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Since the invention of cars, competitors have been the target of advertising within the auto industry. Because the new TLX Type S appears to be a compelling bargain, Acura naturally chose to pit its specifications against those of the BMW M340i. Acura missed one key fact the BMW M340i does not have a V6 engine.
Acura uses the comparison to highlight how its engine produces comparable power at a lower cost. BMW M340i is said to have a 3.0L V6 turbo, although just a 3.0L engine is shown. It has a turbocharged three-litre displacement inline- or straight-six engine, not a V6. It does not matter as it doesn’t change anything, for comparison’s sake. However, this demonstrates a possible lack of interest in doing the necessary study to evaluate both vehicles fairly.
In terms of raw power, the BMW M340i comes out on top. Its 3.0L V6 produces 382 HP and 369 lb-ft of torque, whereas the Acura’s 3.0L V6 produces 355 HP and 354 lb-ft of torque. Acura’s peak torque reached a few hundred revolutions per minute (rpm) earlier than BMW’s, at 5,500 rpm, while the Acura’s power comes in at a lower rpm (5,500 vs 5,800). Surprisingly, while having greater hp, the BMW gets significantly better gas mileage (25 mpg compared to 21 mpg). Acura claims its ten-speed automatic transmission is superior to the 3er’s eight-speed ZF, but BMW’s ZF eight-speed is perfectly calibrated.
The rest of the comparison is meant to demonstrate that the Acura TLX Type S is a better value. On the other hand, the price comparison makes it worthwhile to put both vehicles to the test. The M340i is not quite as reliable a sports sedan as its 3 Series forebears were, so the TLX may be a better value. However, the BMW’s engine, which is an I6 rather than a V6, is superb.
