Embarassed by Acura TSX

[csejl]

I recently moved from Utah to California. Although it was a long drive I was having a lot of fun... until I ran into Acura TSX or RSX. I can't even remember. I was averaging about 90-95 mph (75 mph on I-15) passing by a lot of cars. And when someone tried to keep up with me I'd simply downshift to 4th and just run away from her. Unfortunately, I couldn't do the same with this Acura.

By the time he noticed me I was already ahead of him, he started to speed up and so did I but he got closer and closer. I coudln't believe it had that much power at that kind of speed. I was trying to stay ahead of him but ran into the electronic speed limit (is it 128?). There he was right next to me, looked at me and slowed down like I am not good enough for it. It was one of the worst feelings I've ever had driving a bimmer.

So what's the deal here? I don't know what their top speed is but they definitely don't have electronic limit set like ours. I probably shouldn't have shifted to 5th and 6th so soon but that thing really impressed me. It left bad taste in my mouth...

 

[csejl]

delete this one, please. I reloaded the page and it posted again.

 

[donmbmw]

Well it wasn't a TSX thats for sure. I don't see how you could confuse a TSX with an RSX because they look so completely different. My guess is you came up against a new TL. It looks very similar to the TSX but at 270 HP it is definetly something that could humble a 330. If it were a RWD car it would dominate the lux/sport sedan market.

 

[Xyrium]

No question it was a TL. If it wasn't so ugly it would be a sweet vehicle. Reliable and fast. Fairly predictable handling as well. Even for FWD, the only 3 that could take it would be the M. The 330's just don't have what it takes to take that car in raw power and handling. However, I'm sure the feel behind the wheel is not as sweet as a BMW.

 

[brahtw8]

Having recently replaced my E36 with a new TL, I can offer a few observations.

The TL is very quick. It is at least the equal of a 330. It can run very well with a 540 and an E36 M3.

This is all in a straight line, of course. FWD has its compromises at the limit when cornering, although with the A-Spec package or a better aftermarket suspension, I have heard it handles quite well.

My E36 had better steering feel.

The TL is geared for a theoretical top speed of around 165, but is likely drag limited around 150 and I believe is electronically limited in the mid to high 140s. I have seen around 123 at redline in 4th gear.

BTW, a lot of people actually like the look.

 

[Section_8]

Simple fix: Get a shark injector - it ups your RPMs(reprograms the ECU), and removes your limiter. You'd be ahead of that lil Acura believe me, your 330 can cruise at 150+ like butta.. (I thought the 330's limiter was 145 anyhow, the 323/325's limiter was 128?)

If it wasn't a new TL, then you can bank that it was modified. Especially if you were ahead, had it floored and he still caught up to you like that.. Don't feel bad, anything can have a FI dropped in it of any sort (SC, turbo, biturbo, pick your flavor), and suddenly have a great deal more oomf then most stock cars, BMW or not.

 

[Xyrium]

8<---------------------SNIP
BTW, a lot of people actually like the look. [/B]

I believe it. It's really just not my style. However, the interior seems to be well done, and the engine, well, it speaks for itself. The usual bulletproof Honda. I currently have an Integra. It has the best shifter I've ever driven. However, steering feel is rubbery(I know, the Integra has a numb steering feel, what were all of those reviewers talking about then?)

Anyway, good luck on your new TL. It must be a hoot to drive with that much power, and great handling (from the reviews I've read) to boot.

BTW, any reason you chose it over the G35? They are quite similar, and the G35 gets my nod in exterior styling.

Paul

 

[brahtw8]

BTW, any reason you chose it over the G35? They are quite similar, and the G35 gets my nod in exterior styling.

Paul

The TL is my daily driver. FWD + front-engine + Blizzak LM 22 snows = WORRY FREE WINTER DRIVING. That and it has more technology than some third-world countries.

I don't like the look of the G35 sedans. If they offered a G35x coupe, or any G35x with a 6mt, I may have given that some more consideration. I also wanted something larger than an E46 330ix, which was very hard to find in late fall/winter in the Midwest. That, and I absolutely HATE the security system LED on the bottom of the rear view mirror. Whose brilliant idea was it to put that monstrosity in our Bimmers?

If I was going to buy another RWD sedan, it would have a Roundel on the hood.

I came very close to buying a 2000 or 2001 540i/6, but FWD and longer warranties won out. That and the local dealer wanted a little too much than I was willing to pay for the 2001 I was looking at. $33,500 versus about $32,000.

At the last minute I almost got a 2001 X5 3.0, STEPTRONIC, if you can believe that. That is a great automatic transmission (when it works ) and the X5 is very nice to drive and ride in.

If all goes well, I may get that X5 and an older M car to replace the TL in a few years. One can always hope.

I got rid of the E36 because the maintenance costs were not cheap and were only going to increase as the car rounded 150k miles. I thought having two cars meant you always had one that worked. Instead, it just means you can have two in the shop instead of one.

 

[Xyrium]

I put LM22s on my Integra and they did nothing for me. The car was still too light for the snow.

I hate SUVs (usually just hate the drivers because they are completely ignorant of the shortcomings of their vehicles). THe X5 is certainly a nice SUV however.

I think if I could have had two vehicles (snow and fun) I'd have a Subaru Outback (the Legacy even offers McIntosh audio!)and a 330Ci. If the WRX hadn't had that monstrosity of a hood scoop (read: snow blower) in the middle of the hood, I would have ordered that wagon instead of my 330xi. If the Outback Sport had their V6 in it, I would have ordered that.

Yes!! If Infiniti offered the G35x with a 6MT, I'd own that instead as well!!

Well, I'm hoping to get at least 6 years of trouble free service from my 330xi. If not, I'll dump it at the first sign of trouble and get a spaceship, which is what most vehicles will probably look like at that point.