2011 Hyundai Genesis vs. 2011 Acura RL
Yes, it’s finally time for you to call the men with the funny white
coats for the Honda and Acura Examiner as he is trying to compare a V8
engined, rear drive Hyundai luxury sedan with Acura’s top of the line
SH-AWD RL which stickers for about $10,000 more, How is that an even
competition when the new Equus could have no doubt sat it’s gargantuan
hind quarters on the similarly priced RL to keep it from escaping its
disturbingly corpulent South Korean grasp.
But after listening to countless pundits claiming the Hyundai Genesis
looked like a Lexus, Mercedes, Volvo or Infiniti, I realized that there
is only car that looks almost exactly like it barring differences in
grille and tail-lamp execution. Yes, the 2011 Acura RL has a very
similar side silhouette and body frame design as that upstart whipper
snapper known as the Genesis. Doesn’t Hyundai know that Acura invented
the whole idea of Asian luxury car brands? Well, I guess makes sense to
copy the originator.
But after listening to countless pundits claiming the Hyundai Genesis
looked like a Lexus, Mercedes, Volvo or Infiniti, I realized that there
is only car that looks almost exactly like it barring differences in
grille and tail-lamp execution. Yes, the 2011 Acura RL has a very
similar side silhouette and body frame design as that upstart whipper
snapper known as the Genesis. Doesn’t Hyundai know that Acura invented
the whole idea of Asian luxury car brands? Well, I guess makes sense to
copy the originator.
Although Hyundai just recently introduced a new 2012 Hyundai Genesis
sedan with a more powerful 5.0 liter V8 engine and 8-speed automatic,
there are still plenty of 2011 Genesis models on dealer lots with the
very capable 4.6 liter V8 and ZF 6-speed automatic. In fact, given the
eminent launch of the 2012 model, now might just be the best time ever
to get a terrific deal on a brand new Hyundai Genesis sedan with a
mighty impressive 385 horsepower/333 lb. feet of torque V8 motor that
returned a very impressive 18.4 miles per gallon given the power on
hand.
Now, the 2012 version of the Genesis is going to be offered with the
same basic 3.8 liter 333 horsepower/291 lb. feet of torque V6 along with
the same 4.6 liter V8 tested here. But the new range topper (known as
the 5.0R) tops the power charts with 429 horsepower/376 lb. feet of
torque. Both V8 engines require premium fuel but the V6 motor does not
so consider that in your budgeting for the lifetime cost of your new
Genesis. And remember, the 3.8 liter V6 engine isn't exactly low on
power despite its "base model" billing so it remains a good bargain.
That is, until you go
