rai

So it's a hijack -->>CLICK

M45 Sport in R&T
est price $49K
weight 4040 lbs
335hp 340 TQ

0-60 5.3sec (can you dig it S2000 drivers?)
0-100 13.3sec
1/4 mile 13.8@101.6mph

C&D has the RL at 0-60 6.7sec 0-100 17.1sec and 1/4 mile 15.2sec@94mph

RL in C&D


PS I know the RL is probably more loaded and it's awd, but we see now what $49K can buy.

NFRs2000NYC

Why the RL??? Although I do agree with you, it should be move over 530i and E320 if anything......

I will still buy the RL because of the way I get treated at my Acura dealership, and the fact that I think Acura products are just a bit more higher quality that Infinity. Nevertheless, its a very nice car. (the M45 will be only in RWD if I understand correctly)

JonBoy

The M is a pretty nice car. Big, but nice. That interior is pretty sweet, though I can't testify to quality since I haven't driven one yet (even an old one). Looks nice, though.

In the end, though, I don't know what I'd choose. The RL with it's AWD and almost certain superior build quality would probably win me over, despite its less than polarizing looks and moderate acceleration.

rai

I say RL b/c they're close to the same price. Close to the same size, and weight, and there are what I call "the big 3" Japanese Luxury brands Infiniti, Acura, and Lexus.

The RL is a great car, but might be viewed by some as priced at the high end of what it's worth. I know the 530i or E320 are out now with weaker engines, but they'll get more beans in the next model year.

Also in truth the RL should go head to head with the M35 awd(3.5L 280hp). That's the real test. But I'll tell you the M35 will undercut the RL on price.

gomarlins3

Yeah, but it's ugly IMO.

NFRs2000NYC

Nah, I think it looks a lot better than the old one. Still not as sexy as a G35 coupe, but not bad. I wish the tailights didnt look like a bloated Avalon.

I personally think the RL is UNDERpriced for what you get. Everything in that car seems to have a purpose, and you can really feel that you get your money's worth. However, I still think the M45 is a much better car than any of the Germans.

rai

[QUOTE=NFRs2000NYC,Jan 4 2005, 11:12 AM] I personally think the RL is UNDERpriced for what you get.

NFRs2000NYC

Rai, you are a smart guy....honestly, without "bias" I guess.....besides RWD and a V8, what does the LS have the RL doesnt to warrant the extra $6000+???

Also, keep in mind, I think the LS430 is THE benchmark for luxury cars.....

dave22

I liked the styling of the old M much more

Lets see what the new GS has to offer

rai

Well the Lexus has a V8 and yet is lighter than the RL, also the LS is a large car. The LS has 6-speed tranny v 5-speed for RL.

If I hear one more time how the RL is about the same size as an Accord I'm gonna explode.

RL trunk 13 cu ft
LS trunk 20 cu ft

RL interior volume 99 cu ft
LS interior volume 107 cu ft

LS has a much smaller turning diameter 39.7'-RL 35.8'-LS

LS has about the same fuel economy 18/26-RL 18/25-LS

Better style (subjective) class leading re-sale value, snob appeal, really if you don't see the LS as THE class leading luxury car I don't know what to say.

You can go to the Acura site to do a side by side comparison. A comparably equiped LS will run you $12K more than the RL.