BrightTL

I have a 2000 TL that I have modified to Type S performance level. While I love many things about the car - it is beginning to bore me.

I have driven the A4 3.0 and the A6 3.0. The A4 handles and accelerates very nicely. The A4 feels safer and has a more upscale interior. The TL interior is fine - the Audi's seems to drip money.

The A4 is smaller than the TL and you really feel it in the car. If you want space - get the TL.

The A6 I drove today is lovely and has lots of space as well, but it doesn't have the soul of the A4. After driving the A6, I probably wouldn't get it unless I can convince myself I can afford the 2.7t.

In conclusion, the Acura is a great car, lots of space and features, very reliable, good price - but it lacks the soul of the Audi. You have to decide what is important to you.

I haven't decided yet myself.

Toronto B6 -OnEighty

You should be an English professor or something. Very nicely put I must say.

At the start of your speech I said to myself, aaahhh, i know why this guy sells Acuras ... u didnt really convince me on the A4 though, if any reads that they'd definately go for the Acura.

Im still getting an a4 though.

Yankees1

If the 6-speed manual rumor (& more HP) is true for the CL-S, it might be enough to sway a lot of people (including me), to the Acura... It's unveiling is at the Auto Show next week so we'll see. It's already at 260HP & another 25-30 HP sounds very inviting along with the Honda reliability.

Tom T.

mbh

Over the last several years, I have leased two different A6s (a 2.8 and a 2.7T). However, due to a rather odd set of circumstances encountered while trying to make "ye olde spousal unit" happy, I currently do not have any Audi (really long story only suitable for sharing over beer and pizza;-), but am driving a TL-Type S while my wife is driving a MB C-320 wagon. I have also recently had the opportunity to test drive the new A4 3.0. Here is my input to the Acura/Audi comparison.

IMHO, it is not arguable that the TL is an absolutely fantastic value, especially on paper. It sucked me right in, especially the smooth power of the Type-S engine. I thought that the "value" aspect coupled with the kick in the pants acceleration and lower lease payment would prevent the onset of "Post-Audi Depression". It hasn't.

You can't get something for nothing, and while the Acura seems like a steal, Honda/Acura has to cut corners somewhere in order to get to the price point it is seeking. Sure, some costs are saved via U.S. manufacture and by using the "Global Mid-Size Platform" (read: Accord), but it is also clear that Acura is also skimping on materials and assembly quality. The TL has more rattles than any car I have driven, and while the dealer has been excellent about fixing these as they pop up (Audi service could take a lesson here), the TL just seems a bit "tinny" compared to the Audis I have experienced or my wife's new C-Class. The Acura interior also looks "cheap" and plasticky compared to Audi interiors. And of course the Acura does not have Quattro. Etc. Etc.

Notice that I have chosen not to address the issue of automotive "soul". Personally, I believe "soul" is more a function of incredibly good branding than of anything else. Even without that consideration, however, the Acura demonstrates why it is less expensive than an Audi. Ultimately, "you gets what you pays for" ;-)

I am currently trying to persuade my wife to put up with early Acura lease termination pain in order to get back behind the wheel of an Audi.

Regards,
Mitch

"so you're foofighter"

Thx

a4molloy

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/28319/a4_denim_front_2_small.jpg"></center><p>I drive them both, I had the TL but chose the A4 for my personal car. I much prefer the interior,( although it is smaller in the back) and the handling is not even close on the TL it always feels looser and sloppier (it is longer after all). I am sure the 6 speed type s will be better but they will have to change the handling. One of the folks I work loves his type s. As with most things it is up to individual.