2004 TL vs. 2004 ES330 vs. 2004 G35
#17
Originally posted by pkchin
Either the TL or the es330. TL, more performance - ES330, more refined fit & finish - can't decide
Either the TL or the es330. TL, more performance - ES330, more refined fit & finish - can't decide
Read the comments on this Acura petition below and draw your own conclusions. I'm convinced Honda cut Acura's budget to the point of not allowing them to develop a brand new 3.5 liter i-VTEC engine connected to a new, more reliable 5AT to transfer the much-needed bottom end torque increase to the pavement. I was expecting a new i-VTEC engine design and was very disappointed when Acura finally released the 2004 TL specs. Same engine, same ****box slushbox, same wobbbly brakes...
As was proven in the last generation, this 3600 pound car needs better brakes! Curiously, the 75 pound lighter TL 6MT got better brakes, but only Brembo front calipers with larger front rotors made by a company other than Brembo (if I've read between the lines correctly) -- probably a sweatshop in Bangladesh... Since only 15% of TL buyers are expected to opt for the 6MT, the brake upgrade will be no major expense for Acura. Doesn't the heavier 5AT deserve better brakes as well? That's apparently too big an expense for Honda to stomach. The brake upgrade will be part of an option package on later 5AT models, however. That means it'll be an added expense for the customer. I'm sure Honda will be OK with that arrangement.
Why would Honda cut Acura's budget? I believe the cost of rebuilding all those 5AT's and replacing all those warped rotors dictated it. As far as I'm concerned, the Camry SE V6 and Accord EX V6 are much better deals than the 2004 TL 5AT. I see many more TL auto tranny failures and more complaints about warped rotors on the horizon. The TL 6MT may prove to be a reliable car, but I wouldn't touch the 5AT model with a ten-foot pole!
Acura petition
Last edited by Buster; 10-16-03 at 07:21 PM.
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