b7 vs. tl-s

[6spdb7]

ive been looking at cars for a while now and I'm stuck between a b7 s-line and 2007 tl type s. If i got the b7 it would get chipped. I know this is an audi forum but what is everyone's opinion on how a chipped b7 compares to a tl-s. Ive driven them both, but have not driven a chipped b7 so its tough to compare the power of the two.

Opinions welcome

(sorry if this is the wrong forum for this type of post)

[Bryan]

stock A4 : 200hp
TL-s : 286hp

what do you think ?... =P

[bunnn]

depends what you want, even though the TL-S has more power, it doesn't feel that fast...and it's FF, but regardless it's faster then the A4....but I think it's a hell of a car for the price....

performance? okay really, besides straight line performance, how many people actually use there A4 for track(I know theres a few of you here, but I'm saying in general)...

looks are subjective, but i think both looks great, if you don't need the quattro, i'd go with the tl-s

[RedS-line]

if you want a fair comparison to the TLS, get an S-Line B7 and chip it. having driven both, either one will make you happy it just boils down to the little details in the end. tls will be faster and a softer ride but a4 has awd and handles sharper, albeit a bumpy ride. if youve ever owned a german car before youll know that the experience you get with it trumps anything japanese-made. dont feel like explaining further so hopefully you get the drift...

[joec500]

stock A4 : 200hp
TL-s : 286hp

what do you think ?... =P

Meh....I don't care too much about HP numbers from two different manufactures. It's more about how the car feels to you. A chipped A4 will probably feel faster due to the torque curve of a Turbo Charged motor. But there is also something to be said about chassis dynamics, fit and finish, and styling.

Check both out in person, then make a decision...Don't use Manufacturer claimed HP ratings on your decision.

There is high likelihood you will get biased opinions here.

But I do have to say Japanese cars tend to give more bang for the buck, but I just love the styling, and fit and finish on my Audi.

Good Luck on your decision.

[Josh_877]

the TL-S is a VERY nice car. the only down (for me) is that its FWD. other than that, i love how it comes with a lot of standard things that would be considered upgrades or options for the audi. in the end, looks wise i dont think you can go wrong either way. its really what you feel comfortable and whats practical for you.

ps. theres a BIG difference between a stock b7 and a chipped b7

[supamannn99]

torque steer

turns it from a nice car to an okay car

[INTEGRATION]

torque steer

turns it from a nice car to an okay car

Noes! He beat me to the torque steer comment! :(
But all I have to say is FF based on a heavy chassis just sucks in general. Horrible design and engineering concept.

[Sly Raskal]

Although I don't own a TL-S, I'm coming from a CL-S and have an A4 Avant 2.0T 6spd on order.

I considered many cars, and the TL-S was one of them although very low on the list.

The killing points for me on the TL-S:

1) I can chip the B7 and there are are many more mods available for the Audi than the TL, although I don't know how much of factor that is for you. I don't know much I will be modding the car, but I want the flexibility
2) the interior on the B7 blows the TL-S interior away
3) Quattro
4) We wanted extra space for when we have kids or even just to have for traveling, and going around town, so that was a no brainer
5) The TL looks good, but the B7 looks better
6) I can't justify spending 40K on a TL when you can get a euro luxury car for the same price that has a motor that is as strong as it is and has a more refined interior. this goes for options on the car for the same price as well. LIke adaptive headlights, titanium package, etc.

Also, in case you didn't know, the '09 TL will not be coming in a Type S version, but it will be coming with a 300hp motor and AWD. I wonder if they considered that it will canabilize sales of the RL which has very similar specs but costs 10K more. In case you didn't get it, I was being sarcastic. Acura has been losing market share all the while making some of the most idiotic decisions for some of their models. Yet another reason why I dropped from the Acura lineup. In fact I had to go back in time to enjoy Acura by buying a used Integra GS-R.

[SGVA4]

I knew Honda would ditch that FWD and goes with RWD....they couldn't compete with Toyota or Nissan with that FWD BS....

and nowdays with:

335
G35
IS350
C350

you have to go RWD...not sure what Audi is waitin for...

[Bryan]

Although I don't own a TL-S, I'm coming from a CL-S and have an A4 Avant 2.0T 6spd on order.

I considered many cars, and the TL-S was one of them although very low on the list.

The killing points for me on the TL-S:

1) I can chip the B7 and there are are many more mods available for the Audi than the TL, although I don't know how much of factor that is for you. I don't know much I will be modding the car, but I want the flexibility
2) the interior on the B7 blows the TL-S interior away
3) Quattro
4) We wanted extra space for when we have kids or even just to have for traveling, and going around town, so that was a no brainer
5) The TL looks good, but the B7 looks better
6) I can't justify spending 40K on a TL when you can get a euro luxury car for the same price that has a motor that is as strong as it is and has a more refined interior. this goes for options on the car for the same price as well. LIke adaptive headlights, titanium package, etc.

Also, in case you didn't know, the '09 TL will not be coming in a Type S version, but it will be coming with a 300hp motor and AWD. I wonder if they considered that it will canabilize sales of the RL which has very similar specs but costs 10K more. In case you didn't get it, I was being sarcastic. Acura has been losing market share all the while making some of the most idiotic decisions for some of their models. Yet another reason why I dropped from the Acura lineup. In fact I had to go back in time to enjoy Acura by buying a used Integra GS-R.

agree..

[|FYASKO|]

I think the TL-S looks great inside and out. Its a smooth ride and the technology in that car is unbeatable. Comparing it a S Line is hard has both are great cars but if your into crazy modding then the A4 is a good choice.

[Sly Raskal]

I knew Honda would ditch that FWD and goes with RWD....they couldn't compete with Toyota or Nissan with that FWD BS....

and nowdays with:

335
G35
IS350
C350

you have to go RWD...not sure what Audi is waitin for...

Audi's trademark for so damn friggin' long has been quattro. That would be like Kraft not selling cheese and going with tofu.

[Sharkfin]

ive been looking at cars for a while now and I'm stuck between a b7 s-line and 2007 tl type s. If i got the b7 it would get chipped. I know this is an audi forum but what is everyone's opinion on how a chipped b7 compares to a tl-s. Ive driven them both, but have not driven a chipped b7 so its tough to compare the power of the two.

Opinions welcome

(sorry if this is the wrong forum for this type of post)

I was in the same exact boat deciding between the same cars you are (they were at the same dealership that I was trading in my SUV to) and this is how I decided:

1. I am located in PA, and I saw your located in CT so you will probably need the presence of Quattro All wheel drive in the bad weather up there. Compared to the TL-S which is FWD and not very reliable in that kind of weather.

2. You mentioned how you test drove both cars and are deciding which one is better. I also drove each back to back (I drove each car 4 times before I bought my A4 in July of '07) and I noticed that the Acura is a typical Japanese import with a much tighter suspension which IMO makes for a stiffer ride and handling that is not comfortable and takes more effort to steer. The TL-S clearly has some more OOMPFHHHH but you can tastefully mod the A4 to get some decent numbers.

3. The ones I was comparing were roughly the same price (difference of 200 bucks) but the Acura came with a 100k Honda certified warranty and the Audi came with the just the rest of the factory warranty. I decided to buy the extended Audi warranty.

4. Basically, you can't go wrong with either car and it comes down to your personal preference. I loved the TL-S but I wanted a car that less people have in my area and that I connected with as soon as I drove it, so you should try to find that feeling with either one.

Overall, I would take another test drive, compare the deals you get, and decide what kind of car you want because they are very different but both are great choices.

Good luck, let us know what you decide, and I hope that I helped somewhat

[vtracer20]

go with the audi. you wont be happy with the fwd...plus if you ever mod it you'll just be burning rubber trying to get anywhere vs grip with the awd. I like the looks of the new TL but that much power on fwd is just not fun

[Cronogr]

Audi = Quality
And what chicks love ? Audis :D

I don't know about acura :P only that it makes the integra :D

[R1NSE]

My brother in law had a Passat for 5 years and then he leased the TL. For 3 years, all I heard was how superior his Passat was to the TL and he never should have got the Acura. Now he has a Touraeg.

German > Japanese

[tribe]

I was in the same boat. TL-S is very nice and they were giving it to me for a little over 32K.

The one thing that kept me back is that the 286 HP are very high on the rev band and also that kind of power for a FWD system is about limit without heavy modifications on the drive system. The '08s are going to be AWD for sure.

There are a lot of complaints about 3rd gear grind also and I've had that same problem with an RSX-S so I didn't want to eat that soup again.

Other than that I love Honda/Acura cars

[davis449]

I've driven both. I have to say, the TL-S is MUCH better at the passing on the highway stuff than my Stage I A4, but take off is a bitch. I drove two 6-speeds, one "luxo" package and one TL-S with the limited slip differential. That's one sorry ass LSD, because BOTH had the same amt. of wheel spin at launch, and I'm not talking about race track launch either. Normal everyday driving in that car would piss me off to no end (same goes for the FWD A4). It just wasn't worth the added passing power. I would take a Stage II B7 Quattro over a TL-S any day of the week. Driving feel and enjoyment, even with the TL-S suspension, still isn't a German car PERIOD. The credit I will give the Acura is that the electronics are FAR superior, but anyone who knows German cars knows that they're not known for their stellar electronics (NAV system, etc.). The interior, despite the plastics, is pretty damn tasteful for a Japanese luxury car. It's nicer than an EX Accord, on par with a Lexus IS, but not annoying-cheap like a pre-2008 G35 sedan/coupe. But when you feel the interiors of both the TL and the A4, you can tell which one is better made. That my $.02.

[Slo.Mo.Shun.]

My brother had one of the new TL type S and that thing was a cow, one time we raced for shits and giggles and the A4 destroyed him. He totaled the car a few month later and we realized how unsafe it was an went to VW for a new car.





The mini was only going between 45-55 MPH

[CX-7&A4]

HAAHAHAHAHAHA

One MORE reason to get an Audi, that POS was almost split in half by a mini!

Also, I sat in one and the interior is a disappointment, poor panel fitment and fake ass carbon fiber.

[dope a4]

my previous car was a 07tl-s and to be honest its not that bad of a car...and i also wrecked it and in my case it was verry safe i made it out with out a scratch on me after fallin in a ditch about 25ft....

but now i love my b7 a4 .... as of comparing them... theyr both completely diff cars its just what u enjoy more...

[vtracer20]

wouldn't wana be the passenger in that TL...damn

[camhabib]

Wow, I'm looking at those pictures being like, "some Expedition or pickup must have really done a job on him"... scroll down to see a little mini. German safety FTW.

[Sly Raskal]

My brother had one of the new TL type S and that thing was a cow, one time we raced for shits and giggles and the A4 destroyed him. He totaled the car a few month later and we realized how unsafe it was an went to VW for a new car.





The mini was only going between 45-55 MPH

Damn, I swear I've seen these pics on Acurazine but can't rememeber for sure.

[davis449]

My brother had one of the new TL type S and that thing was a cow, one time we raced for shits and giggles and the A4 destroyed him. He totaled the car a few month later and we realized how unsafe it was an went to VW for a new car.

The one thing I've noticed is that Japanese steel is and always has been shit. It doesn't stand up to anything. Every Jap car I've seen gets dents if you look at it funny.

[b6onboost]

There are certain, hard to quantify, qualities of a german car. You notice them whether comparing a Acura to an Audi or a Mazda to a VW.

Drove the new TL-S and thought is was pretty boring. Nice seats, classic Honda/Acura simplicity and ergonomics, smooth motor and ride. It felt just like my friends top of the line accord V6, and didn't even seem faster. Great car, but simply can't match up to the feeling of driving the A4. The A4 seems higher class and is a lot more fun.

[4RingRook]

Although I don't own a TL-S, I'm coming from a CL-S and have an A4 Avant 2.0T 6spd on order.

I considered many cars, and the TL-S was one of them although very low on the list.

The killing points for me on the TL-S:

1) I can chip the B7 and there are are many more mods available for the Audi than the TL, although I don't know how much of factor that is for you. I don't know much I will be modding the car, but I want the flexibility
2) the interior on the B7 blows the TL-S interior away
3) Quattro
4) We wanted extra space for when we have kids or even just to have for traveling, and going around town, so that was a no brainer
5) The TL looks good, but the B7 looks better
6) I can't justify spending 40K on a TL when you can get a euro luxury car for the same price that has a motor that is as strong as it is and has a more refined interior. this goes for options on the car for the same price as well. LIke adaptive headlights, titanium package, etc.

Also, in case you didn't know, the '09 TL will not be coming in a Type S version, but it will be coming with a 300hp motor and AWD. I wonder if they considered that it will canabilize sales of the RL which has very similar specs but costs 10K more. In case you didn't get it, I was being sarcastic. Acura has been losing market share all the while making some of the most idiotic decisions for some of their models. Yet another reason why I dropped from the Acura lineup. In fact I had to go back in time to enjoy Acura by buying a used Integra GS-R.

+1 from another former CL Type S owner

[jcg05c]

Maybe your brother lost to the Audi because he didnt know how to drive very well, i mean look at what happend to his car from a mini. I think the New tls look nice inside and out. I still dont get why everyone thinks the inside of audis are so AWESOME. Yea there nice but to me mine just looks like any other car dashboard wise.

[greene08]

My buddy has a 2004 TL, while not the Type-S it definitely lacks the German appeal as both models do. The doors are lightweight, the trunk lid is lightweight and there is no "solid" feel to the car. Plus the road noise from the 18" performance wheels is drowning! Talk about a lack of insulation and deadening material.

You just can't beat the ride and finish of a German car.

[b6onboost]

Hop in the average jdm or domestic and you'll realize how much nicer the Audi interior is. Compare Audi to other premium brands and the difference comes down to fine details, and a lot of personal preference concerning design.

I'm not saying Audi has a superior interior compared to all cars. But when you average all the details, materials, fit/finish, and design...most of the time Audi gets the nod from the professionals who rank and test cars.

I still dont get why everyone thinks the inside of audis are so AWESOME. Yea there nice but to me mine just looks like any other car dashboard wise.

[Slo.Mo.Shun.]

Maybe your brother lost to the Audi because he didnt know how to drive very well.

Straight line acceleration both auto cars from a roll, a monkey can drive well like that. Yet my brother is a horrible driver.

I had all the pics here in AZ, but I'm not sure if they made it to Acurazine.

[Sharkfin]

wow that got destroyed!

[2007DolphinA4]

I was also deciding between A4 and TL. Also I considered 328xi.

1. I didn't like TL's interior at all. It doesn't have any class. The front console is very cheaply made.
2. AWD was another important factor for me.

TL is more powerful, but if you want quick 0-60 car then neither A4/TL should be on your list.