Well, I have had my TL for about three weeks now. I had my 2004 TSX for about a year before the dealer ruined it and bought it back, so I think it is time I give some perspective on the differences between the two cars.
I am not sure if anybody has written something like this before, so I am going to do my best to shed some light – although this will not be a long review.
We all know the major differences, the size difference, and the engine difference. 4 Cyl vs 6 Cyl.
The large engine was enough to get me to jump to the TL for this car. The TSX was defiantly powerful enough for most drivers, including myself, but the extra power is so much more fun.
The TSX has better gas mileage, this I to be expected though. From what I remember I was getting about 25MPG with the TSX and with the TL I have been getting 20MPG. So this is a big advantage to the TSX (especially with current gas prices)
Technology – the differences are generally minimal. The TL has its advantages over the TSX – the handsfreelink Bluetooth system I happen to love in my TL. I am almost positive the 06’ TSX will have it built in. The DVD-audio has amazing sound quality, however, there are so few dvd-a discs available that its not a huge advantage (IMO). The only other advantage that I can think of is the XM radio, but the 05’ TSX has this built in now.
I do need to point out that having the memory seats in the TL is a huge advantage, at least for me.
The TSX has the turn signals built in the side mirrors, I happen to like this feature, and I wish the TL had it.
I think the real difference is the ride and handling differences between the TSX and the TL. The TSX is a sports luxury sedan. The TL is a luxury sports sedan. The TSX is much more nimble and handles much better. You can take it through turns with ease and change lanes quickly. You feel like you are driving a small easy to maneuver car whereas with the TL it feels bulkier (and it is) and without the a-spec suspension is not much of a competitor to the TSX in terms of handling. Sure, for straight line acceleration, the TL will beat the TSX – but if you are looking for a car to really compete in true handling, the TSX wins.
So, which car to get – the TSX or the TL? With the $5,000 difference many people often wonder which one to get. Personally, I still say TL, but it is up to you. If you want to save the money and you do not want the extra fast car, get the TSX, you won’t be disappointed. It has excellent acceleration for being a 4 CYL. If you want cooler technology and more of a luxury car over a sports car, get the TL. Either way, you will get an excellent car. They are both luxury enough for most people and they are both sporty enough for most people. I personally think the extra money was worth it for the TL, especially after I spent a few more thousand and added the a-spec package.
Oh, also the TL is more susceptible to rattles and dropping headliners. Fortunately I only have on rattle, and the headliner is no longer falling on my head.
My favorite features in the TL: Blue ambient lighting (and gauges) and the handsfreelink. My favorite features in the TSX: hands down the handling of the car
Again, hopefully this review will be helpful to some potential TSX/TL shoppers.
I am not sure if anybody has written something like this before, so I am going to do my best to shed some light – although this will not be a long review.
We all know the major differences, the size difference, and the engine difference. 4 Cyl vs 6 Cyl.
The large engine was enough to get me to jump to the TL for this car. The TSX was defiantly powerful enough for most drivers, including myself, but the extra power is so much more fun.
The TSX has better gas mileage, this I to be expected though. From what I remember I was getting about 25MPG with the TSX and with the TL I have been getting 20MPG. So this is a big advantage to the TSX (especially with current gas prices)
Technology – the differences are generally minimal. The TL has its advantages over the TSX – the handsfreelink Bluetooth system I happen to love in my TL. I am almost positive the 06’ TSX will have it built in. The DVD-audio has amazing sound quality, however, there are so few dvd-a discs available that its not a huge advantage (IMO). The only other advantage that I can think of is the XM radio, but the 05’ TSX has this built in now.
I do need to point out that having the memory seats in the TL is a huge advantage, at least for me.
The TSX has the turn signals built in the side mirrors, I happen to like this feature, and I wish the TL had it.
I think the real difference is the ride and handling differences between the TSX and the TL. The TSX is a sports luxury sedan. The TL is a luxury sports sedan. The TSX is much more nimble and handles much better. You can take it through turns with ease and change lanes quickly. You feel like you are driving a small easy to maneuver car whereas with the TL it feels bulkier (and it is) and without the a-spec suspension is not much of a competitor to the TSX in terms of handling. Sure, for straight line acceleration, the TL will beat the TSX – but if you are looking for a car to really compete in true handling, the TSX wins.
So, which car to get – the TSX or the TL? With the $5,000 difference many people often wonder which one to get. Personally, I still say TL, but it is up to you. If you want to save the money and you do not want the extra fast car, get the TSX, you won’t be disappointed. It has excellent acceleration for being a 4 CYL. If you want cooler technology and more of a luxury car over a sports car, get the TL. Either way, you will get an excellent car. They are both luxury enough for most people and they are both sporty enough for most people. I personally think the extra money was worth it for the TL, especially after I spent a few more thousand and added the a-spec package.
Oh, also the TL is more susceptible to rattles and dropping headliners. Fortunately I only have on rattle, and the headliner is no longer falling on my head.
My favorite features in the TL: Blue ambient lighting (and gauges) and the handsfreelink. My favorite features in the TSX: hands down the handling of the car
Again, hopefully this review will be helpful to some potential TSX/TL shoppers.
