| Model year | 2004 |
| Make | Acura |
| Model | TL |
| Style | Sedan |
| Base MSRP | $35,395 |
| As-tested MSRP | $35,395 |
| Drive type | FWD |
| Engine type | V6 |
| Displacement (cc/cu-in) | 3.2 |
| Horsepower (hp @ rpm) | 270 |
| Torque (lb-ft @ rpm) | 238 |
| Transmission type | Six-speed manual |
| Suspension, front | Independent double-wishbone, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Suspension, rear | Independent multi-link, double-wishbone, coil springs, stabilizer bar |
| Steering type | Variable power-assisted rack-and-pinion |
| Tire brand | Bridgestone |
| Tire model | Potenza |
| Tire size, front | P235/45R17 |
| Tire size, rear | P235/45R17 |
| Brakes, front | Power-assisted four-wheel disc |
| Acceleration, 0-30 mph (sec.) | The TL's engine is somewhat schizophrenic in that it has essentially no torque below 2,000, and more torque than you want above 2,000. Launching the vehicle was a real challenge as a result; too little throttle and the engine almost dies, too much and it smokes the front tires all the way through first gear and well into second. The best technique was to bring the revs up to 4,000 rpm, modulate the clutch and throttle until the vehicle was well underway (about 10 mph) and then judiciously roll into the throttle (do it too quickly and the front tires would still break loose). The redline was indicated at 6,800 rpm and the rev limiter came in hard right at 7,000. Acura's traction and stability control system was, of course, disabled to get the best times due to its intrusive nature. The six-speed manual transmission is a sweetheart, and one of the best you will find at any price. |
| 0-45 mph (sec.) | 4.5 |
| 0-60 mph (sec.) | 6.5 |
| 0-75 mph (sec.) | 9.5 |
| 1/4-mile (sec. @ mph) | 14.96 @ 90.71 |
| Braking, 30-0 mph (ft.) | 28.46 |
| 60-0 mph (ft.) | 115.96 |
| Slalom, 6 x 100 ft. (mph) | 67.5 |
| Skid pad, 200-ft. diameter (lateral g) | 39.7 |
| Sound level @ idle (dB) | Below 50 |
| @ Full throttle (dB) | 72 |
| @ 70 mph cruise (dB) | 74 |
| Braking rating | Excellent |
| Handling rating | Excellent |
| Elevation (ft.) | 85 |
| Temperature (°F) | NA |
| Wind (mph, direction) | N/A |
| EPA fuel economy (mpg) | Auto / Manual 19/28 |
| Edmunds observed (mpg) | 21 |
| Fuel tank capacity (U.S. gal.) | 17 |
| Curb weight, mfr. claim (lbs.) | 3489 |
| Length (in.) | 189.3 |
| Width (in.) | 72.2 |
| Height (in.) | 56.7 |
| Wheelbase (in.) | 107.9 |
| Legroom, front (in.) | 42.8 |
| Legroom, rear (in.) | 34.9 |
| Headroom, front (in.) | 38.7 |
| Headroom, rear (in.) | 37.2 |
| Seating capacity | 5 |
| Cargo volume (cu-ft) | 12.3 |
| Max. cargo volume, seats folded (cu-ft) | N/A |
| Bumper-to-bumper | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Powertrain | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Corrosion | 5 years / Unlimited miles |
| Roadside assistance | 4 years / 50,000 miles |
| Free scheduled maintenance | Not Available |
| Front airbags | Standard |
| Side airbags | Standard |
| Head airbags | Standard |
| Antilock brakes | Standard |
| Electronic brake enhancements | Electronic Brakeforce Distribution, BrakeAssist |
| Traction control | Standard |
| Stability control | Standard |
| Rollover protection | Not available |
| Emergency assistance system | Not available |
| NHTSA crash test, driver | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, passenger | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side front | Not tested |
| NHTSA crash test, side rear | Not tested |
| NHTSA rollover resistance | Not tested |
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