Comparison Test: 2009 Acura TL SH-AWD vs. 2009 Infiniti G37 Journey

If I had to make a personal choice between these two, it would be the G37 without a doubt. While looking a 1,000 times better than the bloated and fugly Acura, the G37 is based on a true RWD platform. I still can't get over the TL's FWD-Accord platform roots.

How can AWD car be based on a FWD platform ? If the platform is truly FWD-only than Acura SH-AWD couldn`t be based on it .

abcd, ummm why not?

Than it isn`t FWD platform . So can we say that RWD Infinity could also be based on FWD platform ?

abcd, your statements on platform sharing border on the absurd.

A FWD platform can be engineered to accomodate AWD. The rear wheels will be getting powered, but it is still the same platform (wheelbase, engine placement, all stay the same).

For example, the Nissan/Infiniti FM ("front midship") platform served as a basis for a range of AWD and RWD vehicles including the G35, Infiniti FX, Infiniti M, and the 350Z.

So what's the difference between the alleged FWD Acura platform and RWD Infinity platform if they both are AWD ? Engine placement isn`t depending from FWD or RWD platform , Audi has engine placed longitudinally and is FWD car .

The difference adds up to weight distribution abcd. The G37 Journey has a F/R weight distribution of 53/47 and the TL AWD has a dismal 59/41 distribution (there are those FWD roots). This data is directly from the companies' websites. Personally, I'll stick with BMW's perfect 50/50 anyday.

Ferrari says that perfect isn't 50/50 but 45/55 :

http://www.motortrend.com/roadtests/coupe/112_0406_ferrari_612_scaglietti/weight_distribution.html

And Edmunds says that despite this weight distribution Acura drives better than Infinity :

"Both cars exhibit a certain suppleness when the roads prickle their backs, with the edge going to the more supple TL."

Abcd, please note the following:
1)It is INFINITI, not "INFINITY." You would have more credibility posting if you get the names of the cars right.

2) The 612 Scag is a high performance 2+2 coupe. Its rear biased weight distribution helps it attain some great performance numbers. However, getting this type of weight distribution in a compact or mid-size sedan would be tough (just look at the 612's long hood proportions and imagine packaging that with four doors). I think most enthusiasts would agree that the 50/50 distribution is near perfect for a sport sedan.

3) No matter how you spin this abcd, the Acura TL has TERRIBLE weight distribution. The FWD model is 60/40 and the AWD model is 59/41. Can you say under steer? If you enjoy plowing through corners, this is definitely your car.

abcd, understand now? RWD platform has to do with weight being pushed to the back as much as possible for the rear wheels to grip better and for the handling to be more neutral. This type of engineering costs more than a simple nose heavy car and that's why we give credit to companies that make true RWD platforms.

abcd...I guess you haven't met the Japanese FWD-based AWD crossovers or Audi's entire line of FWD-based AWD sedans. I understand why you're confused, but after a couple of replies and deboosts, you might want to try researching...

"that the 50/50 distribution is near perfect for a sport sedan."

Yes it's NEAR perfect .

"Can you say under steer? If you enjoy plowing through corners, this is definitely your car."

Have you read the comparison ? Here's what they say :

"With nearly 60 percent of the TL's 3,961-pound curb weight resting on the front tires, we were expecting the Acura's handling balance to tip on the side of relentless understeer. Surprise — we were wrong."

I honestly expected better numbers from the TL. All that power and no output, what a shame.

Can't wait to test drive the new G.

While 6.7 seconds to 60mph for the Acura is reasonably quick, you shouldn't expect big numbers from a "sports" sedan with a manufacturers curb weight of 3,986lbs. The TL is way too fat. And Acura should be embarresed offering a 5 speed transmission when 6AT and 7AT's are becoming the industry standard.

I'm afraid you're right, and what a shame since the last TL was gorgeous and performed quite well. Soon they'll be contacting Carlos Ghosn to save them from bankruptcy.

"While 6.7 seconds to 60mph for the Acura is reasonably quick, you shouldn't expect big numbers from a "sports" sedan with a manufacturers curb weight of 3,986lbs. The TL is way too fat."

Eh, I'm pretty sure the 2009 A6 3.0S is heavier, with a tad less HP, but it still goes from 0-60 in under six seconds according to Audi. The BMW 535i is the same way, although I'm not sure if it's heavier than the TL AWD.

well according to test, the V8 model has problems doing 60 in under six seconds, and of course the 5 series ways less than either of those cars.......im going to assume probably 400 or more pounds less, the A6has always had way to much weight

"well according to test, the V8 model has problems doing 60 in under six seconds"

The SC V6 is quicker than the V8. Quite a bit quicker, actually.

Acura fell off... bigtime.

I cannot BELIEVE how ugly the TL is. Wow. That front end looks like someone crossed a spaceship with a brick.

oh yea, what's happening now? I thought the new TL was going to beat everything in it's class according to Edmunds previous article. Now it looses to the G37 and obviously will loose to the 335i and probably everything else in its class.

Edmunds always likes to hype up the new cars and end up reporting differently after it actually comes out.

That's rigt. Edmunds gets paid by Honda for posting a favorable review for TL to boost the initial sales. I think 08 TL looks much better...

The new G37 sedan is awesome, consider this. Only about 5 years ago BMW offered the 540i and Lexus the GS430. two RWD cars with V8's. Fast Foward 5 to 6 years in the future and you can now get an excellent riding G37 thats RWD, just as roomy as the 540i and GS430 and out accelerates and handles both these cars wasting much less gas.

Infiniti is becoming to Japan what BMW is to Germany.

My friend, BMW offered V8 engines in the 5 series since 1993. I will take it as you forgot or mistyped a 1 in front of the "5 years" you mentioned.

Didn't the Acura TL completely destroy a 335i a few weeks ago? Now the thing cant even beat a G37. LOL!!

I guess that’s what happens when the TL is compared to the other makes at an Acura Sponsored event! Now when the car is tested without Acura Fixing the scales the results are completely different.

The Acura TL, yet another loser form Honda. If Honda keeps this up they will be asking for a bailout.

ya the G37 is a great car! Last year the 08 G35 beat the 335i in a couple comparisons. either way G37 & 335i rock.

That was the 2010 MT TL although I did expect better numbers than this about the same as the base, but you do get excellent handling around the twisties where the G will not keep up.

Where's Blakura? and the other folks the swore up and down that the TL is the best? Based off the results of an Acura Sponsored event? LOL!!!

The G37 is an awesome car. The only cars in that class i would buy is the G37 and 335

I'm not surprised at the results...knew the G would come through

G37 ftw.

Hey Lex Sucks, I'm right here. As stated above, the TL in the Acura Sponsored Event was the 2010 SH-AWD 6MT Car, the one in this test is an auto. This test didn't focus on handling, the Acura Event did. Also, they do make an AWD G37, but it was included in this test, that would've made an apples to apples comparison. But hey, I like the G37, I chose the TL because its more reliable, better resale value, feels more solid and an overall better compromise and value for me.

What about the TL's looks? Do you find the car attractive?

Also, there is a significant horsepower advantage for the G and a significant weight difference that is also a disadvantage to the TL. It looks like the TL is moving up into a different category.

LexSucks, no I do not find the new TL to be attactive as far as the exterior goes, but the interior is really nice. I would consider the car since the interior is where I'll spend time.

Here's another guys opinion of this comparison:

"Nobody really takes Edmunds seriously so it's not going to be any different with this article. Besides, Edmunds has hardly ever given any Acura a truly positive review. They always seem to contradict what the rest of the industry says. I rate them on par with The Truth About Cars. They simply just don't like Acura.

Several things wrong with the review though:

1.) RWD vs AWD? Give me a break. Put the AWD G37 up against the TL SH-AWD and the TL would walk a G37 on a track. These cars were not tested together on a track so aside for speeding around a couple cones, the results are questionable, as always is from Edmunds. The performance numbers from Edmunds always seem to vary the most from the rest of the industry tests.

2.) The article basically says the G37 wins because of price. However, had they tested a G37X, the price difference would have been non-existent. Would the G still have won then? Doubt it since the article specifically says the price difference is what put the G over the TL.

3.) In the $40k+ range, people are going to want luxury and refinement with their sport. Edmunds clearly says that the G's interior still is sub-par, has a rough ride and a course engine. The G will win the 0-60 test every day of the week, but not everyone floors their car at every light. If flat out performance is what was on everyones mind, then the less powerful, more expensive 3g TL wouldn't have consistently out sold the cheaper, faster G35."

I got a close up look at the TL inside the dealer's showroom and it is quite impressive. The interior fit and finish is superior to the G37. The details of the exterior are great too.

Japanese econoboxes. Pass!