2009 Acura TL SH-AWD vs 2009 Audi A4 3.2 quattro - Interior - Comparison

Our initial stop, per usual, was the test track, where the wimpier Audi -- down 40 horsepower and 30 pound-feet to the TL -- nonetheless leapt from underdog to top dog, running from 0 to 60 in 6.0 seconds and through the quarter mile in 14.6 at 96.9 mph. Conversely, the TL, despite the advantage underhood, managed to squeak out only 6.5 and 14.8 and 96.9, respectively. In our handling and braking tests, however, there was a role reversal, with the Acura taking top honors, putting down 0.91 g on the skidpad, 26.0 seconds at 0.73 g through the figure eight, and 103 feet in 60-to-0 braking. Super handling? Pontiac's rear-drive, 415-horse G8 GXP can better, um, none of those numbers. Nor, of course, can the A4, whose all-season Pirellis could only grapple for 0.84 g, 27.0 at 0.64 g, and 131 feet. That said, had the Audi been equipped like the Acura -- in other words, with the S line package that includes a sport suspension, paddle shifters, and 19s with 255/35 summer Dunlops -- we surmise the A4 would've generated much better numbers.

As the test track can reveal only so much, we slithered onto the highway for the long haul out to the serpentine roads wiggling their way up, down, and all around the hills in Malibu, to see which of these all-wheel-drive leather-laden sport sedans could best acclimate to real-world settings. The TL, even with its rather firm setup and large 19s, offered a surprisingly supple, quiet ride. Sure, nuances of the road could be felt, but imperfections never crashed their way into the cabin.

Speaking of the cabin, the Acura's provides a modern, tech-laden environment replete with black perforated-leather seats, carbon-look trim, solar-sensing dual-zone automatic climate control, Bluetooth, nav with traffic and weather, and ELS audio with a hard disk drive, satellite radio, and auxiliary and USB inputs.

Hop into the A4 and the dissimilarities are striking. Infused with brown and beige hues -- most notably, humidor-quality ash-wood trim -- and a less daunting interface, the Audi comes across warmer and airier, the latter likely due to the lower beltline and extra front and rear headroom. Equipped with the $2950 Audi Drive Select option, which enables pilots to customize and select settings for the suspension, steering, and throttle, our tester offered an equally plush and hushed ride. In fact, left in Comfort mode, the A4 was the most coddling, proving an ideal transporter in which to appreciate the slew of tech touches, including Bluetooth, nav, three-zone auto climate control, and "symphony" audio with iPod interface, satellite radio, and an SD card slot.