Waiving the right to remain silent, JXStern <JXSternChangeX2R@gte.net> said:

Before getting our TL, I had three BMW 5 series cars.  Two 540s and a 530,
all new, and leased for three years each.

Aside from handling, where you are entirely correct, the TL is much more car
for the money, at about $15-20,000 less.  It's even slightly larger inside
the cabin.

So if you want to race, get the BMW.  If you want to drive a nice-looking and
well-appointed car and save enough money to buy all new furniture and
appliances for you home, get the TL.  ;-)

TL Acura has a little more displacement, a little higher compression
and more top-end horsepower, uses premium gas, includes all the
goodies you can order on an Accord, another year of warranty, and a
nicer badge.  I'd have to check to see if it runs on a slightly
lowered suspension or has lower-profile tires, probably both, those
are the tricks they used in the past.  Maybe more/strong sway bars.

It still won't handle like the Beamer.  I think 90% decide between the
Accord and Acura on the badge.  I went Accord this time because with
the 4-banger engine burning regular gas, it was suffiently cheaper and
still plenty fast enough for my purposes.

But I keep looking longingly at the beamers ...

J.

Currently driving a BMW 325xi

Looked and drove an 07 TL.

Is Acura really a dressed up Accord? What exactly do they share, and
what are the major differences besides all the options and nice
appointments?

Thanks