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Entry Level Luxury Performance Sedans

16087 messages,  Last post on May 09, 2013 at 9:32 AM

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What is this discussion about? BMW 3 Series, Infiniti G37, Acura TL, Lexus IS 350, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Cadillac CTS, Volvo S60, Audi A4, Acura TSX, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 1352 of 1609

#13509 of 16087 Part II by nyccarguy

Mar 24, 2012 (8:19 pm)

When we were blessed with having our 3rd child, we needed a bigger vehicle with the ability to handle New England winters, haul kids' stuff, and hold at least 3 (our vey are they big) child safety seats. We bought a 2011 Pilot. Given the fact that the TSX was less than 2 years old at the time I didn't want to take a steep depreciation hit, so I kept it, made the Pilot my wife's daily driver, & put my beloved Prelude into semi retirement.
 
So on Thursday night, I traded in my TSX for a 2011 BMW 328xi.
 
So far I'm completely blown out of the water about how well this car drives. I hate to sound like I've been reading too much Car & Driver, but the steering is perfectly weighted (nice & heavy, how it should be) & telepathic.
 
I love the chassis' balance. Driving a car with RWD just feels very natural. The inline 6 is just so amazingly smooth. The brakes are strong. Suspension tuning is wonderful. Firm & solid, but nowhere near uncomfortable.
 
My Acura was a nice car. Excellent fit & finish. The 2.4L 4 banger loves to rev. The transmission is crisp and doesn't struggle keeping the engine in its sweet spot. The suspension is tuned to allow road feel. It's good, until I drove the 3er.
 
The electric power steering is artificial and lifeless. The brakes are weak.

#13510 of 16087 Some Pictures by nyccarguy

Mar 24, 2012 (9:37 pm)

of The Departed
 

#13511 of 16087 Re: Part II [nyccarguy] by sweendogy

Mar 25, 2012 (5:26 am)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Mar 24, 2012 8:19 pm)
Brad I know we have had battles in the past over the tsx- so given the wide performance gap between the BMW (the standard) and the Acura - does it truly belong in this group?

#13512 of 16087 Re: Part II [nyccarguy] by fedlawman

Mar 25, 2012 (8:46 am)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Mar 24, 2012 8:19 pm)
Congrats NYC, it sounds like a great car.
 
I've never driven an xi but from what you say, it sounds like it's not much different from the RWD 3er - probably don't really notice the difference day to day.

#13513 of 16087 Sweendogy by nyccarguy

Mar 25, 2012 (7:03 pm)

The hosts won't take it down, no matter how much you scream. I think the Acura for this group should be the TL/SH AWD. I really don't think any car in this class actually "competes" with the BMW. I'm that impressed. However, there are many who don't put the premium on driving dynamics that those of us here do.

#13514 of 16087 Re: Part II [fedlawman] by nyccarguy

Mar 25, 2012 (7:12 pm)

Replying to: fedlawman (Mar 25, 2012 8:46 am)
Thank-you so much fedlawman. I appreciate it. I'll readily admit that my driving skills are merely average, especially compared to you, Flightnurse, & Roadburner. As far as I'm concerned my car is RWD.
 
The biggest difference I notice between my 328 & my Prelude is weight. My Prelude only weighs a little more than 3000 lbs, the BMW a lot more. The other thing I notice is that my Prelude's cable actuated throttle is much more linear & responsive.

#13515 of 16087 Re: Part II [nyccarguy] by fedlawman

Mar 25, 2012 (7:39 pm)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Mar 25, 2012 7:12 pm)
Thanks NYC, but I'm afraid you might assume too much. We all like to think we're good drivers, but I doubt if my skills are as impressive as you think.
 
I totally agree with you on throttles. I've never met a FBW throttle I liked. Combined with a turbo (yes, even the 335i quick spooler), it's even worse - like a rubber band between your foot and the engine.
 
I'll choose a cable every time.
 
I can't wait to see pictures of your new ride!
 
v/r

#13516 of 16087 Re: Sweendogy [nyccarguy] by sweendogy

Mar 26, 2012 (5:58 am)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Mar 25, 2012 7:03 pm)
Fair enuf- no rant here. Enjoy

#13517 of 16087 Re: Part II [nyccarguy] by graphicguy

Mar 26, 2012 (6:34 am)

Replying to: nyccarguy (Mar 24, 2012 8:19 pm)
nyc....big congrats. As Fedlawman said, we're waiting for pics. Have fun!

#13518 of 16087 Re: Part II [fedlawman] by flightnurse

Mar 26, 2012 (8:15 am)

Replying to: fedlawman (Mar 25, 2012 7:39 pm)
Fed, every car that is FBW throttle can be turned to your liking, that is one of the nice things about OBDII data port, get the software to allow you to adjust the FBW and presto... I plan on doing that with the 2011 soon.
 
FN

Messages Page 1352 of 1609

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