Edmunds dealer partner, Bayway Leasing, is now offering transparent lease deals via these forums. Click here to see May lease deals!
Options
Acura RSX (All years/types)
This discussion has been closed.
Popular New Cars
Popular Used Sedans
Popular Used SUVs
Popular Used Pickup Trucks
Popular Used Hatchbacks
Popular Used Minivans
Popular Used Coupes
Popular Used Wagons
Comments
shifter--the RSX has nice short throws and an extra cog.
seats--the Lude's seats aren't as aggressively bolstered in the thigh area, but they aren't slippery leather, either.
engine--the Lude wins hands-down with more torque, a balance shaft, and that classic kick-in-the-pants VTEC engagement.
ride--Prelude is much quieter on the highway, and doesn't get as nervous feeling on rough pavement.
handling--too close to call. The RSX is more go-kart, the Lude more GT. Depends on what you're looking for.(I will maintain that no matter how the RSX's Mcstruts are tuned, they remain inferior to the wishbones on the Lude.)
interior--Prelude, without a doubt. Sure, it looks like 1987 in there, but the quality of the materials is far superior to those in the RSX. RSX counters with a great steering wheel, but still comes up short due to high dash and cowl (thank the struts).
features--RSX wins easily, but remember what you're spending your $$ on: crappy Bose gear, impress-your-friends climate control, and unheated leather seats. If that stuff is important to you, don't buy the Prelude. The Prelude is what it is, a serious sport coupe. You're paying for hardware, not luxo-bits. It's not a Civic all dressed up for the prom.
styling--your call. I see too much Civic and 300M in the RSX, and the Prelude's no beauty for sure. But at least it looks like something other than an economy car.
Yup, I'm biased. And yup, I bought the Prelude. After driving two Integras a combined 470,000 miles in 5 years, I really wanted to like the RSX, but the suspension changes and inclusion of stuff I don't need (and can't get the car without) let me down.
Happy shopping!
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
The RSX really needs a center console... otherwise, very sharp package. Everything standard, just like the 'Lude.
BTW a local Honda dealer had two '01 Preludes, but that was about two months ago. The interior reminded me of the first Prelude I sat in, an '88.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
If you were looking for the RSX logo, you would have seen INTEGRA on the back... the RSX is the fourth-generation Integra. Integra/RSX is much more popular in America and Canada than in Japan, according to my many eye spies (special thanks to... naw, list would be too long).
any recommendations?
I'd get the oil changed sometime between 2,500 and 3,000 miles, just to play it safe.
Have fun!
Still, Honda is a small automaker, especially if you consider the consolidated giants, and they are less visible in Europe because they have not been as aggressive to get in that market, one of the best examples is not doing what the market demands... diesels.
But they are second largest in Japan, and not many European companies are as visible in Asia as they are in Europe.
those posts make me a little nervous. i'm at around 400 miles and have pretty much been taking it easy so far...but not that easy.
guess i'll tone it down until i get to at least 1000 miles.
'06 Civic LX coupe
'11 BMW 335i coupe xDrive
'13 Honda Accord sedan (wife's car)
Also - there is a distinct noise coming from the front, right tire area - like a strained spring heard when going over bumps and especially when turning over bumps...i don't like it. Any suggestions on what this is?
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
Up to 6000 RPM, the RSX engine actually had more torque. Above that, the RSX-S engine was better.
Based on that chart, it seems the RSX engine is better for those of us who drive below 6000 RPM.
Well - most of us spend the majority of our time below 6K RPM - at least in day-to-day driving.
However: I would also take the suspension difference into consideration as well. The base RSX has a softer ride - which may be a selling point to some, but I very much prefer the firmer feel of the Type-S. The leather seats are nice as well - and I am one who swore I would never pay a dime for leather in a car. But these seats are really nice.
As far as the engines go - while I don't live at redline, it is pretty exhilarating to visit every now and then. I'm no boy racer - I'm 48 years old. But pushing the Type-S can be a high - even if you only do it every now and then.
Either choice should net you a fine auto - but the Type-S is really a special car.
Regards
Ken
I made a decision on what I'm going to replace my 2000 Saab 9-3 (my lease is up in December). I've posted before that I've always been a huge fan of the Prelude. I've always wanted one and my wish will come true. My local dealer has found a Milano Red Prelude Type SH (Brand New 2001 Leftover) for me. He's got to go and pick it up, then I'll be taking delivery next week or the week after.
To those of you who have an RSX: That is one fine automobile, and If I couldn't find any Preludes (I'm not saying one car is better than the other) that I wanted, I'd be heading straight to the Acura dealership to drive and possibly buy an RSX Type S.
2001 Prelude Type SH, 2022 Highlander XLE AWD, 2022 Wrangler Sahara 4Xe, 2023 Toyota Tacoma SR 4WD
I don't drive fast, so I don't need much power in a car. I also like a suspension that is not too stiff.
We have 97 and 99 Accords, and I kind of like the older car more. The suspension is softer, and I think it is more fun to drive. My wife likes the 99 more.
We plan to keep the cars as long as we truly enjoy driving them, but it is fun to look at the new cars and figure out what we would like for a replacement.
We looked at a 3-series BMW last week, but the interior was too serious and the engine compartment was ugly. A V6 Passat might be OK, but I can't stand the stupid plastic thing that covers the engine. So we will keep on looking. There are worse things to do in your spare time.
Revka
Host
Hatchbacks & Station Wagons Boards
I am curious if any RSX owners, had a Prelude as a previous car. And, what their opinions are on the two.
It seems like with the RSX you get quite a bit more for the money(leather seats, side air bags, 6-speed...) But, i am kind of old fashioned and like the looks of the Prelude. Seems to be a modern day version of my old G2 prelude.
Prelude is more stable but slower; it has a more impressive suspension but the steering isn't as quick or right. The interior quality is higher but the features are less abundant and the styling is more boring. It's more storied but also more expensive.
Best thing to do is drive a RSX-S then a 5th gen Prelude, and pick the one you like more. The cars are different enough that a couple of test drives in each should help you settle on one.