood: Car 1: '06 Lexus GX470 Car 2: '06 Tacoma 4x	my guess is, here at a Acura forum you're gonna get alot of "buy TL". if you post the same on a bmw site they will say "get a 3". you need to drive both. both are excellent cars. each offers something for the $$, one costs more than the other. __________________ MOD

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Acura Forum - Acura World.com Advertisement

06-16-05, 11:43 AM	#3 (permalink)
tcm75 Registered User Join Date: Jun 2005 Age: 33 Posts: 2 Car 1: 2002 VW Jetta Car 2: 96 Honda Civic	kirankotu, I am curious to see exactly what decision you come to seeing as I am facing the EXACT same dilemma. I test drove a BMW 325i and liked it but I did a side by side comparison of it and the Acura TL and it seems like the TL gives you more bang for your buck. A similarly equipped BMW 325i is like $4000 more than the TL; which tops out at about $33,670 (I have decided against getting Nav if I get either car). I'm a moderately aggressive driver and my wife is not aggressive at all so there's not much need for the handling abilities of the beemer; although I would be remiss if I didn't admit that I would like the ability to get past that semi on the freeway when I need to! Keep us posted on your decision....

06-16-05, 01:15 PM	#6 (permalink)
integramodder Registered User Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Hokie Country Posts: 10	I test drove a 330i last week. Heres my insight. I didnt like the brakes "readiness" feature, I like to slowly come to a stop, and this feature makes it harder as it shortens the length required to depress the pedal to fully engage the brake. Acceleration was quick. Its a heavy car with lots of luxuries and a good punch. It was auto :sad:, but was smooth in changing gears during cruise and acceleration. Seating was comfortable, but I wouldnt mind a stiffer suspension. The car didnt have the sport package that I would get if I got one. But nonetheless, it seemed to handle fine in the few S curves that I managed to get into. Hoping I could swing by the acura dealership on monday.

06-17-05, 12:13 AM	#8 (permalink)
kirankotu Registered User Join Date: May 2005 Age: 30 Posts: 23	hi guys, thanks for all the replies.i think i am going to go with the TL.there are far too many BMWs on the street.and i totally agree with paying more money for the badge (BMW). i will be happy with my TL.anymore first hand experiences abt TL and BMW 330i.thanks guys (so far) kiran

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 members and 1 guests)