Northstar Vs. New RL with 300 HP!

Ralph · #1 (**permalink**) 10-25-04, 05:11 PM

I know that we've had the discussion about Acura not being a true luxury car like Cadillac, etc. but DAYMN...what I saw in the showroom impressed me today!

I checked out the new AWD RL (pearl white) and they are definately trying to compete with Cadillac IMO! It costs the same as a nicely equipted DTS ($70,000 Cdn.) and has power to match. It has the equivalent of Stabilitrack. The car actually "welcomes" you when you open the door. The remote keyless entry that senses your presence much like the XLR, or STS, etc. The only problem I had with it is that the front end looks identical to a little Mazda 3's.

Considering that the '05 DTS Northstar HP is down to 290 @ 5600 rpm, and torque is 285 @ 4400 rpm, I think this new RL must come close in accelleration times?

Here are the RL numbers:
300 HP @6200 rpm and torque is 260 @ 5000rpm.

Weight for TL is 4001 lbs.
Weight for DTS is 4047 lbs.

Ralph · #2 (**permalink**) 10-26-04, 07:02 PM

http://www.acura.com/models/model_index.asp?module=rl

It's amazing what they are getting for HP out of a V6.

BeelzeBob · #3 (**permalink**) 10-26-04, 07:59 PM

Why is horsepower down to 290?! I think 0-60 will go to the DeVille but it'll get close for the quarter mile. Beyond that has to go to the RL...

Ralph · #4 (**permalink**) 10-26-04, 10:12 PM

I asked a Caddy dealer that same question about the HP and he said it might have to do with meeting emissions.

I wouldn't know how close to call these cars but with a sticker price matching a DTS and more technology to boot, they are sure trying to compete.

Adam · #5 (**permalink**) 10-26-04, 10:35 PM

that thing is ugly. i almost threw up when i saw it

. and they want 70k? they have got to be kidding.

davesdeville · #6 (**permalink**) 10-26-04, 11:38 PM

That's 70k Canadian. Hideous car too.

caddydaddy · #7 (**permalink**) 10-27-04, 10:01 AM

With the Northstars 40 ft-lbs. better torque, it will be a better drag racer!

Bring on them Jap cars, my STS will shut em down!

Ormond · #8 (**permalink**) 10-27-04, 03:43 PM

I think the Acura is very impressive. There are no options, expect dealer installed extras (wood, gold trim, wheels), and the MSRP is $49,000. I didn't drive it, but the front seats are extremely comfortable and the dash is nicely finished. XM radio is standard, along with the navigation system that provides for real-time traffic reports in major cities. The system also transmits to your vehicle your service appointments and service bulletins for your review. The only area overlooked, that I know of, is the passenger seat. It does not have a height adjustment, and features 4-way power and power lumbar. I think that this car compares very well with the STS on price and features. Oh yeah, it is AWD to boot. Can you tell I like it?

Ralph · #9 (**permalink**) 10-27-04, 07:10 PM

I liked it too but I would have to drive it. I was wondering if anyone reading this might have taken one out for a test drive? I would love to hear some impressions, etc.

I noticed it was a lot wider than the TL, and overall seemed larger. I found my perfect seating position. That's true about the torque, it is down compared to Cadillac, but then the Northstars torque is down a bit too.

Many people feel that Acura is a poor man's Lexus, and I wonder if Acura could be truly considered a priemiere luxury car unless they get a V8 under the hood? As far as I know, Honda/Acura have never offered a V8, and if I'm not mistaken, the Pilot only has a large V6?

JimHare · #10 (**permalink**) 10-28-04, 02:47 PM

Not sure that the absence of a V8 under the hood necessarily disqualifies you from "luxury car" status...Just ask most owners of XJ-6's...