Hi, I've been on this forum for a bit researching and trying to learn all that I can about the G coupes. I've loved their look since the first generation, and, as of right now, my plan is to pick up an '09.

One question that I'd like some input on, though. I'm currently in an Acura TL Type S. I love the styling and, as far as sedans go, I'm fairly satisfied. However, I've wanted a coupe for awhile now because I'd like to have the feeling of driving a "smaller" car that handles great through the curves...that's "tighter"...that doesn't have a definite feeling of weight shift through the twisties.

I know that the G coupe is a bit heavy, but does the weight distribution give you the feeling of driving a "smaller" car? Would you consider it "tossable"? Sorry if this has been touched upon before, but I haven't really seen this exact question before on this site.

Thanks for any help that you can give...

 

i dont know, our cars are kind of fat.

 

The G feels reasonably tossable especially in the S model.

Compared to an FWD car it will have a better handling feel with now having the ability to throttle steer.

It will feel more stuck to the road than the TL.


My experience is that Honda/Acura steering is generally light in feel. Compared to the G which will feel a little heavier in he steering you may notice a difference there. But the overall feel of a RWD car at high speed cornering is much better than the feel of a FWD car.

My best advice is for you to go out and test drive it.

 

the G does not feel tossable or agile at all IMO. it's great for what it is, a grand tourer, but you definitely feel its weight.

 

The G feels somewhat agile, and is probably at its best in a slight bend powering through 3rd gear. However my other car is an Audi A4 Quattro. The Audi may be slower but in terms of tightness in corners there is no comparison. I always feel as though the G has a lot more bodyroll.

 

I wouldn't call it "tossable" or "light" by any stretch, however, it's not a lumbering beast in spite of it's weight. I don't get a small car feel from it although it is more than capable in the turns and feels extremely planted and solid to me. It's fun to carve a curve in but you can feel the car's weight. If that makes any sense at all.

 

+10!! very accurate description indeed!

 

The G has very good handling for a heavy car. You can accelerate through curves as you have to in a high HP RWD car.

However, since you own a Acura and want something light through the curves with perfect balance then get an S2000. 2002 would be the pefect year before they lowered the redline and it has the glass rear window. That is a rail car that is light, agile, high hp, and handles the curves.

The G37S is a great car and is part luxury and part sports car. The car really transforms when you turn off the creature comforts and roll down at least the moonroof and listen to the engine. It does quite well around the curves but you always are going to feel the weight.

I am not trying to turn you off the G but your criteria does not make it sound like the right car.

Dean

 

Thanks for the great insights. Before making any final decisions, I need another test drive, but it's a little tough driving it hard/spirited with a sales rep in the passenger seat with a white-knuckled grip. HA

Regardless of which direction I go, the G is a great car.

 

I had a first gen TL-1999 for a couple of years and it was a fun car. I was constantly getting tourque-steer out of it I also had a 1995 Legend 6SPD LS Coupe and that car felt very heavy.

The weight of the G is an issue if you are looking to toss it, but it is definately tossable. There is a Motortrend Vid around here somewhere with a G and a 335i and they are getting tossed around pretty good. The HP in the G and LSD help it feel lighter than it is especially with the trac control off. I have had my share of racing experiences with SCCA and IMSA through the nineties and this car is set up well right out of the box.

This car more than satisfies my desire to have fun on the street(not too many tossable turns around town!) and when I take it into the back roads with no one around it is an absolute blast to drive at speed. For me it is the best of all worlds with so many creature comforts and great performance(S version only). I'm 6'-4" and can't fit in many "sport" cars comfortably, but this G is just right.

Good luck with your purchase, this is an awesome ride.

 

Agreed 100%. I used to own an S2K and that car is the definition of tossable. The G is not tossable at all, the weight is very evident. However, it isnt exactly supposed to be a tossable car and it does what it's meant to do very well (be a GT car)

 

I dont know guys. Compared to my 330 ci the G feels more high strung and track ready. Most of the Car mags evaluate it the same. more sophisticated suspension than the BMW and therefore a better track car. Better mid range pull and handling make up for the BMW advantage in low end grunt so its a wash.
My experience is that it handles as close to a BMW as any car on the road and with the LSD standard, the G is tough to beat.
CArr & Driver stated that either car was just a likely to be ahead at the end of a straight. You be the judge but categorizing the G as a GT is not quite accurate.

Cheers!

 

The G handles great for its WEIGHT. You can do anything you want to a car but you cannot make up for weight. It is still a heavy car. If it has a twin turbo and 550 hp at the same weight and AWD, it still would not be as tossable car.

The G handles very well and does handle turns but it cannot compete with lighter cars.

I am not comparing it to bimmers because most of them are also very heavy.

The guy wanted something that was tossable and fun for twisties and didnt want to feel the weight. Since he has an Acura, the S2000 seems like a great fit for him. It is light and High HP and handles the curve better than any other car I have ever been it. Of course, that car does not make a very good daily driver and your list of creature comforts include a 2 speaker radio.

It is all about what you want out of a car and no car is perfect.

If I could do one thing to the G, it would be lower its weight by 500 - 700 lbs.

Dean

 

I think he should keep the tl-s for practicality and creature comforts, and then a s2000 for those days he feels like driving a coupe to toss around corners!

 

interesting what everyone says about its tossability. im wondering how many of those that say the car is too heavy and not tossable (those who complain that it doesnt corner well enough) have the 4WAS.

I was driving a C5 with the upgraded Z51 suspension before the G, and before that was a track edition 350Z. I would say that the G has more body roll than the Z and corvette, but in terms of cornering and tossability, i trust my G more than the z or vette.

the g handles incredibly well and another point that i dont think anyone has touched on is its predictability. this car handles extremely well all the way to the edge of traction. It maintins its driveability at speed extremely well and has no problem taking turns. having driven several different TL's, you will be upgrading for sure. I would have to say that the G is a perfect option for you.

to those suggesting an S2000, its obvious that creature comforts are important to him, otherwise he wouldnt be driving a TL. why would he downgrade significantly in ammenities just to gain a sliver of performance.

To the OP: You have a bunch of different types of people on here. Purists say its not a sports car and doesnt handle as such (this is true, but then again, do you really WANT a true sports car?) those who daily drive say this is a sports ride and thats where i'm at on it. it is very sporty, yes, it could be stiffer and lighter, but then again, look at the Lotus and all the complaints it receives...

Pick the car that FEELS right. Ask the salesperson if you can take the car out alone. I test drove mine alone. Tell him you really just want to concentrate on the car itself. Why should you give your business to a dealership that doesn't trust you?