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Honda Accord vs Acura TSX
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most of the max torque for the TSX's 2.4l (not 2.0l) is available throughout the rev range. if the TSX has a problem with torque, it's because it just doesn't generate enough torque for its weight.
Are we CRAZY even considering this car? We sold our V6 4Motion VW Passat Wagon 6 months ago and seriously think we need another car. The wagon at least had the big trunk...
Anyone ever have kids in the TSX?
That said, the Accord is fine for short trips and for when we want to get better gas mileage than the Ody provides. Depending on what car seat you are using (our Alpha Omega takes up a good bit of rear seat room) you should find the TSX fine for what it looks like you are going to use it for.
If I were you I would take both car seats, some stuff that you regularly carry (stroller, diaper bags, etc) and load it all up in the TSX to see if you will all be comfortable.
I can live with my Def Techs for a few years...
Accord was $1500 cheaper
Accord did not require premium gas
Accord had a V-6 (vice 4 cylinder) and 40 more hp
Accord had XM Satellite radio standard
Other than those 4 bullets, I felt the TSX was superior in every other facet. Specifically:
Sport suspension on the TSX, just felt like it handled worlds better than the Accord
Styling of the car inside and out. Although similar, the TSX is superior
XENON Headlights, sounds extraneous, till you see them, they are awesome
Sound system in the TSX was much better at higher volumes, and just sounded better
Gauges/display were better and brighter in the TSX
Bottom line is the price was substantial, but over 5 years at 3.9% it’s about $25/month. Gas is a bit of an issue, but the TSX gets 23/32 which is more than adequate, and felt like a $10-15/month difference on gas was not huge, and overall would keep the engine cleaner, and running better. If the Accord is faster, it’s tough to notice. The feel of a V-6 is nice, but the 4 on the TSX is no ordinary 4. Plenty of power for the average driver, and more than adequate off the line and at high speeds. The TSX is slightly smaller in the back seat, but if the folks aren’t 6-6, they’ll never notice.
Am loving my Carbon Gray/Quartz TSX (THE color combo to get in this car, just look at one). The car gets a ton of looks, and is nice to own something that you don’t see every 5-10 seconds while out on the road. Definitely liked the Honda, but LOVE the TSX.
if you were talking about a manual TSX, than maybe. but an automatic TSX, that's laughable.
i thought the TSX was peppy enough when i initially test drove the car. but that was before i purchased the accord. test drove the car again after i had my for accord for 6 months and it's IMPOSSIBLE not to notice the difference in thrust.
i think the TSX is a very appealing car but when it's saddled with the automatic, straight line acceleration is ummm, average.
i believe motorweek had a 0-60 time of 8.2 seconds for the accord but virtually every other publication/show have had times in the 7-7.4 second range for the accord. 8.9 seems a little high for an auto tsx also.
I think he's comparing 4 cyl's against each other. The Auto V6 Accord blows away the TSX in performance even in manual form.
Sharp car, but a little small. FYI for those interested...the TSX is the Euro Accord. Same car, no size difference.
I added a few goodies and have what I consider value priced TL-ish Accord. Greddy E-Manage Fuel/VTEC Control to up the power, control VTEC better, 17" Honda Rims / Michellin Pilots , 04 TL Sway Bars along with the AV6 6spd Strut Tower Brace to firm up the corners & Catz Rising White 4300k HID's to light up the night & new Sound of course
Details on Complete list of mods Here: http://www.pbase.com/image/29307733
I am also getting Brembo rotors on Monday with PBR pads. I think my rotors are slightly warped at 25k. The sway bar is on order. I probably should have went with the CL bar since everyone wants the TL. I put the 17" wheels from the 6-speed on last year. I got a deal on eBay, but I was really torn between the wheels you put on (they look nice), as well as the Factory Performance wheels. I'm looking forward to the improved braking and handling, and I like that it looks completely stock.
In stock form, the TSX is a much sharper handling car than the Accord, with quicker steering and better road feel. The TSX rails through turns, whereas the Accord tends more to understeer and feels more nose-heavy in general. Adding the extra weight of the V6 to the mix further detracts from the cars cornering ability.
The Accords softer suspension tuning also makes it more prone to body roll in hard cornering.
Stoplight to stoplight, you win; in the twisties, it's sayonara Accord.
The Accord is a fine automobile, with an excellent V6 motor, buy it is not in the TSX's class as an overall performer, the modifications you made to your car notwithstanding.
I've owned both cars. The 6 MT TSX is more fun to drive.
Johnny
im about to decide between the tsx and the 2 door v6 ex accord. i need help deciding. i like the tsxs looks better, and im not all that concerned with speed and handling...they are both more than adequate to me. so as you can imagine, i am leaning towards the tsx. however, im concerned that it was only released this year, and that it will have a lot of problems. i dont intend on buyinga car for the next 8-10 years, so this is it. can i trust the tsx for reliability? will it make it 100k miles? also, ive heard a lot of issues with noises and rattling, etc. are these rare cases, or should i expect to have them as well? id really like to get the tsx, but it has to be able to last me a long time. i know acura is made by honda, but i still question whether its the right decision. your opinions are appreciated. thank you.
It has a beautiful, well-appointed interior, the engine is smooth, refined and powerful, and the 6 MT is an absolute joy to operate. I will say, if you get a TSX, get it with the manual tranny. Anything else would be a shame.
I've had zero problems with it.
I prefer the style of the TSX, love the low cowl and outstanding visibility out (like accords of old) but would prefer saving some dough. Also I have really short on ramps to the highway and the better low end torque of the V6 would be beneficial. One other item is that real world highway mileage seems similiar so there isn`t much difference there except in the city. Does the 6spd manual of the the Accord Coupe have as sweet a linkage and shifting behavior as the TSX?
Your thoughts and input are appreciated.
If you do not need the 2 extra doors of the TSX and are willing to give up a little handling to gain power you can't go wrong with the V6 6-speed. And the 6-speed Accord will have XM which is awesome.
Anyway I can say the V6 Accord Coupe automatic does have considerably more pulling power; however, the handling isn't up to the TSX. I traded a 2001 BMW325 coupe for my Accord coupe so handling was a consideration. I swapped the stock wheels for 17" and bought better rubber and it has made a big difference. I really do enjoy this car. Note the 6-speed Accord V6 coupe has the 17" wheels and a stiffer suspension so it does handle much better. The bottom line is you are correct. If you want more torque and a smoother ride go with the Accord V6, but you sacrifice some handling ability. Either way they are both great cars.
After driving the V6 coupe tonight, I thought it represented a good compromise between all the cars. The engine and ride felt like the TL 6spd. The manual transmission felt smooth and almost like the TSXs'. The rear seat room was about the same as the TSX. As my son is 3.5 he can get out of the car by himself allowing me to get the coupe. I much prefer the firmer ride of the 6spd vs the Accord. I was awed by the cars acceleration.
Also swaying me was the the deal I got. $23,583 before TTL. Probably could have gotten another $250 off if I wasn't so tired. I bought the car here in Northern California.
Thanks for your input!
I have owned a 98 Accord 4dr V6 auto and 98 Acura 2.3 CL 5 spd. Stock, the Honda V6 felt smooth/powerful but the turning/handling was boring. The Acura 2.3 5 spd lacked lower end power but was fun/lighter in daily driving.
Choosing between the Accord V6 6 spd and the TSX 6 spd is a tuff call. The Accord 6 spd power train is a sleeping wolf and would suprise any unsuspecting red light challenger. The TSX has nice enhancements but aren't Acura's suppose to have power under the hood? In the end the Accord V6 6 spd is a better value ($23,600). If you must have the name then choose the TSX. Note, a V6 is worth more at trade-in and a automatic is worth more at trade-in.
Isn't 200 hp enough?
"If you must have the name then choose the TSX."
Why are so many people hung up on the name? You choose the TSX if you want an upscale, 6-speed Honda sedan that corners on rails. Period.
Interesting how often on these boards the four cylinder Accord is talked up in terms of its ample peformance.
Fellow board posters (and car mags and Edmunds testers, too) often urge prospective Accord buyers to test drive the I4 because they may well find that it provides all the performance they need, so much so that they may find that they don't need the 240 ponies of the V6.
However, when it comes to the TSX and its stout, buttery smooth 200HP I4, coupled with superb, tight handling and marvelous tranny, the car suddenly becomes underpowered.
I don't get it. I think this country is obsessed with horsepower and straight-line speed. When did 200HP become underpowered?
The TSX's forte is its outstanding balance.
All I know is, the more I drive it, the more I love it.
Johnny
Need your help.
I currently own a 2000 M-B ML320, and I feel like I'm taking it to the shop every month for one problem or another.
Help.
Thanks.
If you're looking for an entertaining drive on a twisty two-lane road, the TSX is the obvious choice over a four-door Accord (assuming that you've got $27k to spend).
I suspect that suburban commuters with families will likewise find the Accord sedan an obvious choice over the TSX and delight in getting a larger car, available with a powerful V6, for less money.
Everybody should get to own a sports car once and I already have thanks.
I don't think the Accord will seriously be shopped against the TSX. The Accord is a large, softly sprung family tourer that's fine for rush hour traffic or a trip to the market, but it protests when the road gets twisty.
If "fun" isn't a part of your automotive vocabulary, just write the TSX off your list, because you won't appreciate it. You're better off shopping the Accord against the Toyota Camry, Buick LaCrosse and Ford Five Hundred.
I actually sat in the new Buick and Ford several weeks ago at the Seattle Auto Show, and came away pretty impressed with both of them. They are both roomy and upscale looking/feeling family cars. If I didn't enjoy driving so much, I might even consider them.
next...sedan owners...add the 6spd Accord's Strut Tower Brace. Again, $60 and about 1hr to put it on. Big difference on the S curves.
Rubber...86 the stock rubber and rims....go wtih 17's and good tires. Huge difference once good tires are in place.
Lastly, you can buy the HFP suspension for the sedans for about $800 just search. Nice 1" drop...not kiddie punk looking but clean.
Add in the above and the Accord Sedan will out auto x a TSX easily. I know, I spent all summer having fun with mine and two TSX's and a handful of RSX's at the local SCCA events.
Total cost....far less than a TSX too.
I have been reading about how the Accord I4 handles much more balanced at the limits with the TL’s 17 mm sway bar vs. the TL-S’ 20 mm one in the rear. The pricing I saw was more along the lines of $34.00 including the TL 17 mm bar, bushings, and clamps.
What does the strut tower brace do and does it harm the Accord’s relatively smooth ride?
Lastly, I have read about the HFP kit but I was wondering if you have read that dropping the Accord by an inch improves its aerodynamics any? I would assume another .01 or .02 off of its rather high .30 Cd but I really don’t know? Do you have to purchase the whole kit to drop her down by an inch or just a few of the parts? The boy racer garb is not what I would be interested in at all
It is good to hear that with these few mods you have basically created a TL like handler out of your V6. Have you ever driven the I4 with these mods applied? Some in other Accord forums say the I4 is more nimble given the lighter weight ICE up front but I know very little about handling improvements and the mods that help in this regard.
Thanks in advance
Wayne R. Gerdes
I've not read or followed any I4 discussions here or on the other boards so I can't comment. The STB won't affect the ride at all. That will be something the HFP Kit, Tires and Rim Choice will do.
The bottom line is my sedan is noticably firmer, but like the TSX, if I were to put touring tires on it and not have dropped 1" but rather just upgraded the struts only, it would ride smoother. My preference though is a firm ride and more nimble handling.
Can't comment on the Cd findings. I don't think it is going to be affected much at all. The HFP Kit came to me all as one kit through a dealer that remains nameless as they did get caught parting it out...oh well...they are in Indy if that matters. Search around...you can get it. Basically upgrading the Koni Yellows will improve the stock handling tremendously.
I do enjoy showing of my little TL now too
God luck and enjoy the upcoming mods.
Here's my ride & mods
http://upload.pbase.com/image/29307733
Let's see:
Accord EX-V6 (no Nav) is $26,700. Add $100 for the sway bar, $60 for the strut brace, $1200 for wheels/tires, and $800 for HFP (Honda Factory Performance) suspension.
I get a total of $28,860, which is $1,870 MORE than a TSX, and the Accord V-6 still weighs 150 lbs more, has a 6" longer wheelbase, 1.5" wider track, slower steering ratio, and no 6-speed, VSA, HID's, etc.
You can put track shoes on a pig...
Grand Honda in Elmhurst, IL.
New 05 Accord V6 EX 4-door w/ Auto: $23,588 including dest. Just add TTL. You can begin adding the upgrades to this lower actual cost The rear sway bar mod cost just $30.00 including the bar, the bushings, and clamps.
Sure the TSX/TL has more features but the TSX surely doesn’t have the straight line performance and since the RL and Accord use very similar underpinnings, do the mods improve the Accord’s handling to TL type spec’s? Some think they actually surpass the TL in the handling department. Maybe the TL needs to add some $’s to catch the EX V6’s spec’s after the minimal modifications? The TL is no svelte runway model in the weight department either TL: 3,570 #’s vs. EX V6: 3,384 #’s (both w/ Auto’s) to be exact.
Good Luck
Wayne R. Gerdes
It will also out handle the TL and speed wise, it's right there with them. I've yet to see an auto TL pull consistant 14.7's at the track and even touch the 14.6's as two other 7th Gen. Accords here locally have. The previous Gen Type S units actually post about .1-.2 better 1320 times & 1-2mph better too. The new one thus doesn't benefit from the extra hp at all. On the road course, TL's are unbalanced and sloppy. Even basic road reviews that don't push them as I do make note of that. That's putting track shoes on a pig if I've ever seen it. What's really funny was watching one at a locall SCCA event this summer on stock Potenza tires and getting frustrated thinking his Stability Control was going to help him perform better on the track.
Sure, I could have paid a bit more for a TL which at the time were barely launched and commanding a premium, but personally, the outside is rather unattractive to me...to wedgy like the Pontiac Bonnivilles. No more attractive than my Accord, which isn't my favorite either. Sweet Dash gauge package though. Perhaps Acura feels that as well as evidence in the refined styling of the RL. They really should have taken TL styling cues from the TSX. It looks better IMO. Besides, I'm not one for driving the same exact TL as everyone else. I'd rather have a slightly unique Accord. The TSX as I said is nice, but it's nothing more than a very entry level car just like the Integra it replaced. No thanks. I'd rather go buy a loaded up Honda. My guess is that will be evident on the used market in a few years too.