How does Japan compare to the South Korean duo?
These three sedans are extremely equal in this sweet, but not too sweet showdown. Each car has a twin-turbocharged, V6 that produces similar power levels. Every car has an automatic transmission. Each one has all-wheel drive. Each is priced between $45,000 and $50,000. This should make it an exciting three-way drag race. This is a good idea on paper.
There are some differences that you should be aware of before you click on the Throttle House YouTube video. First, we have the Kia Stinger GT AWD versus its more expensive, 3.3-liter AWD, the Genesis G70. The Stinger has 368 horsepower (274kilowatts) and the Genesis has 365 horsepower (272kW). The G70 weighs in at 3,900 pounds (1.769 kilograms). This is a 100-pound (45 kilogram) advantage over the Kia.
The third competitor in this Korean party crash is the Acura TLX Type – It’s not, even though they are similar in appearance, the stats don’t favor it. It has slightly less power at 355 horsepower (265kW), but that wouldn’t matter if it was 300 pounds (136 kg) heavier than the Genesis. It does have two additional cogs in the 10-speed automatic so it may be able to make more of its power.
Yeah, nope. No, we’re not going to suggest that the Acura can compete here. It makes a strong showing in the standing drag race but the TLX’s weight and power disadvantage becomes more apparent as the speeds increase. This is something that we noticed in our TLX Type S First Drive. However, this video helps to visualize the problem. Although it’s not a sports sedan, a few more ponies would be helpful.
The Stinger and G70 are well-matched. This is to be expected as they share the same powertrain. However, the Genesis’ weight advantage seems to give it an edge. It is enough to beat the Kia in both standing-start and roll races. The result is very close, we’ll tell you that.