When it comes to Japanese performance sedans, the new Acura TLX Type S has been the talk of talks lately. It debuted on 23 June 2021 and, despite its transversely-mounted engine, it promises an engaging driving experience, combined with perfect daily usability. But how will it fare against another Japanese performance sedan? The YouTube channel Sam CarLegion gives an answer by pitting the Type S against an Infiniti Q50 Red Sport.

Acura TLX Type S

With only 2,000 of them being made, the TLX Type S could certainly be considered the more exclusive of the two. More importantly, it doesn’t lack performance, since its 3.0-liter, turbocharged V-6 makes 355 horsepower and 354 pound-feet (480 Nm). The Type S puts the power down through a 10-speed automatic and Acura’s super-handling all-wheel-drive system (SH-AWD).

At 4,179 pounds (1,895 kg), the TLX Type S certainly isn’t lightweight. The 0 to 60 mph (97 m/h) time is 5.1 seconds, with the quarter-mile passing after 13.7 seconds. At $52,000, the Acura is slightly more expensive.

Infiniti Q50 Red Sport

The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport has been on the channel before. In the past, it raced a Genesis G70 and a Q60, powered by the same engine, smashed a Mercedes AMG C43. On paper, the Infiniti should have this one in a bag, but will the seven-speed automatic hinder its performance? Its 3.0-liter, twin-turbo V-6 makes 400 horsepower and 350 pound-feet (475 Nm), which go to all four wheels.

At 3,998 pounds (1,813 kg), the Q50 is the lighter of the two sedans. The 0 to 60 mph (97 km/h) happens in 4.5 seconds, while the quarter-mile, at 13.0 seconds. It’s also slightly less expensive, at $52,000.

The Drag Race

The cars do two runs from a dig, both of which are in sport mode. For the first one, traction control was on (Acura driver secretly turned it off), while the second race was with traction control off. While the races were relatively close, the more powerful Infiniti crossed the line first, with a lead of around three car lengths.

When both cars had the traction control off, the Infiniti still managed to beat the Acura, but by a smaller margin of around two car lengths.

The Rolling Races

Two races from a 50 km/h (31 mph) roll are performed. Acura’s 10-speed automatic manages to kick down quicker, granting it an early lead. However, the Q50 Red Sport’s extra power comes in handy at the second half of the race and it manages to beat the Acura by about half a car length.

For the second rolling race, things are a bit different. Both cars are in manual mode and Infiniti manages to hit the sweet spot. This time, the race isn’t even close, as the Q50 Red Sport finishes two car lengths ahead of the Type S.

Conclusion

To sum it all up, the Acura TLX Type S lost, but it did so gracefully. While looks are subjective, I would argue that the Acura is the better-looking of the two sedans. It also has a better interior, sounds better, and is still properly quick. The Infiniti Q50 Red Sport falls short in the interior department, as the model is already showing its age, compared to the newer TLX Type S. However, it once again, proved it’s a great platform to build upon and is still a proper, performance, luxury sedan.