Acura TLX Type-S vs. M340i

TruthOne · 07-26-2021, 12:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Quote:

Originally Posted by TruthOne

I had a 2017 red sport also. The handling was atrocious but all that can be solved with springs etc. Its a very easy car to make faster too. You can buy a slightly used one for mid 20's . Well you could before all the current madness with used cars.

Yeah perhaps. But steer by wire and an awful transmission are still issues. Not to mention the decades old infotainment.

Steer by wire is an option. I didn't have that trash. The transmission and infotainment no doubt is horrendous but they now offer Apple Car Play and Android Auto

TiMSport · 07-26-2021, 02:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TruthOne

Steer by wire is an option. I didn't have that trash. The transmission and infotainment no doubt is horrendous but they now offer Apple Car Play and Android Auto

So they've caught up with a Corolla. Lol.

TruthOne · 07-26-2021, 03:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiMSport

So they've caught up with a Corolla. Lol.

LOL the funny thing is the Maxima and other Nissans been had that. The Maxima also has a better interior. Why would a Maxima have a flat bottom steering wheel but a Red Sport doesn't?? Nissan is on serious drugs.

TiMSport · 07-26-2021, 03:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TruthOne

LOL the funny thing is the Maxima and other Nissans been had that. The Maxima also has a better interior. Why would a Maxima have a flat bottom steering wheel but a Red Sport doesn't?? Nissan is on serious drugs.

Blame it on the former CEO whack job and international fugitive Carlos Ghosn, lol.

GD1981 · 07-26-2021, 03:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Yeah perhaps. But steer by wire and an awful transmission are still issues. Not to mention the decades old infotainment.

+1 Leased a 2017 Q60RS when they first debuted; very sharp looking car, but the trans was the ultimate handicap. I did all the Full bolt ons plus a tune, but the trans couldn’t simply hang - that car needed a proper ZF or DCT bad.

madpistol · 07-26-2021, 04:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GD1981

+1 Leased a 2017 Q60RS when they first debuted; very sharp looking car, but the trans was the ultimate handicap. I did all the Full bolt ons plus a tune, but the trans couldn’t simply hang - that car needed a proper ZF or DCT bad.

I am wondering what happened to Nissan. My 2008 Altima was a turd as far as reliability went, but it drove very well and was extremely easy to live with. It also had some really cool tech (full smart key integration was standard. This was optional on virtually every other car.) This was also the time when the Infiniti G35/G37 existed, and they were absolute beasts.

It seems like Nissan lost its way after that.

Ugly Kar · 07-26-2021, 05:11 PM

This topic was discussed on C&D about a month ago and basically the same things were said. However, the Japanese lux brands do have good marketing dept's though because their cars are selling well. Beauty is only skin deep though as that's as far as the average consumer goes, even a lot of wealthy ones.

A couple of important things. First, you simply can't compare HP numbers vs Japanese and American car co's. People like to say BMW under-rates their HP. They don't under-rate, they use a different standard and rate differently, just like Audi, MB. Those you can compare.

Second, the above is one of the main reasons you should be comparing a mid-level Acura, Infiniti to a low level 330, A4, C300 German car. They may have very different HP numbers, but this is where the performance is about equal.

Then, they have no top (M, RS, AMG) level. So their top level won't perform even equal to a mid level German brand. Cadillac does, they have the blackwings, but the blackwings only equal the mid level German brands, but cost much more.

I tested a Cadillac CT4V but the 4 in it is crappy. If you get the blackwing it still can't touch an M340, yet costs more. Cadillac does have the best suspension and steering hands down, but that's the only thing they do good.

Yes, the TLX-S is overweight and underpowered, but the Q60 is even worse. The Altima turbo I had for a rental was more refined and engaging than the Q60 Red I tested. Infiniti is wondering the desert. The new IS500 might be an equal performer, but will end up costing more than the German competition, be overweight and get poor mpg. And Lexus invented the ugly grill. If Acura wanted to make a great car they'd put that V6 in a RWD ILX and beef up the components. That could be a great driving car, but they won't do it.

There just isn't anyone that can tough the German brands when it comes to engineering. That's why I think they offer the best value in terms of performance and refinement. It's just too bad you can't get German engineering, Italian design and Japanese reliability all in one car.

Merami fan · 07-26-2021, 05:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ugly Kar

Japanese reliability

Too bad this term only really applies to Toyota (including Lexus), Mazda, and select (probably older) models from the other brands. Acura and Infiniti have dropped the ball over the past decade or two. Which is strange for Infiniti since they're still making the exact same cars they did back then.

2021 rankings from J.D. Power:
BMW and Acura are tied for 10th/11th best out of 33.
https://www.jdpower.com/sites/defaul...?itok=ogvxtpWq

2021 rankings from Consumer Reports:
BMW in 2nd, Acura in the bottom half.
https://www.autolist.com/guides/most...ble-car-brands
(list at the bottom, CR site itself is pay-walled)

TiMSport · 07-26-2021, 06:33 PM

Speaking of Japanese brands, Subaru has consistently ranked high for reliability.

madpistol · 07-26-2021, 07:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiMSport

Speaking of Japanese brands, Subaru has consistently ranked high for reliability.

Yep… probably because their engines have no power by today’s standards.

TiMSport · 07-26-2021, 07:21 PM

Well I don't think that really has anything to do with reliability and engines are only one component of the vehicle albeit the main one. Reason I brought it up is they rate surprisingly well but it's always Toyota getting the fanfare.

_E90S65_ · 07-26-2021, 07:50 PM

Acura… another brand that lost its way.

I loved the 90s / 00s Acuras for their simplicity and understated styling.

Now they just seem busy, fussy and unresolved. Unfortunately, if BMW isn't careful, their upcoming designs (like the new 2 series) fall into those camps, too.

premier3is · 07-26-2021, 08:54 PM

Not even worth the comparison. Must be a joke lol.

Regardless, the only good Acura in my opinion was the 3rd Gen Integra (1994-2001).

stein_325i · 07-26-2021, 09:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiMSport

Speaking of Japanese brands, Subaru has consistently ranked high for reliability.

Every time I see any magazine or publication say that I just laugh. I truly do not see the hype in Subaru, I strongly dislike the brand and believe Mazda deserves Subaru's success more.

TiMSport · 07-26-2021, 09:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Every time I see any magazine or publication say that I just laugh. I truly do not see the hype in Subaru, I strongly dislike the brand and believe Mazda deserves Subaru's success more.

I don't have any desire to buy one, just stating what publications seem to suggest about the brand. I think Mazda is a more successful company and believe they have better sales. Having said that, I'm curious as to what you mean about Mazda deserving Subaru's success.

One problem with Mazda is they don't offer any powerful vehicles.

stein_325i · 07-26-2021, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiMSport

Quote:

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Every time I see any magazine or publication say that I just laugh. I truly do not see the hype in Subaru, I strongly dislike the brand and believe Mazda deserves Subaru's success more.

I don't have any desire to buy one, just stating what publications seem to suggest about the brand. I think Mazda is a more successful company and believe they have better sales. Having said that, I'm curious as to what you mean about Mazda deserving Subaru's success.

One problem with Mazda is they don't offer any powerful vehicles.

Mazda is a very small brand, much smaller than Subaru. Mazda sells as many cars as Toyota sells Camry's a year. Subaru on the other hand has more than double Mazda's sales (around 700k yearly compared to Mazda's 280k).

Mazda does have the 2.5T which is a great and torquey engine (310lb ft) and will even be producing an Inline-6 engine developed for a RWD-based platform for those who want power. In my opinion they make excellent driving, looking, feeling, cars that are sadly ignored by the market. I believe the Ford ownership stint hurt their image, but the CX-5's success has pushed them forward.

My oldest son has an all Mazda garage. He has an NB Miata and 6-Signature, and the wife has a CX-9 Signature. All excellent cars. The 6 especially is an amazingly luxurious and fun to drive mid-size sedan, and the CX-9 has steering that would even make BMW jealous!

TruthOne · 07-26-2021, 09:30 PM

Mazda needs to release a modern RX-7. The FD is one of my favorite Japanese cars. Not sure why they don't.
[IMG]https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FnGM4ymYjxY/maxresdefault.jpg[/IMG]

TiMSport · 07-26-2021, 09:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by stein_325i

Mazda is a very small brand, much smaller than Subaru. Mazda sells as many cars as Toyota sells Camry's a year. Subaru on the other hand has more than double Mazda's sales (around 700k yearly compared to Mazda's 280k).

Mazda does have the 2.5T which is a great and torquey engine (310lb ft) and will even be producing an Inline-6 engine developed for a RWD-based platform for those who want power. In my opinion they make excellent driving, looking, feeling, cars that are sadly ignored by the market. I believe the Ford ownership stint hurt their image, but the CX-5's success has pushed them forward.

My oldest son has an all Mazda garage. He has an NB Miata and 6-Signature, and the wife has a CX-9 Signature. All excellent cars. The 6 especially is an amazingly luxurious and fun to drive mid-size sedan, and the CX-9 has steering that would even make BMW jealous!

I didn't realize Subaru sold that many cars. Yes, Mazda has always been the fun car to drive compared to most but they are a minnow as you stated. A few of my colleagues also drive Mazdas and they really like them. Cost and value-wise, they're good cars.

Merami fan · 07-26-2021, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TiMSport

I didn't realize Subaru sold that many cars. Yes, Mazda has always been the fun car to drive compared to most but they are a minnow as you stated. A few of my colleagues also drive Mazdas and they really like them. Cost and value-wise, they're good cars.

As expected, their SUVs/crossovers make up the bulk of the sales numbers.
https://media.subaru.com/pressreleas...-q2-2021-sales

Punkwrock · 07-27-2021, 09:06 AM

I tried the new 2021 TLX A-Spec that a friend bought Just shortly after I got my G20 330i-X. And all I can say for about 3 or 4 k difference In price my BMW was way better in every aspect. I don't know what Acura did to that transmission, but it slow as hell and I didn't feel connected to the road at all. So I imagine the Type-S is a fail. I did however have a 2018 Civic Type-R which I loved!! But missed AWD and some luxuries that the Type-R didn't have.

wtwo3 · 08-01-2021, 07:46 AM

Here you go...

So what I got from this:

1) Slow - one of the slowest among its competitors
2) Extremely heavy (over 4,200 lbs)
3) TONS of understeer
4) Looks nice
5) Interior is decent, but rear seat space is lacking

leocce · 08-01-2021, 09:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wtwo3

Here you go...

So what I got from this:

1) Slow - one of the slowest among its competitors
2) Extremely heavy (over 4,200 lbs)
3) TONS of understeer
4) Looks nice
5) Interior is decent, but rear seat space is lacking

pretty much..

07-26-2021, 05:11 PM	#29
Ugly Kar First Lieutenant 421 Rep 311 Posts Drives: E92 to C43 Cab to G42 Join Date: Jul 2021 Location: USA iTrader: (0)	This topic was discussed on C&D about a month ago and basically the same things were said. However, the Japanese lux brands do have good marketing dept's though because their cars are selling well. Beauty is only skin deep though as that's as far as the average consumer goes, even a lot of wealthy ones. A couple of important things. First, you simply can't compare HP numbers vs Japanese and American car co's. People like to say BMW under-rates their HP. They don't under-rate, they use a different standard and rate differently, just like Audi, MB. Those you can compare. Second, the above is one of the main reasons you should be comparing a mid-level Acura, Infiniti to a low level 330, A4, C300 German car. They may have very different HP numbers, but this is where the performance is about equal. Then, they have no top (M, RS, AMG) level. So their top level won't perform even equal to a mid level German brand. Cadillac does, they have the blackwings, but the blackwings only equal the mid level German brands, but cost much more. I tested a Cadillac CT4V but the 4 in it is crappy. If you get the blackwing it still can't touch an M340, yet costs more. Cadillac does have the best suspension and steering hands down, but that's the only thing they do good. Yes, the TLX-S is overweight and underpowered, but the Q60 is even worse. The Altima turbo I had for a rental was more refined and engaging than the Q60 Red I tested. Infiniti is wondering the desert. The new IS500 might be an equal performer, but will end up costing more than the German competition, be overweight and get poor mpg. And Lexus invented the ugly grill. If Acura wanted to make a great car they'd put that V6 in a RWD ILX and beef up the components. That could be a great driving car, but they won't do it. There just isn't anyone that can tough the German brands when it comes to engineering. That's why I think they offer the best value in terms of performance and refinement. It's just too bad you can't get German engineering, Italian design and Japanese reliability all in one car.
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07-26-2021, 06:33 PM	#31
TiMSport Banned 12807 Rep 2,983 Posts Drives: '21 M340i xDrive, '17 Audi S3 Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	Speaking of Japanese brands, Subaru has consistently ranked high for reliability.
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07-26-2021, 07:21 PM	#33
TiMSport Banned 12807 Rep 2,983 Posts Drives: '21 M340i xDrive, '17 Audi S3 Join Date: Feb 2021 Location: ATL iTrader: (0)	Well I don't think that really has anything to do with reliability and engines are only one component of the vehicle albeit the main one. Reason I brought it up is they rate surprisingly well but it's always Toyota getting the fanfare.
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07-26-2021, 07:50 PM	#34
_E90S65_ Captain 739 Rep 674 Posts Drives: 2021 M340i Join Date: Dec 2020 Location: Pluto iTrader: (0)	Acura… another brand that lost its way. I loved the 90s / 00s Acuras for their simplicity and understated styling. Now they just seem busy, fussy and unresolved. Unfortunately, if BMW isn't careful, their upcoming designs (like the new 2 series) fall into those camps, too.
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07-26-2021, 08:54 PM	#35
premier3is Major 1632 Rep 1,004 Posts Drives: 2019 BMW 330i M-Sport Join Date: Jul 2019 Location: CA iTrader: (0)	Not even worth the comparison. Must be a joke lol. Regardless, the only good Acura in my opinion was the 3rd Gen Integra (1994-2001).
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07-26-2021, 09:30 PM	#39
TruthOne Major 1081 Rep 1,086 Posts Drives: 2021 M340i Join Date: Oct 2020 Location: Oakland, CA iTrader: (0)	Mazda needs to release a modern RX-7. The FD is one of my favorite Japanese cars. Not sure why they don't. [IMG]https://i.ytimg.com/vi/FnGM4ymYjxY/maxresdefault.jpg[/IMG]
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07-27-2021, 09:06 AM	#42
Punkwrock Private First Class 119 Rep 162 Posts Drives: 2020 BMW M340i-X Join Date: Jun 2020 Location: NB, Canada iTrader: (0)	I tried the new 2021 TLX A-Spec that a friend bought Just shortly after I got my G20 330i-X. And all I can say for about 3 or 4 k difference In price my BMW was way better in every aspect. I don't know what Acura did to that transmission, but it slow as hell and I didn't feel connected to the road at all. So I imagine the Type-S is a fail. I did however have a 2018 Civic Type-R which I loved!! But missed AWD and some luxuries that the Type-R didn't have.
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08-01-2021, 07:46 AM	#43
wtwo3 Major General 18031 Rep 5,494 Posts Drives: 23 X7 40i; 23 M3; 24 cooper s Join Date: Aug 2019 Location: IL iTrader: (0) Garage List 2024 Mini Cooper S ... [10.00] 2023 BMW M3 [9.40] 2023 BMW X7 40i [9.75]	Here you go... So what I got from this: 1) Slow - one of the slowest among its competitors 2) Extremely heavy (over 4,200 lbs) 3) TONS of understeer 4) Looks nice 5) Interior is decent, but rear seat space is lacking __________________ 2023 BMW X7 xDrive40i 2023 BMW M3 6MT 2024 Mini Cooper S Convertible '20 BMW m340i... '20 BMW X5 40i... '16 Infiniti Q50 RS 400... '10 Lexus RX 350... '08 Lexus IS 350... '00 Nissan Maxima... '93 Nissan Maxima
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