Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i?
09-29-2005, 12:51 PM
#26
Honda-Tech Member
Re: (94accordsedan)
TL for sure. i actually had a conversation with a bmwcca member who has had bimmers for ever. when his wife was due for a new daily, they went to look at 05 3 series. the prices for the options and things like that were just rediculous. in the end they went with the TL an are happy with it.
09-29-2005, 12:56 PM
#27
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Mar 2002
Location: Seattle, WA / Ann Arbor, MI
Posts: 1,457
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: (Lo-Buck EF)
Yeah the base 325 costs about as much as a TL and you get no sunroof, leatherette instead of leather, 16"s... and quite a lot less power than the TL.
The TL 6-spd comes with an LSD as well... not sure but I doubt the 325i has one.
The G35's back end looks a little better with the updated LED taillights n such. Even though I'm a fairly hardcore sporty-car guy, in this class I would look at the TL, G35, and IS... and not the 325. 330 maybe but that's a lot more money than any of those mentioned.
The TL 6-spd comes with an LSD as well... not sure but I doubt the 325i has one.
The G35's back end looks a little better with the updated LED taillights n such. Even though I'm a fairly hardcore sporty-car guy, in this class I would look at the TL, G35, and IS... and not the 325. 330 maybe but that's a lot more money than any of those mentioned.
09-29-2005, 01:21 PM
#29
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Columbia, MO, USA
Posts: 2,076
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (JeffS)
Oh yeah, and definitely if you have the option to buy the G35, get it. It's a better car than either of them IMO as far as a daily driver/fun car. More space and equivalent acceleration. Mileage is worse though, considerably, especially in the AWD auto ones.
09-29-2005, 01:58 PM
#30
Honda-Tech Member
BMWs have continually had electrical problems with there newer cars. Although they are nice and have this status symbol associated with them. I would more than likely choose the TL. I am biased and love the car. Havent been in the new 3 series. But spent alot of time in roomies 545.. he went threw 3 lemons. Now.. his 4th.. works fine for now. Beemers..pah.. Acura reliability
09-29-2005, 04:08 PM
#31
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (J28S)
it's always good to come here and see people with the same issues as me, regardless if they aren't problems.
09-29-2005, 04:11 PM
#32
Honda-Tech Member
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (JeffS)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by JeffS »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I'd have to go with the TL, just because I like the looks of it. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Don't forget the interior. The back seat (which I ride in to lunch every other day) is *great*. The materials are all first rate. The Nav/XM/Radio system rocks. Even the floormats this thing has "make sense." It just looks and feels like a quality piece. Even in the back (where I'm convinced some manufacturers take shortcuts).
That said...I haven't been in an E90 BMW. And the E46 4-door perf package is on my short list as an Excursion replacement as well.
I've also got a friend who has a 2003.5 G35 (first version). They've had a number of problems with it. Great car to look at and great car to drive, but...there are some hints of cheapness and shortcuts there. Maybe they've gotten better since the first model run.
I'm considering trading in the Excursion on a TL. I'm really impressed.
Don't forget the interior. The back seat (which I ride in to lunch every other day) is *great*. The materials are all first rate. The Nav/XM/Radio system rocks. Even the floormats this thing has "make sense." It just looks and feels like a quality piece. Even in the back (where I'm convinced some manufacturers take shortcuts).
That said...I haven't been in an E90 BMW. And the E46 4-door perf package is on my short list as an Excursion replacement as well.
I've also got a friend who has a 2003.5 G35 (first version). They've had a number of problems with it. Great car to look at and great car to drive, but...there are some hints of cheapness and shortcuts there. Maybe they've gotten better since the first model run.
I'm considering trading in the Excursion on a TL. I'm really impressed.
09-29-2005, 04:26 PM
#33
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Atlanta, GA, USA
Posts: 2,861
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (krshultz)
Between the 2, TL for sure. G35 has a ncie sub $300 lease now. We have a red coupe and love it. VQ == 
09-29-2005, 04:51 PM
#34
H-T Order of Merit
There was a guy in the advanced FATT group the last weekend at Summit Point. He had a TL.
Six speed, Torsen axle, Brembo brakes...he and that car fairly hauled in an impressive way.
Very impressive car.
Six speed, Torsen axle, Brembo brakes...he and that car fairly hauled in an impressive way.
Very impressive car.
09-30-2005, 04:16 AM
#35
Junior Member
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Knoxville, TN, USA
Posts: 238
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (krshultz)
I'd get the BMW. I like BMW's, I don't like luxury Acura's.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krshultz »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've also got a friend who has a 2003.5 G35 (first version). They've had a number of problems with it. Great car to look at and great car to drive, but...there are some hints of cheapness and shortcuts there. Maybe they've gotten better since the first model run.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I can think of at least 6 friends and co-workers that have bought G35's and each car has been a total POS. In fact, just yesterday, a co-worker wrapped up her work day to find her car sitting in the parking lot with the windows down and water standing in the floorboard.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krshultz »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I've also got a friend who has a 2003.5 G35 (first version). They've had a number of problems with it. Great car to look at and great car to drive, but...there are some hints of cheapness and shortcuts there. Maybe they've gotten better since the first model run.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I can think of at least 6 friends and co-workers that have bought G35's and each car has been a total POS. In fact, just yesterday, a co-worker wrapped up her work day to find her car sitting in the parking lot with the windows down and water standing in the floorboard.
09-30-2005, 04:23 AM
#36
Trial User
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Plotting My Revenge
Posts: 7,722
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (steverife)
While I really really like the TL, I'd have to go with the BMW. I really like me some 3 series.
Torque
RWD
Its a friggin BMW
I'll have mine in Black.
Torque
RWD
Its a friggin BMW
I'll have mine in Black.
09-30-2005, 04:30 AM
#37
Rather OG
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 8,179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (Catch 22)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">While I really really like the TL, I'd have to go with the BMW. I really like me some 3 series.
Torque
RWD
Its a friggin BMW
I'll have mine in Black.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Hrm...can I choose neither? I say buy a TSX and drop a K20A R in it
Jason-
who'll never again own a BMW as long as he lives.
Torque
RWD
Its a friggin BMW
I'll have mine in Black.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Hrm...can I choose neither? I say buy a TSX and drop a K20A R in it
Jason-
who'll never again own a BMW as long as he lives.
09-30-2005, 04:31 AM
#38
H-T Order of Merit
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (Back in Black)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Back in Black »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Hrm...can I choose neither? I say buy a TSX and drop a K20A R in it.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Somebody's gone through the Spoon Indoctrination Programme.
Hrm...can I choose neither? I say buy a TSX and drop a K20A R in it
.</TD></TR></TABLE>Somebody's gone through the Spoon Indoctrination Programme.
09-30-2005, 04:32 AM
#39
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: HP, NC, USA
Posts: 2,472
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (Johnny Mac)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Johnny Mac »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Hondas aren't perfect but..... </TD></TR></TABLE>
WHAT???
You're banned!
Hondas aren't perfect but..... </TD></TR></TABLE>
WHAT???
You're banned!
09-30-2005, 04:45 AM
#40
Trial User
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Plotting My Revenge
Posts: 7,722
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (Track rat)
Interesting conversation Renee (who desperately wants a BMW) and I had last night after watching a particular TV commercial:
Her - How come BMW and Acura never offer stuff like 0% financing and "employee pricing?"
Me - Because they don't have to.
And that about sums it up.
Her - How come BMW and Acura never offer stuff like 0% financing and "employee pricing?"
Me - Because they don't have to.
And that about sums it up.
09-30-2005, 04:56 AM
#41
Join Date: Nov 2001
Location: Richmond, VA, USA
Posts: 101
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (Back in Black)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Back in Black »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Jason-
who'll never again own a BMW as long as he lives.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Why not? Didn't you have an E46 M3?
I'll chime in... Acura's are very good cars. In fact I am acutually debating purchasing a new TSX or a used E46 330i with the performance package.
As far as the TL, great car. However, I am still a little skeptical of a 270hp front drive car. I know they have seemed to do a pretty darn good job at quelling the torque steer but I don't know. I don't doubt the quality of the Acura interiors and their NAV systems are quite possibly the best on the market.
That being said, there is just something about the BMW. I owned an E46M3 for four years. It was truly a spectacular car. While I haven't driven the E90 325i, I did test drive the E90 330i. Again, an amazing car with performance that would easily equal an E36 M3. I just feel the BMWs deliver a much more enjoyable driving experience that begs taking the long way home.
My two cents...
Jason-
who'll never again own a BMW as long as he lives.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Why not? Didn't you have an E46 M3?
I'll chime in... Acura's are very good cars. In fact I am acutually debating purchasing a new TSX or a used E46 330i with the performance package.
As far as the TL, great car. However, I am still a little skeptical of a 270hp front drive car. I know they have seemed to do a pretty darn good job at quelling the torque steer but I don't know. I don't doubt the quality of the Acura interiors and their NAV systems are quite possibly the best on the market.
That being said, there is just something about the BMW. I owned an E46M3 for four years. It was truly a spectacular car. While I haven't driven the E90 325i, I did test drive the E90 330i. Again, an amazing car with performance that would easily equal an E36 M3. I just feel the BMWs deliver a much more enjoyable driving experience that begs taking the long way home.
My two cents...
09-30-2005, 05:22 AM
#42
New User
Thread Starter
Join Date: Feb 2001
Location: NC
Posts: 622
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (Catch 22)
Well, I'm getting ready to go pickup a 330i for the weekend to figure out if the 325i just needs some more power before I decide on the TL. Now only if there was a track day this weekend.
09-30-2005, 05:28 AM
#43
Rather OG
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Greensboro, NC
Posts: 8,179
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (PS4SE-R)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by PS4SE-R »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Why not? Didn't you have an E46 M3? </TD></TR></TABLE>
Eric,
I did. Quite honestly, I think that what happened was a blessing in disguise. I'm just more of a Honda person. The fact that I can work on them myself has a lot to do with it. With the E46 ///M, I was scared to touch anything on it
Also, I had several bad experiences with both dealerships and BMW North America, but I won't go into those. I'll just say that I can't ever see myself in one again. I just love the Honda line a bit too much.
Eric,
I did. Quite honestly, I think that what happened was a blessing in disguise. I'm just more of a Honda person. The fact that I can work on them myself has a lot to do with it. With the E46 ///M, I was scared to touch anything on it
Also, I had several bad experiences with both dealerships and BMW North America, but I won't go into those. I'll just say that I can't ever see myself in one again. I just love the Honda line a bit too much.
09-30-2005, 05:45 AM
#44
H-T Order of Merit
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (Back in Black)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Back in Black »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">I just love the Honda line a bit too much.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Once you've driven FF for a while, too, there seems to be some kind of psychological safety factor knowing you can either pull your way through almost any situation or lift-throttle-point to get around a situation and still be under control.
The first cars I ever owned were Porsches, but I feel safer and more under control in my two Hondas than I ever felt in those things.
Even when I wonder if I'm getting too old not to be thinking about bigger cars, I find myself liking the TL and RL more than anything from the German and Cadillac contingents.
Once you've driven FF for a while, too, there seems to be some kind of psychological safety factor knowing you can either pull your way through almost any situation or lift-throttle-point to get around a situation and still be under control.
The first cars I ever owned were Porsches, but I feel safer and more under control in my two Hondas than I ever felt in those things.
Even when I wonder if I'm getting too old not to be thinking about bigger cars, I find myself liking the TL and RL more than anything from the German and Cadillac contingents.
09-30-2005, 06:15 AM
#45
Member
Join Date: Dec 2000
Location: Only those who dare to lose, win.
Posts: 1,506
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (Catch 22)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Catch 22 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">While I really really like the TL, I'd have to go with the BMW. I really like me some 3 series.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
The 2006 3 series, IMHO, is one of the most muy guapo production cars to come along in quite some time. While the TL has been on my short, short list of cars I wished I owned (of those vehicles within my financial "reach"), it is a VERY distant 2nd place now that I've been smitten by the new 3 series. No contest.
</TD></TR></TABLE>
The 2006 3 series, IMHO, is one of the most muy guapo production cars to come along in quite some time. While the TL has been on my short, short list of cars I wished I owned (of those vehicles within my financial "reach"), it is a VERY distant 2nd place now that I've been smitten by the new 3 series. No contest.
09-30-2005, 06:47 AM
#46
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Chicago, IL
Posts: 323
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
My vote would be for a TL! Just another reason to add to the long list already stated.
Quoted form motorcities.com
A nearly stock Acura TL built and driven by engineers from Honda R&D Americas accomplished the seemingly impossible by winning its class and finishing third overall at the "25 Hours of Thunderhill" race at Thunderhill Park Raceway in Willows, California.
Quoted form motorcities.com
A nearly stock Acura TL built and driven by engineers from Honda R&D Americas accomplished the seemingly impossible by winning its class and finishing third overall at the "25 Hours of Thunderhill" race at Thunderhill Park Raceway in Willows, California.
09-30-2005, 06:58 AM
#47
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: RVA FLA VIR
Posts: 1,863
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: (sleepless247)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by sleepless247 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">A nearly stock Acura TL built and driven by engineers from Honda R&D Americas accomplished the seemingly impossible by winning its class and finishing third overall at the "25 Hours of Thunderhill" race at Thunderhill Park Raceway in Willows, California. </TD></TR></TABLE>
Hahahaha, like they rolled it off the showroom floor and placed 3rd. IIRC a whole helluva lot of hard work went into that effort:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1071962
Jon
Hahahaha, like they rolled it off the showroom floor and placed 3rd. IIRC a whole helluva lot of hard work went into that effort:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1071962
Jon
09-30-2005, 07:03 AM
#48
Honda-Tech Member
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: Redwood Shores, Cali
Posts: 158
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Re: (getfast)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by getfast »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Hahahaha, like they rolled it off the showroom floor and placed 3rd. IIRC a whole helluva lot of hard work went into that effort:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1071962
Jon
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Someone drank the kool-aid.
nice car, but far from stock.
Marcus
Hahahaha, like they rolled it off the showroom floor and placed 3rd. IIRC a whole helluva lot of hard work went into that effort:
https://honda-tech.com/zerothread?id=1071962
Jon
</TD></TR></TABLE>
Someone drank the kool-aid.
nice car, but far from stock.
Marcus
09-30-2005, 08:10 AM
#49
Junior Member
Join Date: Dec 2001
Location: Baltic, CT, USA
Posts: 273
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
BMW. I am biased, in my immediate family we've owned every 3 series ever created. I dig my Hondas but I'm a BMW guy through and through. I'm one of those masochists that tracks an E30 M3.
Any new BMW has 3yrs worth of included maintenance and a BMW loaner if your car has to go away. All it takes is to let the service dept know that you need a car. Same goes for Mini as well. Not to mention that the E90 is fun as heck to drive, I've been at the wheel of one for 3 weeks now.
Any new BMW has 3yrs worth of included maintenance and a BMW loaner if your car has to go away. All it takes is to let the service dept know that you need a car. Same goes for Mini as well. Not to mention that the E90 is fun as heck to drive, I've been at the wheel of one for 3 weeks now.
09-30-2005, 11:13 AM
#50
H-T Order of Merit
Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (White98LS)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by White98LS »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">For the price of a TL (which has everything standard) you'll get a very basic 325 with few if any options... and most everything on that car is optional. The TL to me is huge bang for the buck while a 325 is pretty darn overpriced if you ask me.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I agree. These two cars are very similar in most respects - an edge in reliability to the Acura, performance is similar, styling is subjective... But price is the one thing that is hugely different between the two. When you add all the options to the 325 (or 330) that come standard on the TL - things like HID lights, leather, sunroof, etc - it's about $10K more than the TL. That's a HUGE difference. And the BMW will depreciate faster, too - especially if it's a manual transmission car.
I would get the TL, no doubt about it.
I agree. These two cars are very similar in most respects - an edge in reliability to the Acura, performance is similar, styling is subjective... But price is the one thing that is hugely different between the two. When you add all the options to the 325 (or 330) that come standard on the TL - things like HID lights, leather, sunroof, etc - it's about $10K more than the TL. That's a HUGE difference. And the BMW will depreciate faster, too - especially if it's a manual transmission car.
I would get the TL, no doubt about it.