Hi Robert,

I have both a TL and an NSX.  They really are quite different cars and I am
surprised that you would consider one over the other.  Our 2004 TL was
purchased as our sedan for trips and to have a comfortable car.  The 1997
NSX is my toy.  Even though I live in Santa Barbara, CA, I drive it only
about once a week and that's usually just back and forth to the office.

Regarding the TL, it's OK, but it it has many rattles that are pretty
annoying.  Admittedly, it was an early 2004 version and perhaps they have
solved those rattle problems.  It is a good sedan, but certainly not a
sports sedan.  It's fast, but not compared to the NSX.  I like the
navigation system and the blue tooth, hands free mobile phone options.
Especially here in California, where it will soon be illegal to talk on the
cell phone while driving.  So a hands free phone is perfect.

With any car with so much horsepower and front wheel drive, there will be
some torque steer.  But in the real world, driving seldom requires full
throttle acceleration.  If it really bothers you, look at the BMW 3 series
or the Infinity M35 or G35.  I think those would perhaps be better suited to
an agressive driving style.

The TL is, in my opinion, a better all-around car for general use.  I have
reached the age where I hope to not have to worry about speeding tickets.
Although the TL is fast with a top speed over 140 mph, it really isn't (and
shouldn't) be driven so recklessly.  And if you take your car to a racetrack
(often done here in CA), I would advise against the TL.

The NSX, on the other hand, is quite an excellent car.  With its mid-engine,
all aluminum body and frame, it is an excellent car -- even by today's
standards.  I would recommend it without reservation.  It shouldn't be your
only car though.  I used mine nearly exclusively for about a year (I also
had a Pathfinder and a motorcycle).  It is so much better than a Corvette
and much more in a league with a Ferrari.  It is hand assembled in Japan
(well was, as it finished its production run in 2005).  I have had mine for
over four years and never had any problems whatsoever.  It does require a
new set of tires every 6000 miles, but I knew that from research before I
bought it.

The other good thing about the NSX is its rarity.  There were only ~350
built in 1997.  And with exclusivity comes its major advantage (and
disadvantage), its cost.  I looked for a couple of years before I found one
that fit my requirements -- low miles, red (of course), targa roof, and in
excellent shape.

I found one for sale in Los Angeles that was owned by a VP at Yahoo.  He
couldn't sell it in the Bay area, so he had it driven to L.A. to his father
in law's house.  I was the first one to look at it and bought it after a
test ride.  There were several others would wanted it, but I made it there
first.  One guy from Florida would have flown in to pick it up, of I didn't
take it.

I haven't regretted purchasing the NSX at all.  It's been a great car and it
hasn't lost a bit of its value in over 4 years.  Name another car that can
be said about.

The TL is a good car as well.  It's just a very different car, for a
different purpose entirely.  If your wallet can stand it, buy both.  If you
really need a sedan, then the TL, or the G35 would fit the bill.  You should
test drive both.

Good luck,

- Russ

Acura sells only a handful of 6 speed TLs so no surprise that it isn't
well engineered. (Compare with the new Infiniti G35 sport 6-speed that
has a standard limited slip differential.) Acura seems confused about
whether or not they build sporty cars. For example, consider the NSX
that hasn't had a major upgrade, other than price, for 15 years. A base
2006 Corvette can blow it off the track. Or their sportiest sedan, the
TSX, an upgraded home market Accord. The TL is a decent near luxury car
'cause they can be had at a discount. My mother likes her's. The new RL
is a sales failure; grossly overpriced, under-powered and under-styled
(according to many press reports).

Try a 2007 Infiniti G35 or M35/M45 or wait a year or so for the new TL
that will have to compete with the G35 and BMW 3-series. I suspect
Honda will have to throw in their SH-AWD system as standard equipment.
I wouldn't be surprised to hear they've dropped the manual
transmission, though.