i think the TL competes more with the V6 models. the RL competes with the V8 luxury sedans. just because its a little cheaper doesnt mean its not a competitor. because it is acura's flagship model, i think it automatically competes with all the other luxury brands' top models. when you stack it up against the V8 competition though, that 3.5 liter V6 connected to its power-sapping AWD drivetrain looks pretty insufficient. for 50k you could have a 5.7 liter 400hp CTS-V. a little more power could help out. im not saying it has to be a V8, but just think what a $10,000 twin turbo option could do for the image, even if it only sold 500 a year. all of a sudden you would have magazines raving about the new RL instead of condemning its comparatively weak engine.

edit: (not trying to argue, just adding my thoughts)

 

IMHO because the TL tops out in the mid 30s and the 530i and E320 start in the high 40s, they are not competitors. The TL competes with other mid-size V6 entry-lux sedans that are priced in the mid 30s.

The CTS-V is a limited production performance machine that only comes in stick shift, and most definitely does not compete with the E500. One could make a plausible argument that it stacks up against the 545i 6-speed but it most definitely does not have anything to worry about in the RL.

 

Is the RL VTEC or i-VTEC ?

 

Well, using your argument, the LS430 must be castrated as well. Since we're comparing flagship models, the LS430's 4.3L V8 sure does seem castrated compared to the 5.5/6L V12 in the MB and BMW that delivers uber more torque as well as 460hp+, most likely having much better power range not waiting for the stinking VVT-i to "kick in".

 

Like others mentioned before, we really have to talk on terms of price when comparing flagship models. The LS430 and S600 or 760il are really in different price classes, so its pointless to compare their specs.

 

That was my point but with a sarcastic twist.

 

the LS430 is out of the price range of any 7 series or S class, unless a $13,000+ gap is negligible.
cheapest models:
LS430: $56,000
745i: $69,000
S430: $74,970

 

The LS430 is also out the price range of the RL.

 

Yeah, 4.3 V8 is pretty castrated comapared to 5.5 V12 turbo, but LS430 doesnt compete against S600, it competes against S430 and does very well IMO.

Horse power numbers aside, and even acceleration numbers aside, what also counts is how smooth the acceleration is, and how linear the power is. The beauty of a V8 is that you can accelerate fast by barely touching the pedal, and you could be cruising at 90mph with not much of an effort. The V6 in RL will not be able to do it, and will feel underpowered compared not only to the cars listed above, but even comapred to 88 Lincoln Town car. Seems pretty gay to me.

 

Same can be said that the Acura RL doesn't compete against the LS430, it competes against the GS330 and does it very well.

You know what sounds even more gay? Someone making assumptions like this without ever test driving the car, let alone a car that has NOT made it into production and then magazine comparing it to cars a step above its class.