Northstar Vs. New RL with 300 HP!

[bmxbiker88]

im not worried about the Acura beating a caddy. :coolgleam

[fast66]

I would never buy an acura. maybe a lexus or an infiniti but never an acura.

[Ralph]

Has anyone testdrove one yet??????

Impressions?

[Ralph]

Ok, here is a good article and decent pics:


http://www.canadiandriver.com/articles/pw/05rl.htm


The interior is looking more Cadillac, especially with real wood, etc.

[Guinness4h2o]

Nothing beats the Northstar. I can't believe this is even up to commitee. There hasn't been an engine since it's introduction that has revolutionized the way automakers design their powerplants. It was the first ever production 32-valve V-8. Can you lose all the coolant out of that Honda V-6 and still get home without overheating? You can with the Northstar.

As for the loss in power, various modifications have been made to increase fuel economy and reliability. I don't know about you, but I'm fine with losing a few ponies to save some money on gas and maybe even shop time. If this were a sports car, we'd have some serious problems. The Northstar in the XLR still puts out 320 horses at the wheels. It's a different application.

The Northstar still consistently has the most power/fuel effciency ratio of any V-8 on the market. As far as engineering goes, this new Honda V-6 is excellent. It would appear that Honda has gotten the maximum out of the V-6. When they move up to a V-8 and start to steal the Northstar's thunder there, then we can talk. That's unlikely. Cadillac just keeps taking a good thing and making it better. There's no replacement for displacement my friends. The Northstar has a much flatter torque and power curve than this V-6. It's power is available across a boarder range of engine speeds. Not only that, but the larger displacement allows for lower RPM torque. Like I said, this is one hell of a V-6, but that's the problem. It's a V-6.

Cadillac...Breakthrough

[Katshot]

I think it's a hot looking car in person. Saw one in black the other day and it really looked good. The car is a lot for the money IMO, and the engine is no slouch either, with a 6.5sec. 0-60 time.

[evilrussian]

I'm not a huge fan of a new RL, didn't like the previous either. TL on the other hand is something I'd go for, if I had the money. As far as Honda engines go, I'd say that a V6 actually feels like a V8, '03 TL Type S can do a quarter in mid 14s, that's with a 3.2L 260HP 6 cylinder.

I think that Acura just doesn't have a need to build a V8. If they did they would have done so already. They simply continue to impress people with amazing technology, quality craftsmanship and some of the best driving experience IMO. Hey, I used to be a Honda basher too, until I bought one and realized that there are many reasons people like those cars.

[Ralph]

I'm still suprised no one here has test drove one to talk about any comparison with a Caddy, including MYSELF!

[Jesda]

Its about as exciting as a toaster. Although, my toaster is kind of exciting. Its a GE "digital" toaster with a special bagel mode.

Jesda's Toaster: 1
New Acura RL: 0

[90Brougham350]

Honda / Acura will never build a V8, because that's not what driving a Honda is all about. Honda has always been about frugal quality, not about building to compete. I'm not a Honda vehicle fan by any means, but they make a darn good 2 horse trimmer, but with their current president, who feels that "fullsize American trucks are wastefully large" or something like that, can't remember the exact quote, Honda has no reason to build a V8. When do you except to see a Honda / Acura in the same class as say, a 7-series BMW, Lexus LS, or Honda ever building full-size pickups? I don't, at least not for a long time, which is why the Northstar will continue to reign. I don't need to re-list all the advantages the Northstar has, we all know it's a marvelous engine, but there's something that can never be re-stated too many times, there's no replacement for displacement. That's why I love Chevy Big Blocks!

Brian