Acura TLX Type S, and Kia K5 GT Drag Races: Power Isn’t Everything

Acura has more horsepower but is heavier.

As sales declined and stagnated, automakers have had to slash sedans from their product lines. There are still some exceptional vehicles that provide more than just sensible transportation. Performance-oriented models are still hot, and Sam CarLegion YouTube channel pitted two of them – the Hyundai K5 GT as well as the Acura TX Type S in fierce drag races.

The Acura Although it has a more powerful engine, the Acura brand adds weight. It is significantly heavier than the Kia, at 4,200 pounds (1.905 kg) and 3,571 lbs (1.619 kg). The TLX has a turbocharged 3.0-liter V6 engine that produces 355 horsepower (479 Newton-meters), and 354 poundfeet (379 kilowatts). Acura’s all-wheel drive has another advantage: it transmits the engine’s power through an automatic transmission of 10 speeds.

Acura TLX Type S, and Kia K5 GT Drag Races: Power Isn’t Everything

The Kia K5’s turbo 2.5-liter engine produces 290 horsepower (216) as well as 311 lbft (421 Nm), of torque. The Kia’s power is transmitted to the front wheels via an eight-speed gearbox. Although the Kia has a lower curb weight, it is still an advantage that’s not immediately apparent in the first two races.

Both standing-start races see Acura aggressively launch off the starting line. It uses its AWD to give it a significant advantage over the competition. Kia It can’t recover. Rolling-start races change the tide, and Acura’s AWD is unable to work efficiently. The lighter, more powerful Kia is far more competitive in these races. The K5 wins both the rolling races because it’s so competitive. Although it’s only a couple of victories, these are nonetheless victories.

Although it’s not common for a Kia to keep up with an Acura sedan, automakers are able to create performance vehicles in unique ways. Although Acura and Kia are not directly competitors, the TLX may want to pay attention to its taillights.