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Acura TL vs Infiniti G35 vs BMW 330xi

247 messages,  Last post on Aug 15, 2007 at 1:38 PM

You are in the Acura TL Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura TL, Infiniti G35, BMW 3 Series, Sedan

Messages Page 23 of 26

#214 of 247 Re: first impression G35 [rward] by habitat1

Jul 13, 2006 (10:57 am)

Replying to: rward (Jul 13, 2006 9:37 am)
Informative and interesting post.
 
So why did you get rid of the 325i? Was it only a 24 month lease?
 
Back in 2004, I considered the G35, 330i, and Acura TL, all with 6 speed manuals. I felt the same way you did/do about the G35. The TL is obviously FWD limited, but it actually felt lighter and more responsive, with a much smoother revving engine than the G35. The 330i (w/ performance package) was my top choice for handling and driving dynamics, but was a tough fit as a family sedan compared to my outgoing Maxima. I went for the TL figuring it gave me the best combination of size, sportiness, refinement and luxury. Faortunately part two of my plan to get a sports car was completed last fall with a 911S Cab. And it even holds our wholee family, so the TL is getting a little dusty at times.

#215 of 247 Re: first impression G35 [rward] by pat

Jul 13, 2006 (12:11 pm)

Replying to: rward (Jul 13, 2006 9:37 am)
Great post, thank you! And welcome!

#216 of 247 Help in Selection by tallbrunette

Jul 16, 2006 (4:24 pm)

I am looking to purchase an Infiniti G35 2006 or Acura TL
Can someone tell me if the TL has zenon head lights? Does anyone know the warranty for an Acura TL. I use my car in business and drive ~20,000 miles/yr. Which is better for ride and economy?

#217 of 247 Re: Help in Selection [tallbrunette] by kdshapiro

Jul 16, 2006 (6:49 pm)

Replying to: tallbrunette (Jul 16, 2006 4:24 pm)
Have you taken both cars for a test drive? I think the TL would win for fuel economy, but the G35 is more oriented toward sport. If it were me, I would get the TL.

#218 of 247 Re: Help in Selection [tallbrunette] by laurasdada

Jul 16, 2006 (7:12 pm)

Replying to: tallbrunette (Jul 16, 2006 4:24 pm)
Hello: I compared/contrasted both cars. Both winners, depending on your criteria, which, sound a bit like mine. The better choice for me was the TL: Smoother, quieter ride, better style inside and out with better materials in the interior (imho, of course). Better fuel economy (both EPA and in discussing with a co-worker who drives an '04 G35x).
 
Yes, the TL has bi-xenon (HID) headlights with a 4yr/50k miles warranty.
 
You must drive them both as extesively as possible to make your best decision.
 
Good luck, have fun and let us know which was the best car for you.

#220 of 247 TL vs G35 by bearvp

Jul 31, 2006 (12:51 pm)

I am in the market for a used version of one of these types of cars. I cannot afford a BMW 330i after all the bells and whistles I want are added so for me it is between an 05 or newer TL and G35.
 
From my research and test driving both cars I have found that the interior of the TL is superior to the G35, minus the poor quality of leather in the TL. I am not a huge fan of the auto tranny in the TL as it seems to not shift fast enough when I want it to. The G35 is more fun to drive, but the interior does not seem any better than a regular Nissan. Also, I will have semi-poor road conditions to contend with in the winter and I would have to spring for the X version of the G35 while the FWD of the TL would be fine.
 
If anyone owns either of these 2 cars could comment on the lasting quality, interior quality (especially the leather quality), winter handling, automatic transmission performance, ground clearance issues for the TL, and overall "It" factor for each I would appreciate it. Thanks

#221 of 247 Re: TL vs G35 [bearvp] by laurasdada

Jul 31, 2006 (8:06 pm)

Replying to: bearvp (Jul 31, 2006 12:51 pm)
I have an '05 auto Tl (you are aware you can get a 6 speed manual in the TL, of course...). I have no issue with the leather in my now 19 month old TL, it looks almost new. I treat it with McGuires Leather wipes every so often.
 
If you live in a snow belt (I'm in Boston area), the TL with the standard tires will not be great in the snow. The larger footprint of the Bridgestone's on my TL combined with the fact that they are just not good in the snow has presented me with some challenges the past couple of winters. If I was using the TL to head to ski country, snows would be mandatory. I won't be a repeat Turanza EL42 customer...
 
I, too, considered (among others) the G35 and the TL and here is why the TL was the winner for me vs. the G:
 
Better styling both inside and out.
Better materials and layout of the interior.
Smoother, quieter ride (coming from a Chrylser 300M, great car btw, I wanted quieter...)
Better mpg.
FWD vs the added weight/complexity of AWD.
 
I enjoyed the Infiiti's power and handling. But I lean towards the luxury side of the luxury/sports sedan equation.
 
Good luck, let us know which turns out to be the best car for you!

#222 of 247 Re: TL vs G35 [bearvp] by habitat1

Aug 01, 2006 (8:05 am)

Replying to: bearvp (Jul 31, 2006 12:51 pm)
I am not a huge fan of the auto tranny in the TL as it seems to not shift fast enough when I want it to.
 
My TL 6-speed shifts just fine. Nice short throws that are nearly as precise as my former S2000 and much better than the G35 6-speed I tested in 2004. But I am also not at all impressed with the performance of Acura's automatic transmissions. They fall well behind BMW and Mercedes, and even Infiniti and Lexus, IMO. We would gladly have paid extra for a TL style 6-speed in our MDX, had that been an option.
 
I've heard every excuse why people claim they need an automatic. Most are lame. My wife and I have each been driving 30+ years, live in traffic unfriendly DC and still, with the exception of the MDX, neither of us has ever owned an automatic. If wives can take up golf and tennis, they sure as hell can learn to drive a stick. Heck, my youngest daughter could shift my S2000 from 1st to 2nd and back from the passenger seat when she was 5 (with her left hand). She would tell me when when to push in the clutch. We never went over 20 mph, but that's beside the point.
 
Unless you have a physical disability, you really ought to consider the TL 6-speed. In addition to a manual transmission, it has exceptional Brembo brakes and a sportier suspension that makes it tighter handling. Just don't order the high performance tire option. The Bridgestone Potenza's are great on dry pavement, but a bit squirmish in the snow.

#223 of 247 Re: TL vs G35 [habitat1] by bearvp

Aug 01, 2006 (9:33 am)

Replying to: habitat1 (Aug 01, 2006 8:05 am)
I understand that different tires come on the navi vs non-navi models. Are the Michelins on the navi models any better quality than the Bridgestone ones you guys have? On my budget I am looking for a 2005 or 2006 once the 07's come out and it is pretty hard to find a manual trans TL out there. I'd like navi, but it is not a must for me since I bet I would use it less than 5% of my driving time. I am pretty sure that given the quality of build for Acuras buying a couple years used isn't a problem. I am trying to stay away from 04 TLs since it was a redesigning year and usually those are trouble spots.
 
Do you two have any problems with the low clearance issue? Some reviews have said that they scrape their TLs on the pavement when going up abrupt inclines and on curbs.

Messages Page 23 of 26

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