2024 Acura TLX vs 2024 BMW 3 Series
Is it worth going with a BMW sports car, or should you trust Acura’s renowned reputation for all things speed? Your local performance car enthusiasts are here to explore the new 2024 Acura TLX and the 2024 BMW 330i to help put things into perspective. When you’re ready to bump up the thrills, Maus Acura of North Tampa supplies new Nissan cars near you! Browse our new inventory online to see our available sports car selection.
2024 Acura TLX vs 2024 BMW 3 Series
For around $45k, a sports car should flawlessly deliver performance in every way possible. A powerful engine, tuned precision, optimal handling, and unwavering speed are all on the checklist, but only the TLX delivers a balance between function and style. What does that say about BMW? The 330i is built as if the company took their regular sedan and simply swapped out the engine for a slightly better one.
Performance
Acura graced the latest TLX with two unique engine choices: A 2.0L VTEC turbo with 272 horsepower and 280 lb-ft of torque, and a 3.0L V6 Turbo with 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque (a Type S exclusive). Both of these engines are already something to brag about, but that’s just the start of what makes the TLX a beast of a machine. Acura continues to craft the TLX with a double-wishbone front suspension and an ultra-rigid chassis for smooth driving and stability, but the available Adaptive Damper System takes your experience to the next level. But as much as we love power and speed, brakes are just as crucial. That’s why the TLX has an electro-servo brake system that’s been transferred over directly from Acura’s famous NSX supercar!
A singular engine is all you’ll find in BMW’s 330i model, and it’s a 2.0L TwinPower Turbo with 255 horsepower. We don’t have to tell you that’s rather average even for a low-end sports car. We give the 330i props for having electronically controlled engine cooling and Launch Control, but when compared to the vast array of driving enhancements in the TLX, that isn’t saying much. Even the 330i’s 8-speed automatic transmission feels less impressive next to the TLX’s 10-speed.
Safety Features
Acura may have gone all-out with the TLX’s performance, but the caring engineers didn’t forget about your safety. AcuraWatch will be by your side on every drive, during both the exciting and the ordinary. But other than what comes in the AcuraWatch package, your TLX can support extra available features such as:
- Blind Spot Information System
- Rear Cross Traffic Monitor
- Surround-View Camera
Learn more > Here Are the Tech & Safety Updates Available in the 2024 Acura TLX
The new BMW 330i also comes with standard safety features, one of them being the Active Protection System package which is designed to warn you of possible collisions and react accordingly by tensing seat belts, closing all windows, and braking automatically. While automatic emergency braking is normal for most new vehicles, some drivers might be averted to these other proactive measures that are out of their control. Aside from the Active Protection System and Active Guard which includes Frontal Collision Warning and Automatic City Collision Mitigation, you may actually find fewer driver assistance features in the 330i compared to the TLX.
Interior
Built primarily for optimal performance, the new TLX also brings you an incredible cabin experience by treating you to premium seats and an exciting display of sporty accents. The ergonomic sports chairs are bolstered for maximum comfort even during joy rides (please drive responsibly) and the full-grain Milano leather trim is like being presented with a spectacular throne. And while the chairs are fantastic, certain features remind you that you’re driving one of Acura’s finest performance cars such as the available flat-bottomed steering wheel and aluminum sport pedals. Add your personal touch by blasting your music through the available 17-speaker ELS Studio 3D Premium Audio System!
As we mentioned earlier, the BMW 330i looks as if your typical sedan had an upgraded engine and was named a performance car. The chairs may appear sporty, but the rest seems fairly common. The highlights here include ambient lighting, multi-zone climate control, and a moonroof, but nothing that gives you the same giddiness that you feel when getting into the new 2024 Acura TLX.
Bottom Line
The BMW name may roll off the tongue, but the 3 series, especially the 330i, doesn’t quite live up to the hype. You’d be sleeping on the incredible driving experience and an amazing driver-centric cabin that you can only achieve in the new Acura TLX, and that would be quite a shame. If you need a close-up look or a second opinion, our helpful and friendly team is always on standby!
Take the 2024 Acura TLX for a Test Drive!
Check out the Acura TLX at Maus Acura of North Tampa! Feel free to swing by anytime or call (813) 535-6287 for more information about the 2024 Acura TLX and to schedule a test drive. You can also shop our new inventory online for new Acura vehicles near you.
