...since the current Acura TL Type-S is based on the _previous_ Accord.

The new Accord EX V6 has 240 hp, uses regular gas, gets 21/30 mpg, has voice-activated navigation, etc., etc. It really has a jewel of an engine. No vibration ever, even while cranking it. Nearly silent at idle.

If you decide to go Japanese, perhaps wait until next year's TL comes out. But be aware that the next TL Type-S probably won't be available immediately. Then again, the next regular TL will probably have the 260 hp engine as standard.

This SAAB fanatic also loves Honda products, and I plan to get an S2000 someday. I can't believe the S2000 (basically unchanged since its introduction) whooped both the BMW Z3 and now the BMW Z4 (along with the Porsche Boxter, MB SLK, 350ZX cab) in Car and Driver's comparos. And those guys *really* love BMWs (then again they really love Hondas too)

Honda makes some of the best stick shifts in the world!

Now back to the topic at hand, I believe the 9-5 Aero has a lot more personality than the TL Type-S... test drive both of them to compare; both are excellent automobiles.

As for performance loss with the automatic Aero vs. 5-speed (board regulars know that I'm one of those 5-speed crazies) I will admit to you that you don't lose much performance with the automatic. This is because an automatic transmission compliments a turbo engine--in an automatic, you never lift off the gas during shifts, so the boost never goes down. Sport mode is addictive! In day-to-day driving, an automatic is likely faster because you just mash the loud pedal and that's it. Might be a touch laggy with the A/C running though.

With the stick, you might tend to take your time to finesse your shifts... I love doing that. Saves gas, brakes, clutch, and reduces engine wear.

So I prefer the 5-speed manual for the increased driver interaction... the clutch is as sweet as that of any Honda. The SAAB manual gearbox, while not exactly as slick, has been *much* improved for 2002. It prefers to be shifted a little more slowly, but you'll never miss a shift, because it's very communicative. The stick slips right into gear very smoothly when the rpms match up. The gates are well spaced. Reverse gear is synchronized, a nice touch. Ahhh, zen driving.

Either transmission choice would be fine but if you love driving a stick, there's just no substitute.

Jason


posted by 24.46.48...

• Comparison of 9-5 Aero versus Acura TL Type S, alansaab, Mon, 14 Jul 2003 11:11:54
  • Re: Comparison of 9-5 Aero versus Acura TL Type S, Maria, Wed, 16 Jul 2003 08:15:29
    • go slap the salesman around some, leave with Aero n/m, Aero'ed, Wed, 16 Jul 2003 10:19:45
  • Handling difference would be key factor for me., J, Tue, 15 Jul 2003 21:49:37
  • Re: Comparison of 9-5 Aero versus Acura TL Type S, DaveG, Tue, 15 Jul 2003 09:57:26
  • Re: Comparison of 9-5 Aero versus Acura TL Type S, AeroLady, Mon, 14 Jul 2003 20:09:55
  • Re: Comparison of 9-5 Aero versus Acura TL Type S, Mark in Houston, Mon, 14 Jul 2003 19:42:02
    • Seat heaters in Houston, Greg W, Tue, 15 Jul 2003 07:46:42
  • Check the web for pricing..., egsAero, Mon, 14 Jul 2003 15:36:35
  • TL Type S versus 9-5 Arc, Greg W, Mon, 14 Jul 2003 15:21:18
  • Re: Comparison of 9-5 Aero versus Acura TL Type S, Bob T in Ct, Mon, 14 Jul 2003 13:18:45
    • Re: Comparison of 9-5 Aero versus Acura TL Type S, alansaab, Mon, 14 Jul 2003 13:59:24
  • Isn't a new Acura TL coming soon ? As for..., TKC, Mon, 14 Jul 2003 13:02:47
    • new Accord EX V6 better than current Acura TL-S..., Jason 0W-40, Mon, 14 Jul 2003 17:48:43 <-- Viewing This Message
  • Re: Comparison of 9-5 Aero versus Acura TL Type S, keeton, Mon, 14 Jul 2003 12:20:49
  • I paid $37,237 for 2003 Aero wagon, John, Mon, 14 Jul 2003 11:38:35
  • Performance difference of auto 9-5 Aero vs. 5 spd?, alansaab, Mon, 14 Jul 2003 11:26:34
  • Re: Comparison of 9-5 Aero versus Acura TL Type S, compaqted, Mon, 14 Jul 2003 11:21:07
    • Re: Comparison of 9-5 Aero versus Acura TL Type S, alansaab, Mon, 14 Jul 2003 11:24:42

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