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Torn between the Taurus SHO and the Acura TL AWD/Tech

42 messages,  Last post on May 01, 2012 at 10:28 AM

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What is this discussion about? Acura TL, Ford Taurus, Ford, Sedan

Messages Page 3 of 5

#20 of 42 Ford Taurus SHO specs? by bbfd86

Mar 19, 2010 (9:52 am)

The spec 0-60mph time for the new SHO is 5.2 seconds, which is 0.4 secs faster than my 2005 Dodge Magnum R/T AWD. On Ford's own website (www.fordvehicles.com/2010taurus) there is a video comparing 0-60mph times against an Audi A6 V8. The Ford won each of the 5 time trials in a time of 6.07 seconds, which is a whole lot slower than my Magnum. Does anyone know why the claimed time of 5.2 seconds seems to be way overstated?

#21 of 42 Re: Ford Taurus SHO specs? [bbfd86] by graphicguy

Mar 19, 2010 (10:28 am)

Replying to: bbfd86 (Mar 19, 2010 9:52 am)
bb....I've seen those "specs" myself.
 
I've test driven both the TH SH AWD (and subsequently bought it) and the SHO. Frankly, for me, the Acura felt every bit as fast, if not a bit faster. But, we're not talking significant differences.
 
I've never driven a Magnum. So, can't help you there.
 
Biggest difference between the SHO and the Acura is in the handling. The SHO feels "lumbering" in comparison to the Acura. Ride is firmer and controlled in the Acura too (something I prefer).
 
Bottom line, all these cars are fast. Maybe not muscle car fast, but more than fast enough for anything other than stop light to stoplight wars.

#22 of 42 Re: Ford Taurus SHO specs? [bbfd86] by brucelinc

Mar 19, 2010 (1:21 pm)

Replying to: bbfd86 (Mar 19, 2010 9:52 am)
Much of the difference you note in 0-60 or quarter mile times takes place off the line. Many car magazines like C & D, will hold the brake with the left foot while while being on the gas with the right foot. Then they release the brake with the throttle floored. Having the engine speed up and, in the case of the SHO, the turbo boost already in place, results in quicker times. Just flooring the throttle without "brake torquing" will not be as quick with most cars.

#23 of 42 Re: Ford Taurus SHO specs? [brucelinc] by graphicguy

Mar 20, 2010 (6:52 am)

Replying to: brucelinc (Mar 19, 2010 1:21 pm)
bruce....I agree. The car mags really abuse the cars they test to get the numbers they post. C&D, R&T, MT....all of them test in a way that most of us would never try to drive our cars.
 
One other big difference between the SHO and TL SH AWD that I found when test driving, was the braking. The SHO was pretty wimpy with regards to brakes. The TL far outshined it. The SHO is just too big and heavy for the brakes Ford put on it. I understand that you can get the performance package which should alleviate some of the braking problem. But, you have to get that package with "summer only" tires. That would be a handful for anyone who drives in the rain, or snowy areas in winter.
 
Even with "all season" tires, the Acura is a much better handling car than the SHO.
 
Then, there's the warranty. Ford is 3/36. Acura is 4/50. And, I'm betting that resale on the Acura (which has always been near the top) is going to be much better down the line, too.
 
All that said, buy what you like.

#24 of 42 Re: Ford Taurus SHO specs? [bbfd86] by njvike

Apr 16, 2010 (8:11 pm)

Replying to: bbfd86 (Mar 19, 2010 9:52 am)
I think Ford is concerned about the Public Relations issue this may cause.
 
I have two Acura vehicles. One '07 Type S and the other is an '09 MDX. I love them both because they have great seats and very little body roll. I think it was said that Acura makes the best seats in the market; Nav system isn't too shabby either.
 
I looked at the Taurus SHO and I really like it. Granted $45 is quite an asking price for a Ford but this is not your every day Ford. This car has 365 Horsepower from twin turbos and runs the 1/4 in 13.7; you'll even beat some Mustangs with this baby.
 
There are several places to go to even get more performance out of it. One place does sell some tuning items like a chip for about $400 that will give you an extra 40HP and 70 foot pounds of torque that will get you in the low 13s.
 
Doug Hennesey makes a $3450 kit which will give you 100HP (look both up on you tube) This will get you in the high 12s making your family Ford be able to eat up any Mopar with the SRT and all Mustangs.
 
Bottom line is Acura is a great sports luxury car with great residual value and great build quality. The Taurus SHO is a family hot rod with plenty of goodies and even though Ford is getting a good part of the market share, they're not better than Acura.
 
So, if you like a car that's quick and handles great you get the TL. If 0-60 and 1/4 mile times are all that matter to you, than the SHO is for you.
 
Hope that helps and good luck with your decision.

#25 of 42 To Beak or not to Beak by robtroxel

Apr 04, 2011 (1:38 pm)

Honda/Acura knows they have an ugly issue to deal with..the front grill on the TL (Looks like a Beak or a tooth). They are finally going to change it. Id wait this out as they are also doing other tweaks to the rear too.

#26 of 42 Re: Torn between the Taurus SHO and the Acura TL AWD/Tech [catz12] by wwest

Apr 05, 2011 (9:18 am)

Replying to: catz12 (Jan 29, 2010 8:07 pm)
An SHO and FWD.....??
 
More idiocy from Ford.
 
But if you're of the boy racer mentality then the Ford is your game. If wintertime driving stability is your thing then the Acura SH-AWD system.

#27 of 42 Re: Ford Taurus SHO specs? [njvike] by gbosil

Apr 06, 2011 (5:26 am)

Replying to: njvike (Apr 16, 2010 8:11 pm)
Well I also have a 2007 Acura TL Type S and 2010 Acura TSX Tech. Just traded my TSX for a 2011 Audi S4 340 HP 333 Pd Ft Torque 0-60 in 4.7 DSG Transmission and Qtr Mile in 12.7! Granted this is a 60K car. Now don't get me wrong I love my TL and won't part with it. I think the build quality is superior in every way. Love it! ... Now my 2010 TSX was a piece of crap! Rattles, wouldn't start, seat creaking, transmission issues, poor paint quality and many other issues.. But the direction Acura has been heading since 2009 is in the WRONG Direction! No "S" line ? ? ? ? WTF! No sports car ? ? Huh ? ? I don't get it! If Acura keeps going in this direction the brand will become extinct!

#28 of 42 Re: Ford Taurus SHO specs? [gbosil] by billyperks2

Apr 06, 2011 (6:00 am)

Replying to: gbosil (Apr 06, 2011 5:26 am)
S4- very nice machine, dont blow me away when you see me on the highway with the TL SH-AWD.
Good Luck!!!

#29 of 42 Re: Ford Taurus SHO specs? [billyperks2] by gbosil

Apr 08, 2011 (11:38 am)

Replying to: billyperks2 (Apr 06, 2011 6:00 am)
Hey Billy .. I won't blow you off the hwy It's amazing how many people know my S4 is a Rocket! I had a guy pull up next to me in a GT Mustang today and said wanna race and then laughed! He then said "I was just joking" ..my response .."ya thought so!" Awesome machine! I am getting 27 HWY and about 23MPG mixed driving. Not bad for all that HP! Big improvement from the old S4!

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