JAPANESE vs ITALIAN // ACURA TLX TYPE S vs ALFA ROMEO GIULIA QUADRIFOGLIO

Here is a comparison you don't see very often: Japanese vs Italian - Acura TLX Type S vs Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio. These two showcases two very different approaches to creating high performance sports sedans. Now keep in mind that the Acura TLX was essentially engineered in the US even though the parent company, Honda, is Japanese. On the other hand, the Alfa Romeo is a pure Italian design, and therefore it has interesting quarks. Either way, this is a fascination comparison!
Automotive Press is owned and managed by David Koichi Chao, a global expert in the field of automotive evaluation, engineering, and strategy. With over 35 years of engineering experience, David is able to review vehicles from unique perspectives utilizing technical and specialized methods. David is a board member and a director at AJAC (Automobile Journalist Association of Canada).
David is known around the world as an authentic specialist of Lean/Agile Thinking, and travels all around the world to review vehicles and teach latest engineering methods. Born and raised in Japan, David has an engineering degree from University of British Columbia and post-graduate education from MIT and Harvard Business School in Boston.

[@avdp9095]

Thw Alfa, Giulia is actually a very good sportsedan well build and much fun to drive, one of the very best sportssedan on the market.

[@ciello___8307]

As long as you dont get the quad it should be ok

[@thomasferrarojr.9772]

​@@ciello___8307 Haha, literally the opposite. But OK.

[@ciello___8307]

@@thomasferrarojr.9772 i meant in terms of repair costs and headaches.

[@deltaracecraftsolutions]

@@ciello___8307 The Quadrifoglio is the one to get if you want performance. Definitely not for those on a budget.

[@bc8580]

I love Acura and Lexus cars. I currently own them both long term but the Alfa Romeo Giulia Quadrifoglio is a true sports sedan that the Japanese sedans don’t even come close. It’s got close to a 50/50 weight distribution, light chassis, lightning quick/smooth ZF transmission paired to a Ferrari derived engine, razor sharp steering feel and a superb supple suspension. It creates a symphony unlike any other car and has a soul that is completely absent in Japanese cars. Reliability is bulletproof proof 5 years and counting. Zero issues. Just don’t be shy to give it the factory recommended service which does not come cheap.

[@styleew1]

Original owner of a 2018 Giulia Quadrifoglio. I live in a winter climate and driver the car year round averaging 12K per year. I run a dedicated snow tire on the OEM wheels. I have driven the car in 6 inches of snow and it was doable but not the best idea. However the winter tires in the colder months are awesome. I can still tire the car like I stole it. In the normal or "N" setting the car's dampers are extremely smooth and makes you forget you are in a sports car. Dial it up to "D" for dynamic or "R" for race the suspension becomes extremely stiff and feels like a completely different car. It truly has two personalities which can be felt when driven. For me, it is the perfect daily driver. After 58K miles I still look forward to the drive into work and the drive home. The Alfa is an incredible machine and the last ICE car that will ever come from the brand. If you want one, you have one month left to order one before it is gone forever. If you can, but decide to pass, I suspect a part of you will always wonder if not regret pulling the trigger..

[@Food_n_Driver365]

I have an '18 as well, approaching 92k miles. Drove it in snow once as well, though it was only an inch or two on the ground and it did just fine!

[@philipcolumbus3054]

If you live in a "bad weather" area or want AWD, you can get the Alfa Romeo Stelvio Quadrifoglio. It's an AWD vehicle built on the exact same chassis as the Guilia version.

[@norwegianblue2017]

You can get the Giulia with AWD.

[@philipcolumbus3054]

The Giulia Quadrifoglio is not available in AWD. The 2.0 L version does have an AWD version.

[@norwegianblue2017]

@@philipcolumbus3054 They should be comparing the TLX Type S to the Veloce or Competizione anyway. Similar price/class of car. The Giulia will handle better in the rain with lower center of gravity. Stelvio only needed if you need that extra ground clearance for heavy snow.

[@rewantasubba5180]

Guilia QF competes bmw m3 comp and c63S, i think leauge is different.

[@seikocitizenwatches]

Follow your heart? Alfa Romeo Follow your brain? Acura I’d go for the Alfa if it’s my second car but for a everyday all around vehicle, I definitely go with the TLX type S

[@norwegianblue2017]

I have an Acura currently and am seriously considering getting a used Alfa Romeo Giulia Veloce. Done a ton of research and the Giulia has reasonably good (average) reliability. Just avoid the 2017 and may be 2018 models. Mechanics seem to think it is a decent car and not overly difficult to work on.

[@GnomeChewer89]

Dave, top notch video and I’ve been waiting for you to get an Alfa QF to review. How does the Alfa compare to your IS 500?

[@AutomotivePress]

Thank you! The Alfa is still more fun to drive...the IS 500's V-8 is amazing through.

[@georgiosdedes]

Fine review from David, well done. There's obviously a lot more in the design and engineering in both these wonderful vehicles than a few minutes video can offer room for. Being the owner of several vehicles for the past 50 years and currently owning 7 Alfa Romeo cars including a Giulia Quadrifoglio from 2018, I can relate to a lot of the comments about the sportiness, direct steering, feel, etc. The Giulia Q is to my experience not the best choice for winter use. Another car would fit that bracket much better. Here in Europe, the Giulia Q is though my preferred car from April to September especially for longer trips through winding roads and motorway driving and since my daily driver nowadays when I am not riding my bicycle is another Alfa too, a 2023 Tonale Veloce which did exceptionally well in its first winter season on winter tyres, I can definitely recommend these products to anyone also in terms reliability. in my 6+ years of ownership the Giulia Q has been perfect with only one minor thing which was changed under warrantee (defect left cylinder bank turbo solenoid valve). The car has driven 70.000 km without any issue. Having owned in my time other car brands, I can safely conclude that these cars are reliable as long as the owner follows the service manual that indicates once a year what shall be serviced. A lot of the German and French cars I have owned, have not been that reliable and I do make sure that all my vehicles are looked after in a timely manner. There is a lot of prejudice on Italian cars which stems from some poor examples in past decades. This is no longer the case. So to anyone, who still has the time to order brand new one of the best looking, sounding and driver focused sports sedans on the market yet, go for it before it is too late. The closing window is fast approaching. I am currently considering the acquisitition of a Giulia GTAm mainly for track use and there are some good examples here in Europe for sale. I would not consider that unless I was satisfied with the Giulia Quadrifoglio.

[@Macmax7077]

You need to give me one, LOL!!!

[@jjmull3]

The Acura is the better primary car, the Alfa the better second car. Also, it is widely suspected the Alfa has a lot of Ferrari touches (Ferrari California engine minus 2 cylinders, chassis tuning/design inputs).

[@christianr772]

The QV is excellent in the winter! Get some UHP All seasons or dedicated snows and your set!

[@cultofmodernism8477]

The Guilia is about 20k more expensive than the Acura.

[@joshharrison1160]

which is why this comparison is interesting but not really valid

[@garyclark6747]

Great comparative overview David‼️ 20:57

[@mastafa4517]

Auto Press: enjoyed the comparison in sport sedan segment. TLX for me “hands down” because of its versatility. Really a great review.❤

[@StereoHound]

In Race mode, the Quadrifoglio is a freaking beast that gives all the driving excitement there is, can be dangerous if you're not careful. It's in a difference league in terms of driving dynamics than my LC. Have one on order ETA June. It's now or never. Get one David!😂

[@Food_n_Driver365]

I love my GQV. I don't take it in for service any more than I did for the German cars I owned previously. However, the factory service network/dealerships are too few and far between. This is ultimately the cars greatest weakness.

[@joaoleitao2430]

O homem ficou de “ olhos em bico” com o Alfa Romeo!!!kkkkkkkk

[@Frank-qp1re]

Interesting comparison. Love the content!

[@bluearcherx]

i feel like as of 2020+ the Giulia reliability stuff has mostly been resolved.. maybe someone with more experience can chime in, but I am personally about to but one, so I hope so :)

[@majed6956]

My preference for Japanese brands applies to vehicles built in Japan. There's a difference in quality between Toyotas, Mazdas, Acuras built in Japan and those built elsewhere.

[@vagabond1776]

My preference is design….Acura and Honda needs to stop designing their cars in America. Their manufacturing process is still among the best.

[@drivescene6747]

@@vagabond1776I would agree if the current lineup of Acuras weren’t beautiful

[@ryanb8736]

True. Acuras are highly recalled and lots of problems.

[@ryanb8736]

@@vagabond1776Honda just had the highest recalls more than anyone. Highest defects.

[@ryanb8736]

Japan doesn’t have Acura. Acura is N. America market only. Made in USA. All parts are made in US. As most Hondas are too.

[@ju4121]

Lexus puts in a v8 in a IS and doesn't make it to a boat. Acura made a boat in the Tlx 😅.

[@bigboymarket]

The QV is not in this type of class.....You are compare the TLX Type S with the Honda Civic Type R......The QV Rivals are M3 C63 RS5 ect.....

[@JS-qj2sg]

Great video on the acura TLX Type-s and the alfa Romeo I enjoyed it I myself like a good profarmance vehicle personally what vehicle would you choose over the Acura RDX A-spec 2.0 turbo charge engine with AWD I am looking forward for your respond stay safe thanks.

[@MikeForsythe]

the rdx a spec is meh. Not even reliable anymore. So much better competition out there

[@oodyjones]

The Alfa Romeo Stelvio is substantially better performance wise compared to the RDX. It drives almost exactly like the Giulia does.

[@cardiacresp]

That trim of the giulia competes with the M3, the Acura TLX type S is a 330i competitor, they are VERY different cars at VERY different price points.

[@AndrewMcDonald]

We almost bought a Giulia QF in 2018, loved the performance and handling, probably one of the best Alfas I’ve ever driven. I don’t know if they resolved all the QC problems of the 2018 models, but that plus the weirdly small front door opening kept us from buying one.

[@666archenemy1]

I've never seen or heard a Julia go 0 to 60 in 3 seconds. And mention it with a Porsche 911 in a same sentence, it's just ridiculous.

[@BizAutomation4U]

I feel like Alfa is missing lots of sales due to their insistance of pricing the Quadrofoglio at $84K (almost 30K more than the 4 pot Giulia). At this point ,they've amortized the tooling and equipment to make them, not to mention that they've not re-invested in new versions of this car. Would make sense to sell them at $68K or thereabouts and keep selling them into 2025. Real missed opportunity, but given the decisions comming out of Stelantis lately, including the choice to ditch the Giorgio platform, I'm not surprised.

[@rushabhshah558]

Well... I am getting the Alfa Romeo Giulia QV - Carbon edition. Going from my S560 Cabrio to this sports sedan.

[@roytrevisan3491]

Guarantee you will like the AR waaaay more.

[@rushabhshah558]

@@roytrevisan3491 The car is on it's way, and I am excited to test your claim.

[@xtadeus4777]

Carbon édition ? I even do not see that on thé config in m'y country

[@rushabhshah558]

@@xtadeus4777 I think it is only for the US market and very limited numbers, like 65 - I think. I got it because only Carbon Edition gets Gorgeous Red Italian leather interior, while all other QVs only get the black interior in US.

[@xtadeus4777]

@@rushabhshah558 yep indeed. In Europe I do not see i.

[@senorgato70]

I love the styling of the TLX Type-S, except the rear taillights. I dislike the styling of the Giulia Quad except the rear taillights LOL. Very odd, I know. But yes, these are two very different cars at very different power ratings at very different price points. And the reliability concerns of the Italian are there. I'd easily choose the TLX Type-S for my money. Can't really use 505hp on the streets of the US anyway.

[@Daveyboy_GolfR]

The difference in performance between them matches the price difference perfectly. The Q4 can be compared to the M3, Rs5, c63s. Whereas the TLX type S competition would be m340i, S4 and AMG c43. I will say that I much prefer the positioning But not necessarily the integration of the infotainment screen on the TLX type S. In the Q4, you really have to be looking down at the screen when searching through it, taking your eyes completely off the road. That would be a problem for me.

[@kingmusa8618]

Love my m340 id take it over a Q4 anyday

[@Daveyboy_GolfR]

@@kingmusa8618 m340i is ideally the next car I'm hoping to find. They're very hard to find pre-owned with low miles down here in Miami area. But I'll get one... Nothing beats the B58 monster in a 3 series.

[@robertwilliam9558]

I would take the Italian Giulia.

[@RT-vh1lb]

These two were on my shopping list but definitely will go for Stelvio QV to make up the all wheels drive. I already owned 2 Acura. Time for a change. 😊

[@codincoman9019]

Head over heart?!? Yes, Alfa has a better handling, better sensations when racing. But I would choose Acura for better reliability and a lower TCO, if there would be only these 2 cars to choose from. Otherwise, a Lexus IS with the V8 would be my choice.

[@cupertinoish]

If you really really want an Alfa, lease it. Otherwise get the Acura

[@jrzez]

The TLX-S is extremely disappointing in performance, massively at that. The Quad on the other hand, is incredible.

[@_Chev_Chelios]

It is odd to continually refer to the nose-heavy car as the balanced car.

[@KPSX1]

ALFA ROMEO 💯

[@bojanajlec256]

Alfa Romeo always

[@norwegianblue2017]

Strange comparison. These two cars are nowhere near each other in performance or price.

[@giulimarconi1715]

the ACURA looks like a MINIVAN inside _) those seats or a couch for an 80yearold?

[@jordez1]

Out family had been buying Honda products for decades. For some reason, the clear coat always start peeling off.

[@kingmusa8618]

I’ll take the Acura

[@BmwAlfa123]

This is like comparing a Ferrari to an Accord 😂

[@RicardoLopez-zw1st]

Alfa Romeo 😎

[@manni8180]

The Giulia has nothing to do with Maserati.. nothing.

[@davidperri8862]

It has more to do with Ferrari but agreed nothing with Maserati. That being said Maserati has stolen the 6C (now the MC20) and the Stelvo for the Grecale from Alfa.

[@alphabeta8403]

11:25 RWD (better balance) > AWD 13:00 TLX Sport mode 14:30 AR True sports sedan 16:00 TLX more practical year round 17:30 AR steering >> TLX 18:20 TLX Reliability >> AR

[@hdavey72]

Apples and Oranges

[@giulimarconi1715]

who is this GUY? MR FUJIs son?

[@tonytitado6478]

I prefer the Giulia but, the cup holders are in a very bad location. You can't put a large drink there, there's not enough room....i'll take the Acura!

[@thomasferrarojr.9772]

😂😂😂 Please take the lesser diving car. There's no comparison. But cup holders. Good Lord.

[@codincoman9019]

Good choice, but for a bad reason. It is Acura because of better reliability and a lower TCO (Total Cost of Ownership).

[@williamcolas6652]

Keep referring to Maserati. Wasn’t the quad developed by Ferrari? This guy is clueless.

[@studiocalder818]

Ooo V ooO Nothing else to write

[@InvestBetter.]

The Acura TLX has 3 large problems in the marketplace: 1. The Acura brand is weak. People aren't proud to own an Acura, so its appeal is limited 2. This car's design is horrible. It has the exterior size of a flagship, but the interior of a midsize 3. It's performance is at least a step, if not two, behind cars like the Quad or the Lexus IS500 There just aren't any good reason to get a TLX. It's very mid, at pretty much everything.

[@dennisking7469]

Stong car strong design I love my acura, and so does everyone who can't stop complementing on it.

[@giulimarconi1715]

TLX is so OVERWEIGHT...and way to big for its class...Acura is not a Sports sedan...its an ACCORD LX with a 3.0 V6

[@pt020]

The Alfa has no Maserati DNA, try again.

[@threewidenocover9015]

.....the Giulia QF in 25yrs will be worth a sack of GOLD while the Acura fith-teen hundred.!!! Lol

[@gordonschiff3621]

lol it will be in dump rotting

[@jimmyamico4713]

In my opinion, the Acura wins, but not by much because it is produced in the United States and not Japan🇯🇵🤍❤️ if Acura was manufactured in Japan, I think it would be a lot better quality in the manufacturing and quality control over… in my opinion…❤

[@markcoopers1930]

Honda and Acura have been making cars in the US for decades, including the top of the line NSX and their PMC edition cars out of Ohio. Not only that, but Honda regularly tops the charts for most American brands from a labor and materials perspective. Almost all Honda models sold in the US are made in the US. They are The proof that where something is made doesn't matter, it's the standards and quality of workmanship demanded that matters.

[@mikex228]

I didn’t know Jackie Chan do car review😅

[@redsreport9843]

Giulia

[@AP-up1qs]

what a biased review

[@TB-lb3xq]

Jackie Chan is this you?

[@jeffreycuellar241]

Damn right the Acura will win, it’s not a surprise that Italian cars do not last. Italian cars are meant for performance not longevity.

[@chrisb9478]

Easy choice, do you want Japanese Honda reliability or Italian Fiat unreliability

[@MikeForsythe]

Acura is usdm. It’s below average most years now in reliability. Give me the 500hp real sport sedan

[@safetutic6721]

40k miles on my qv never give me issues so easy choice Alfa

[@venom999333]

Gotta take the Acura. I here nothing but problems with the Alpha. Lease Alpha, MAYBE. I bet they'd be a nightmare to walk away from

[@vagabond1776]

The Giulia is gorgeous and will definitely age well, HOWEVER, it has the reliability and dealer support of a FIAT.🤪 On the other hand, the TLX is hideous but likely more reliable with lower cost of ownership. Bottom line, skip them both.😂 A better alternative is a 3series and IS.

[@sirprince888]

Acura the better choice when comparing against Alfa Romeo. If you wanting a true sports sedan, I would choose BMW over Alfa Romeo.

[@aralfa]

Bmw is a street car imitating race cars... Giulia is a street legal race car. No car matches the Giulia, with its v6 90deg engine (like F1 cars) carbon fiber driveshaft, front double wishbone suspension, active front spoiler, 11:1 steering rack ratio for quick steering like a Ferrari... it is the modern benchmark. As the reviewer says, the steering feeling is something that other cars con only dream...

[@oodyjones]

​@@aralfaI've owned my Giulia for 5yrs now, and the handling and overall feel is absolutely phenomenal. The only thing I've driven that's comparable was a Porsche Cayman GT4. Even the BMW M3s I've driven had heavier steering feel. The Giulia feels like it's the steering wheel and actual wheels are directly connected. It's amazing 👌🏿

[@kingmusa8618]

@@aralfaI’d take a bmw anyday over the AR

[@aralfa]

@@kingmusa8618 Of course, you are not an engineer nor a car expert, therefore you choose the brand with the bigger service net whose cars feature a digital emotionless but rational cockpit. The Giulia is a car for enthusiasts, not for the generic customer that needs to travel from place A to place B. The Giulia is a car for the expert that drives for the pleasure of driving

[@paulbugoni2846]

@@oodyjones dynamically the Alfa is the best car in this class.

[@sandramartincic5030]

Italian!👍

[@securehealtheap]

Alfa Romeo. Nothing drives as well.