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Legacy GT Limited vs. Acura TSX and TL

498 messages,  Last post on Jan 18, 2007 at 2:52 PM

You are in the Acura TSX Forum.

What is this discussion about? Subaru Legacy, Acura TSX, Acura TL, Sedan

Messages Page 1 of 50

#1 of 498 Legacy GT Limited vs. Acura TSX and TL by kevin111

Jun 30, 2004 (9:40 pm)

Seems like a viable comparison for performance and style. The Legacy GT Limited is not quite as luxurious as the TSX and TL, but performs just as well, if not better than either. It is also close in size to both.
 
Interestingly, the Legacy GT Limited fits right in between the two cars in price.

#2 of 498 Re: Legacy GT Limited vs. Acura TSX and TL [kevin111 #1] by tommyijr

Jun 30, 2004 (10:13 pm)

Replying to: kevin111 (Jun 30, 2004 9:40 pm)
So?

#3 of 498 TL? by rsholland

Jul 01, 2004 (6:27 am)

I'm not sure is this car belongs here, as it is larger and more expensive.
 
The TSX and the GT both have a 105.1" wheelbase and are priced in the same neighborhood, so yes, I'd say say they're a fair competitor.
 
Bob

#4 of 498 by ateixeira

Jul 01, 2004 (6:29 am)

The bottom line is AWD. Street prices right now put a GT Ltd about $2 grand higher than a TSX with roughly the same equipment, except AWD.
 
Coincidentally, AWD usually costs about $2 grand.
 
-juice

#5 of 498 Re: [ateixeira #4] by rsholland

Jul 01, 2004 (6:43 am)

Replying to: ateixeira (Jul 01, 2004 6:29 am)
What juice said.
 
AWD becomes an ever increasingly important factor as the horsepower rises, as FWD has trouble handling high-HP vehicles, resulting in torque steer. Several magazines have commented on that in regards to the TL. Not sure if the the TSX has enough power for that to be a problem yet.
 
Bob

#6 of 498 by kevin111

Jul 01, 2004 (7:23 am)

So, I do have friends looking in this price range that are considering all 3, The TL for luxury and performance, the TSX for luxury and price (which by-the-way is very close in interior dimensions to the TL), and the GT limited for performance and AWD.
 
I was just trying to get peoples comments comparing the three.
 
Like I said - they are close:
http://www.edmunds.com/apps/nvc/edmunds/VehicleComparison;jsessio- - nid=AkcN1tH67goObynEaslV1PPSWf4sRIXNVnhtnTUvUtQa4lfopDAT!-1216595- - 036?styleid=100278144&styleid=100396965&styleid=100358503- - &maxvehicles=5&refid=&op=3&tab=specs
 
Pricing TSX Legacy TL
MSRP $26,490 $28,495 $32,850
Invoice $24,147 $26,188 $29,937
 
Dimensions are comparible as well, all the way down to the gas tank.

#7 of 498 by goneskiian

Jul 01, 2004 (11:55 am)

Unless you're shopping for a wagon!
 
Too bad Acura/Honda don't bring over their estate version of the TSX (European Accord).
 
-Ian

#8 of 498 by rob_m

Jul 02, 2004 (11:12 am)

Kevin, thank you for starting this thread. You have basically said what I have been thinking for quite some time.
 
My position on this subject: I love Subarus. I have purchased 4 in the last 12 years. Sometime soon, I will be needing to replace #3 - my fully loaded 99 GT LTD 30th with 105k relatively trouble free miles. The few problems would probably be catagorized as 'dealer related nusiance' issues.
 
I have been holding off for two reasons. First, to pay off the 03 Outback. Second, for the arrival of the 05 GT.
 
Given the reliability and enjoyment of my current vehicle, I would have drop dead replaced my GT LTD with another GT LTD. Until I saw a brand new grey TL in the parking lot at work, and started researching.
 
Once the pricing of the GT was available I started my comparison. I found the TL to be larger, may perform equally (270hp vs 250hp), have more features, and cost more. The TSX cost less, has more features, and may not perform as well (200hp vs 250hp).
 
IMO, all are very nice looking vehicles, although I would have to say that the TL is certainly the best of the three. The TSX is the best value. The GT will probably outhandle both. [disclaimer on] I have not yet driven the GT. As a matter of fact, I have purposely stayed far away from the dealer, as I may buy on the spot. [disclaimer off]
 
AWD might not be as big as a factor as in the past. DW is not working, and I have taken to using the Outback in bad weather and on weekends with the family. The GT is basically used for my 90 mile round trip to work.
 
Finally, is service after the sale. I believe that my local dealer has lost touch with their core customers. The few repairs under warrantee (I did the 7/100) were somewhat painful. 5 trips before an intermittant speedometer problem could be fixed, 2 years with power antenna problems, 50,000 miles of various oil leaks - dealer: we can't find a leak, Rob: there is oil all over the engine, my driveway, and smoke comes out of the hood scoop when I stop the car. Dealer, maybe someone is parking in your driveway with a car that leaks, and you picked up oil when driving. True story.
 
I apologize for the long post. This is probably the most I have said on the boards. The reality is that people who like Subarus may be looking at other cars for whatever reason. Any thoughts and comments are certainly welcome! Rob M.

#9 of 498 by bodble2

Jul 02, 2004 (2:46 pm)

I went for a Subaru-sponsored road test of the new Legacy/Outback which consisted of three laps around a go-kart type track. There wasn't enough time to form a detailed impression but, I can say the price/size/performance/amenities make the Subies logical cross-shop comparisons to the TL & TSX. The impression that I did come away with are: The interior quality is nice but a notch below that of the Acuras'; Less passenger room than the TL and more than the TSX; Trunk space is very good; Both the turbo and H6 lack low-end grunt but once they "came on" power was good (Subaru didn't offer any non-turbo 4-cyl models for the test. I think I know why. Judging from the performance of the 6 and turbo, the naturally aspirated 4 may be a dog); The AWD is definitely worth the extra dough. Even when driven like a go-kart, the cars were balanced with almost no hint of plowing; I thought Subaru cut corners somewhat with a few cheapo pieces such as the chintzy wood trim, a crude prop rod for the hood, and no memory driver-seat at any price.

#10 of 498 my input by c_hunter

Jul 02, 2004 (3:47 pm)

Well, the Subaru guys know me as a long time Subaru fan, but my wife just bought a TSX. We cross-shopped a Legacy GT Ltd in the process. Now that I have had a few days to learn about the TSX, my take is that it's a better value from a feature standpoint, but the 2.5 H4 turbo, 5EAT, and AWD are compelling reasons to get a Legacy if you don't mind spending more money for less content.
 
Some of the features the TSX offers that the Legacy GT Ltd doesn't:
 
-Nav option (likely to be available on the 06 GT)
-Stability control
-HID headlights
-fold-down rear seat
-speed sensitive wipers
-all windows down/up from key/remote
-Homelink buttons
-auto up driver's window (both cars have auto down)
-10 minutes of power after key-off (for windows, sunroof)
-telescoping steering column (both cars have tilt)
-audio controls on steering wheel (GT has shifter buttons instead)
 
Both cars are quiet, but the GT is more muffled than the TSX with less noise from the tires and road.
 
The GT accelerates and handles better than the TSX (no surprise given AWD vs. FWD traits). Ironically, I think the GT rides a little softer too.
 
The GT has a smidge more interior room, probably not enough to matter.
 
Both interiors are top rate, but I have to give the edge to Acura for including more convenience features and providing more useful (and innovative) illumination. I do think the Legacy GT interior looks better in daylight, however.
 
The TSX gets better gas mileage while still offering plenty of power and torque for everyday driving. The iVTEC 2.4 inline 4-cylinder really impresses me with it's linear power delivery and refinement. Once again I am reminded that Honda makes some sweet engines.
 
The GT is really fast, and the 5EAT transmission is spectacular with seamless rapid fire shifts. It offers a very memorable driving experience unlike any other auto-trans car I have driven (including the TSX).
 
The GT 5-spd shifter and transmission is quite good, but the TSX 6-spd is clearly superior. Again, this is a reminder that Honda makes some of the best manual gearboxes around. Simply spectacular to operate. We got an auto TXS, so I can only dream about this item...
 
The fit and finish of both cars is good, but the Acura seems to have more precision in the way things go together. Body gaps look smaller too (but I have not measured).
 
Both cars look great in my opinion.
 
That's all I can think of at the moment -- I'll add more comparisons as they come to mind.
 
Craig

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