Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i?
 

For a business car my choices are, both 2006 models, an Acura TL or a BMW 325i (4 door). Which would you choose and why? I'm stuck between the two...I like the new body style of the 325i 4 door. I prefer the 6 speed on both. Granted an RL would be nice, but I would have to take off the RL emblem and put on TL, sames goes for the 325i...I would have to take off the 330i and put on a 325i. But that's another story. Help me decide....

RJ - I know this isn't Road Racing/Autocross related, but I'm sure I'll autocross or take it to the track... https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emwink.gif

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (J28S)
 

Jon, a friend at work just bought a 2005 TL. Hers is an automatic, but I'm still seriously impressed. It looks like a million bucks, handles great, and is screwed together like fine jewelry. It's also cheaper than the Bimmer from what I've read.

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (J28S)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by J28S &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">For a business car my choices are, both 2006 models, an Acura TL or a BMW 325i (4 door). Which would you choose and why? I'm stuck between the two...I like the new body style of the 325i 4 door. I prefer the 6 speed on both. Granted an RL would be nice, but I would have to take off the RL emblem and put on TL, sames goes for the 325i...I would have to take off the 330i and put on a 325i. But that's another story. Help me decide....

RJ - I know this isn't Road Racing/Autocross related, but I'm sure I'll autocross or take it to the track... https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emwink.gif</TD></TR></TABLE>

BMW.

Rear drive, german inline 6 goodness. You can't go wrong! Of course, I may be biased, I do have 2 BMWs.

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (J28S)
 

If you care about autoxing at all, BMW definitely.

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (J28S)
 

I can't get over how Sexy the TL looks.. Granted, its tough competition as far as good looks with the 325, but still....

Then again, if the company if buying it, who cares about honda reliability..?

Driver's Car = BMW
Looks, luxury, ease = Acura

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (J28S)
 

I think I'd go with the TL. The BMW is super nice, but I like the powertrain, handling, looks and interior of the TL more. I could deal with the lack of right wheel drive for all of those advantages, which include more bang for your buckz, if it were just my daily driver. If I were thinking about doing anything at all that involves a timer or a racetrack, I'd go with the BMW, not necessarily for outright speed, but for less frustrating chassis dynamicz.

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (J28S)
 

I think the TL has a much bigger back seat, if this is of importance to you.

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (Honda318dx)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda318dx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Then again, if the company if buying it, who cares about honda reliability..?</TD></TR></TABLE>

Well there's still the hassle of having to take it in, be without it for however long...

Jon, go read the latest Car an Driver. It's got a comparison test in this class. The BMW won - but they had all manner of electrical gremlins with their test car. In fact I'm not sure why it won.

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (J28S)
 

BMW 325i with the sport package. https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emthup.gif

Haven't driven the new three but comparing the E46 to the current TL, the E46 feels way more nimble, has way better steering and brake feel. The suspension on the TL felt too soft. My friend who owns the TL really wants some Eibach springs to reduce some of the body roll. On the flip side, the TL has more power and a better ride. With all the improvements of the E90, maintenance free for 4 years or 50,000 miles (all u pay 4 is gas and tires!), its a no brainer, to me at least.


Modified by xtrac1 at 10:26 AM 9/29/2005

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (krshultz)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krshultz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Well there's still the hassle of having to take it in, be without it for however long...

Jon, go read the latest Car an Driver. It's got a comparison test in this class. The BMW won - but they had all manner of electrical gremlins with their test car. In fact I'm not sure why it won.</TD></TR></TABLE>


[Old Commercial] TASTES GREAT!!!! [/Old Commercial]

Jon, have you driven both of these? You might hate one on first drive. That would make the decision easier.

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (J28S)
 

Im not a big BMW fan, but FWD makes me sad, so I would definately go for the BMW.

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (xtrac1)
 

TL with A-Spec package

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (krshultz)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krshultz &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Well there's still the hassle of having to take it in, be without it for however long...

Jon, go read the latest Car an Driver. It's got a comparison test in this class. The BMW won - but they had all manner of electrical gremlins with their test car. In fact I'm not sure why it won.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Probably it won thanks to it's capabilities on road. BMW's aren't known for reliability and never were. They have very advanced systems, both mechanical and electrical, and I don't think they do enough testing or proving some of these systems. I have a 2003 M3 that has been to the shop for many problems from trim issues to Vanos failure. After each problem was fixed the car got better and better. I don't have any problems with the car now that the plethora of problems have been fixed. Unfortunately, BMW figures out what's wrong with their cars months after they are released onto the public. Usually, though, you get a BMW loaner car while your car's in the shop.

Hondas aren't perfect but they do have better reliability than BMW - no question about that. I haven't ever own a Honda product that compares to the BMW's that I've owned (E30 and E46 M3's) but from what is mentioned in the press and by other owners accounts, the luxury Honda products tend to be very reliable with decent styling and good performance.

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (Honda318dx)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Honda318dx &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">TL with A-Spec package </TD></TR></TABLE>

Thats the choise I made. By the way I kicked the shit out of the 330 with my TL. This car has power looks and its a whole lot cheeper then a BM trouble you.

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (Johnny Mac)
 

For a company car, go with whatever's most comfortable daily. I'd probably pick the BMW but I'm biased. And I haven't driven either one yet either.

E46 and now E90 3-series have reputations for being real junky cars on occasion, from the folks who work on 'em for a living. But the warranty is great and loaner cars make it no big deal. So I'd say go for the BMW https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emthup.gif

Jon

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (Honda318dx)
 

Yeah, I've driven both...actually I've driven a bunch of damn cars over the past two weeks. The most fun was the CTS-V....hellayeah...2nd was the M3. Most impressive was the RL.

The 325i feels more sporty, fun and the new body style is pretty sexy. The TL has more power, feels more comfortable with more people. The 325i just feels different, can't explain it. I'm leaning toward the TL, but I may take the 330i home for the weekend to see if it is the performance has me leaning toward the TL or not. Decisions...decisions...

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (xtrac1)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by xtrac1 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">With all the improvements of the E90, maintenance free for 4 years or 50,000 miles (all u pay 4 is gas and tires!), its a no brainer, to me at least.</TD></TR></TABLE>

A.k.a. the bare minimum to get it to the end of the lease alive. 60k transmission and differential fluid is now 'lifetime' fluid, with the same fluid. It also sounds like brakes aren't always covered (though I'd have to dig through old Roundels to find out the details).

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (J28S)
 

Neither would be a bad choice.

Since you don't seem to have a preference, maybe you could score some points letting a boss-type or significant other weigh-in with a choice. Then if everything goes well, you've made them look like a hero and they like you better. If everything turns to shit, it was their choice as much as yours and you won't hear any I-told-you-sos...

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (MattP)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by MattP &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

It also sounds like brakes aren't always covered (though I'd have to dig through old Roundels to find out the details).</TD></TR></TABLE>

The brakes are definitely covered. I track my car whenever I can with the NASA HPDE 4 and go through brakes often. They are covered under the maintenance program. A while back, the dealer noticed my suspension bushings were ripping and they replaced them with new ones. My rep asked me if I take my car to the track often. I smiled and said no. https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emwink.gif

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (xtrac1)
 

Auto-x: 3-series. Everything else: TL. Keep in mind the C&D comparison was with a 330i, not a 325i.

The 3-series has that compactness, handling, and RWD... but that's about it. As far as equipment, comfort, quality, reliability, and power the TL kills the 325. 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.

Have you looked at a G35 or new IS? Both sort of compromises between the two.

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (thawley)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by thawley &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Neither would be a bad choice.

Since you don't seem to have a preference, maybe you could score some points letting a boss-type or significant other weigh-in with a choice. Then if everything goes well, you've made them look like a hero and they like you better. If everything turns to shit, it was their choice as much as yours and you won't hear any I-told-you-sos...</TD></TR></TABLE>

The only thing is they are biased...wife likes the BMW. Boss already has the nice loaded X5 4.4L and getting ready to get a 650i. So what do you think? https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emwink.gif

Also, nope I haven't looked at the G35...but I am going to have to check this one out, you may be on to something here. Didn't like the IS300...

Now, only if I can find something that has the torque of my truck... https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emwink.gif

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (J28S)
 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by J28S &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Also, nope I haven't looked at the G35...but I am going to have to check this one out, you may be on to something here. Didn't like the IS300...</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm talking about the NEW IS... the 250 and 350.

Re: Which would you choose: Acura TL or BMW 325i? (White98LS)
 

From http://www.automobilemag.com/a...is250/ :
"Unfortunately, the is no button by which a keen driver can completely disable the stability control, which is a major deficit when compared with the 3-series, the latest version of which also debuted at Geneva."
http://images.honda-tech.com/set1//smile/emcrook.gif

If only the G35 Sedan's rear end looked nearly as good as the coup's.. https://honda-tech.com/forums/images...es/emdgust.gif

C'mon.. do what you _really_ want to do.. go for the Lotus Elise... https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emwink.gif

TL... put some 24 inch spinners on it.

Wait did you specify what your job was? I'm sorry I thought rap artist manager. https://honda-tech.com/forums/images/smilies/emwink.gif