Acura TLX Type S 0-60 vs. BMW M340i: Drag Race Results That Might Surprise You
You know that moment when you’re watching a drag race video at 2 a.m., and you see a heavy, “underpowered” Japanese sedan line up next to a German turbo six, and you just know the outcome—or do you?
TL;DR
Here’s the short answer: The BMW M340i absolutely dominates the Acura TLX Type S in a straight-line drag race. We’re talking about a差距 that’s not even close. In a recent head-to-head-quarter-mile showdown, the M340i blasted to 60 mph in just 3.9 seconds and crossed the finish line in 12.4 seconds. The TLX Type S? It managed a 4.6-second 0-60 and finished the quarter-mile in 13.4 seconds—a full second slower . But here’s the twist: the drag strip isn’t where the TLX Type S lives. Put these two on a twisty back road, and the conversation changes completely. The Acura’s SH-AWD® system and connected chassis make it the driver’s choice, even if it’s watching the BMW’s taillights in a straight line .
Key Takeaways
- Drag Race Winner: BMW M340i wins by a full second in the quarter-mile (12.4 sec vs. 13.4 sec) .
- 0-60 Gap: The M340i hits 60 in 3.8-3.9 seconds, while the TLX Type S takes 4.6-4.9 seconds .
- Power Advantage: BMW’s 3.0-liter inline-six makes 382 horsepower; Acura’s 3.0-liter turbo V6 makes 355 horsepower .
- Weight Matters: The TLX Type S weighs 4,200 pounds—about 200-300 pounds more than the M340i .
- Price: The Acura undercuts the BMW by thousands while offering more standard equipment, including Brembo brakes and adaptive suspension .
- The Twist: Despite losing the drag race, multiple reviewers prefer the TLX Type S for its steering feel, chassis communication, and driver engagement .
The Drag Race: By the Numbers
Let’s start with the cold, hard data. A recent drag race video pitted the 2024 Acura TLX Type S against the BMW M340i xDrive (along with a Genesis G70 and a Toyota Supra for good measure). The results were unambiguous .
Quarter-Mile Showdown
| Car | 0-60 mph | Quarter-Mile Time | Trap Speed |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMW M340i xDrive | 3.8 – 3.9 sec | 12.4 sec | ~105 mph |
| Acura TLX Type S | 4.6 sec | 13.4 sec | ~102 mph |
| Genesis G70 3.3T | 4.4 sec | 13.1 sec | ~103 mph |
The BMW took off like a bat out of hell right from the start, with the Genesis close behind and the Acura bringing up the rear. That’s exactly the order they finished in . The BMW’s advantage was clear from the first few feet.
Why the Big Gap?
Three main factors explain why the M340i walks away from the TLX Type S:
- Horsepower and Torque: The BMW’s 3.0-liter turbo inline-six produces 382 horsepower and 369 lb-ft of torque . The Acura’s 3.0-liter turbo V6 makes 355 horsepower and 354 lb-ft . That’s a 27-horsepower deficit for the Acura .
- Weight: This is the killer. The TLX Type S tips the scales at a hefty 4,200 pounds . The M340i weighs around 3,900-4,000 pounds depending on options . That’s 200-300 pounds less—like having two adult passengers permanently removed from the car .
- Transmission Tuning: The BMW’s ZF 8-speed automatic is widely considered the benchmark for performance automatics. It’s quick, responsive, and perfectly matched to the engine. The Acura’s 10-speed, while improved for the Type S, still has to work harder to manage the car’s weight and keep the engine in its powerband .
One reviewer put it bluntly: “After looking at their specs, it shouldn’t be surprising that the M340i is the quicker of the two here. Its 382 horsepower and 368 pound-feet of torque hit noticeably harder from any speed than Acura’s 355 horses and 354 pound-feet of torque” .
The Engine Personalities: More Than Just Numbers
Here’s where things get interesting. Yes, the BMW is faster. But both engines have distinct personalities that appeal to different types of enthusiasts.
BMW’s Silky Inline-Six
The BMW’s B58 engine is a modern legend, and for good reason. It’s butter-smooth, pulls hard from anywhere in the rev range, and sings a sonorous note all the way to its 7,000 rpm redline .
“There are few sounds in the automotive universe that surpass the glee we feel when listening to a BMW inline-six at full-chat, and that rule still applies to the M340i.”
The exhaust crackles and pops are entertaining, but honestly, they’re just icing on the cake. The engine itself is the star.
Acura’s Howling V6
The TLX Type S marks Acura’s return to performance, and they developed a new turbo V6 specifically for this car. It doesn’t match the BMW’s power, but it has its own charm.
“It winds up and howls in a nostalgically pleasant Honda manner, while the quad tailpipes sing an angry, high-pitched tune out into the world.”
Redline is only 6,000 rpm, but the high-pitched note makes you think it’s spinning harder. It’s a very different experience—more emotional, less clinical.
The Transmission Debate
The Acura’s 10-speed transmission is a double-edged sword. The tight gearing keeps the engine in its sweet spot, but it also means you’re constantly grabbing for the next gear with the paddles. One reviewer noted that keeping up with the quick bursts “quickly changes from good fun to an extra mental load on the driver” .
The BMW’s 8-speed, by contrast, is far more satisfying to use manually, while also being brilliantly smart when left in auto. The only complaint? The tiny, plastic paddles feel cheap compared to the Acura’s metal units .
Drag Race Performance Breakdown
Here’s a visual representation of how these two sedans compare across key performance metrics.
The Twist: Why Reviewers Prefer the Acura
Here’s the part that might surprise you. Despite losing the drag race by a full second, multiple reviewers—including Autoblog—ended up preferring the TLX Type S .
The Handling Advantage
When you switch from the drag strip to a twisty back road, the Acura comes alive.
“With both cars set to full attack mode — ‘Sport+’ for Acura and ‘Sport Plus’ for BMW — it’s the TLX Type S that shines brighter. The goodness doesn’t come from fast lap capabilities; surely, the BMW is quicker there. But instead, the TLX Type S wows with its connected chassis and ability to make a driver smile.”
The SH-AWD system is a huge part of this. It doesn’t just split torque front-to-back; it can actually over-drive the outside rear wheel in a corner, actively helping the car rotate. It’s a sensation that makes the heavy Acura feel surprisingly agile .
Steering Feel and Driver Connection
The BMW’s steering has been criticized for being numb and synthetic. The Acura’s steering, by contrast, keeps you informed.
“The Acura’s steering tuning does a splendid job of keeping you informed of just how much grip those Pirelli P Zero summer tires have left. Acura properly telegraphs your speed and chassis condition through the wheel and seat, but that communication simply isn’t there in the BMW.”
One owner on the forums echoed this sentiment, saying the Type S’s handling “far exceeds that of the M340” and that the steering feel is “closer to that of a 911” .
The Verdict from Autoblog
After extensive testing, Autoblog concluded:
“If forced to choose only one, the TLX Type S would find a place in our garage. It out-styles the M340i by a longshot, and it’s the more engaging car to drive. BMW would win in a pure numbers comparison, but the TLX Type S steps in as the superior sport sedan when you toss aside the numbers and simply drive.”
The Value Proposition: What You Get for Your Money
Here’s where the Acura fights back hard.
Pricing Breakdown
- 2025 Acura TLX Type S: Starts around $58,195 , with most of the performance goodies standard.
- 2024 BMW M340i xDrive: Starts around $58,595 , but that’s before options .
The problem for BMW is that the options list is long and expensive. To get the TLX Type S’s level of standard equipment—adaptive suspension, Brembo brakes, ELS Studio 3D audio, ventilated seats, wireless charging—you’re looking at a BMW that easily pushes past $70,000 .
Autoblog’s M340i test car, equipped to match the Acura’s features, rang in at $71,570 —nearly $17,000 more than the TLX Type S .
Standard Equipment Comparison
| Feature | Acura TLX Type S | BMW M340i xDrive |
|---|---|---|
| Adaptive Suspension | Standard | Optional |
| Brembo Brakes | Standard | Optional (M Sport) |
| Front Ventilated Seats | Standard | Not Available |
| High-End Audio | Standard (ELS Studio 3D) | Optional (Harman Kardon) |
| Wireless Charging | Standard | Optional |
| Price (Comparably Equipped) | ~$58,000 | ~$71,000 |
The Fuel Economy Hit
The one area where the BMW absolutely crushes the Acura is fuel economy. The M340i achieves 26 mpg combined, while the TLX Type S manages just 21 mpg combined .
That might not sound like a huge difference, but over five years of average driving, the BMW will save you about $550 per year in fuel costs—enough to fully make up for the price difference over the life of the loan .
Real Owner Experiences: The Forum Verdict
I always like to check what actual owners are saying, because reviewers get cars for a week—owners live with them for years.
On the Bimmerpost forums, one owner who drove both cars extensively shared his thoughts :
- The Acura is slower. No debate there.
- Handling is excellent. “The Type S handling far exceeds that of the M340. Road feel and turn-in are excellent.”
- Transmission feel: “Even though the 340 is quicker, it feels sluggish as fuck compared to the Type S.”
- The catch: “If you don’t give a fuck about the infotainment system and you don’t care to be a bit slower, the Type S is hard to beat.”
Another forum member pushed back, arguing that “the Acura transmission is inferior to the ZF8, that’s a universal truth” .
The debate rages on, but the consensus seems to be: BMW for outright speed and efficiency, Acura for driver engagement and value.
The Verdict: Which One Wins?
So, after all this, which car should you buy?
Choose the BMW M340i if:
- You care about drag race bragging rights and want the fastest 0-60 time.
- You do a lot of highway miles and value the superior fuel economy .
- You prefer a refined, smooth powertrain that’s effortlessly fast.
- You don’t mind paying extra for options or spending more on maintenance down the road .
Choose the Acura TLX Type S if:
- You value driver engagement and steering feel over straight-line speed .
- You want exceptional value with most performance features standard .
- You plan to keep the car long-term and value Acura’s reliability and warranty .
- Your favorite roads have curves, not just straight lines .
The drag race results are clear: the BMW M340i is the faster car in a straight line. But as one reviewer perfectly summarized:
“Having to choose between these two options is a genuinely good problem to have, as you can’t go wrong either way. Engine junkies should gather by the BMW, but maximum value-seekers should migrate Acura’s way.”
FAQ: Your TLX Type S vs. M340i Questions Answered
Which car is faster 0-60, the Acura TLX Type S or BMW M340i?
The BMW M340i is significantly faster, hitting 60 mph in 3.8-3.9 seconds compared to the Acura’s 4.6-4.9 seconds .
What are the quarter-mile times for these cars?
In a recent drag race, the M340i completed the quarter-mile in 12.4 seconds, while the TLX Type S finished in 13.4 seconds—a full second behind .
Why is the Acura TLX Type S slower in a straight line?
The Acura has less horsepower (355 vs. 382) and weighs 200-300 pounds more than the BMW. The power-to-weight ratio heavily favors the German sedan .
Is the Acura TLX Type S better than the BMW M340i in any way?
Yes. Multiple reviewers prefer the Acura’s handling, steering feel, and chassis communication on twisty roads . It also offers better value, with more standard equipment for thousands less .
Which car has a better interior?
It’s a tie, depending on your priorities. The BMW has a more modern, intuitive infotainment system . The Acura has a more driver-focused cockpit with better standard seats (including ventilation) and the superb ELS Studio 3D audio system .
How much more expensive is the BMW when equally equipped?
A BMW M340i equipped to match the TLX Type S’s standard features can cost $70,000-$72,000, while the Acura starts around $58,000 .
Which car is more fuel-efficient?
The BMW M340i is significantly more efficient, achieving 26 mpg combined versus the Acura’s 21 mpg combined .
References
- autoevolution: Toyota GR Supra vs. AWD Sports Sedans Drag Race
- Acura Official Site: TLX Type S vs. BMW M340i Comparison
- Autoblog: Acura TLX Type S vs. BMW M340i xDrive Comparison Test
- Kelley Blue Book: Experiencing the 2025 Acura TLX Type S
- Bimmerpost Forums: Acura TLX Type-S vs. M340i Owner Discussion
- Acura Official Site: 2025 TLX Type S vs. BMW M340i
Have you driven both of these cars? Did the drag race results surprise you, or do you agree that straight-line speed isn’t everything? Drop a comment below and let us know which sedan you’d choose for your own garage.
