Dan Martin

Counterpoint: http://www.jsonline.com/wheels/test/jul03/157761.asp

dom

Counterpoint 2: The C230 isn't on Car & Driver's 10 Best List 2 years running. In fact its never been named. Different strokes for different folks.

TonyFresh

Dont see the point in the 325...ill just get the 330xi i think with all wheel drive..or is there a big price difference between the 2 models

03CoupeV6

Despite the fact with my money to spend, I'd buy the Acura TSX -- I found the C230's driving experience to be superior.

But it is true... it is your money, buy what makes you happy.

rb1

The price difference is huge, 8-10K depending on equipment.

Dan Martin

I think the = sarcasm

RMATIC09

mickey513

Could be on the streets but not on a straight line. Hands down the 325 is a faster car, RWD, Inline 6, and both weigh about the same.

foolioness

Bimmer, C-class and TSXs are fine cars. I would love to own all three. Unfortunately I can only choose one that fits my need. Out of all three TSX gives me the best gas millage for my everyday long ass driving. and its power is comparible to the other two (almost). AND HID!!!!!!

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

People have posted timeslips showing that the TSX is easily a competitor for the 325 in a straight line.

ClutchPerformer

You forgot that the TSX has more HP.

And what does being an I-6 have to do with it?

dom

Meh, we can go back and forth on the subject but the reality is, its a driver's race.

fedlawman

I can't think of single auto magazine that has put the TSX vs. the 325i, even though they are natural copetitors.

I wonder why...

dom

The TSX did go up against the C230 and was quicker to 60 and through the 1/4 mile. Although the Benz won the test mainly because of the "3 pointed star".

As for the 325, it has been tested against a TL so I'd venture to guess that the price difference between it and the TSX is too great for mags to consider them competitors. For the most part anyway.

vitocorleone

Also, the BMW barely outperforms the TSX on the skidpad when both cars have stock tires on.... would love to see a comparison where they use the same tires on both cars (and similar wheels).

There's no way in the world I'd trade my TSX for a 325 (or a TL or a C230 or a G35) - I chose the TSX over all of these, obviously not on performance alone, and money was not the issue.

Personally, I just chuckle at people that are buying the current gen 325, even if they can get it for the same price. Sure, it's a nice enough car, but you get so much more with the TSX and hardly give up any performance. The new 325 equivalent series will put BMW back on top (except for looks). I'm sure magazines will compare the upcoming 1-series to the TSX instead, because of the price.

Saintor

Like what?

Whiskers

www.acurazine.com

GIBSON6594

I believe he is saying you cannot a lot more for what you pay for the TSX. You can get equal equipment in both cars (actually can get more in the Beemer) but your gonna pay through the roof for it. The TSX offers equivelent equipment without all the extra costs.

Test it out on BMWUSA, price out a 325i with every thing TSX has, your well over 30K

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

CDN $52,095, actually, which translates into USD $42,352

Oh, and that includes the leather, the harmon kardon sound system with the CD changer, the sport package (because you can't get 17" wheels without the sport package), the auto tranny (a no cost option on the TSX in 2004), lumbar support (I can't believe you have to pay for this), the premium package (to get the sunroof).

The only thing that the BMW has that the TSX doesn't is memory for the drivers seat.

dom

325i Starts @ $29,300

- Leather Seats - ADD $1450
- Heated Seats ADD $500
- Pwr seats w/mem ADD $995
- Fold down rear seats ADD $475 (Can't believe you have to pay for this )
- Xeons ADD $700
- 17" rims ADD $1400
- AT add $1275
- 6 Disc CD ADD $595
- Navigation ADD $1800

GIBSON6594

Don't forget NAV!!!


I got my TSX with nav for $26,700

GIBSON6594

just saw Domn's nav mention, my bad

dom

No, I edited the post after I saw your mention

Saintor

How about a world class 6 cylinder? It has not much to do with power. Just the temper of the engine; it simply transforms the driving experience. No offense meant, but driving a TSX is not very rewarding, sound-wise. Nothing like a high quality 6 cyl.

My BMW is a Special Edition and comes with a rebate of 3000$, compared to a regular built 325i. Instead of 48000$, it is about 44600$. I got it at 42300$. Of course, it is more expensive than TSX, even more than a discounted TL 6-sp., but consider a 3.5% financing, a high residual (26722$ after 39mo) and maintenance included, and on a 39 or 42 lease, it is cheaper than both TSX/TL! A 42mo lease at 5.8% on a 5% discounted TSX is 590$/mo. A TL would be 710$. My Bimmer will cost me 580$... maintenance included!

I have been very well served by my previous Honda, and I am an admirer of TSX and TL, but I also felt that it was time to try something else.

CobaltForge

I got to test drive both a 325 and the TSX at a driving event. I put both cars through their paces, so much that I almost got kicked out of the event. Granted the BMW had a more "grounded" feeling, but still the TSX was more fun to drive. The fact that the TSX wanted to really rev in the higher-end really made it want to go. Sure the 325 had that "immediate" punch, but it fizzled right around 3500 to 4000 rpms.

I do have to agree that there are amazing lease possibilities w/the 325i, but you also have to remember what some have been saying as well, BMW wants to move these cars before the next gen comes in.

In the end, I opted to lease my TSX as opposed to the BMW. Even though BMW had a pretty good lease going on at the time that I leased my car, I still chose the TSX. For me it was the total package: value for my money, reliability of the brand, and just general fun-to-drive factor in this car. For those nay-sayers that stress V6s and I6s overshadow the I4 of the TSX, I call shenanigans! I came from an accord V6, and my TSX does not feel underpowered at all. If you want that "sound" of the V6, there are mods out there that you can do that will make the TSX "sound" better.

iamhomin

How the heck did you get that kind of deal????

Saintor

http://www.caranddriver.com/article....&page_number=7

03CoupeV6

I wouldn't buy a BMW with my money... but...

Can someone post proof saying the TSX is faster than the BMW? A fair comparison, too.. no 6MT TSX VS. Auto 325i...

With the TSX in the high 8 to low 9 second range 0-60 and barely being able to pull off a 1/4 mile time in the 16s, automatic of course, I call on anyone who believes the auto TSX is quicker than the auto 325i.

However, I'd love to be proven wrong. I drive a 2005 (traded in the 03) Accord EX-V6 Coupe, and I must say, if the TSX had THIS engine, it would be an unbeatable bargain. But my recent test drive of an automatic TSX left a whole lot to be desired in terms of power. The TSX handled better, of course, but when you do a lot of highway driving on the interstate, the punch of the V6 is more important.

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Where are you getting your 0-60 and 1/4 mile times?

https://acurazine.com/forums/showpos...0&postcount=65

That post shows that without any preloading of the torque converter in the automatic, the auto tranny TSX makes it in the 16 sec range. And this is a completely novice driver at the strip. We some preloading, the TSX will be solidly in the 16 sec range.

And just for comparison...

BMW E46 325i Automatic :

Power : 192hp, 141Kw @ 6000rpm
Torque : 245Nm
0-100km/h : 8.4sec
Top speed : 237km/h

That's not much, if any quicker, than a TSX.

mickey513

Correct me if I'm wrong but 16.92 in the 1/4 mile = faster than a 325i???????

mickey513

WOW, 8 MORE. Don't forget, it's FWD compare to the 325i's RWD. And what does a Inline 6 have to do with it????? Guess you must be happy with that 4 cylinder and 161 lbs of torque in the upper end.

Dan Martin

What are you even arguing about?

The two cars are very similar in performance. BMW's website quotes the 325i's 0-60 in 7.6 seconds vs 7.2 for the TSX.

The 325 has 184hp and 175 lb ft and weighs 3212 lbs without sunroof or other accessories. A sunroof alone can add 80-100lbs.

The tsx is 200hp and 166 lb ft and weighs 3230 or 3241 with navi.

I'd say it's a drivers race but I'd still put my money on the TSX.

DJDZ

Yeah!! I can't imagine that the dealer just felt like giving the car away knowing that it is in good demand. Stupid dealer But lucky for you!!!

CGTSX2004

iTrader: (1)

Um...do you not know how to read? I specifically mentioned that this was without preloading the torque converter (which is needed to achieve the best times) and from a at the drag strip. I'm sure the BMW would have posted similar if not identical times under the same conditions.

lamster

Oh my God, just the simple fact that we're sitting down and comparing a 6-cylinder BMW against the 4-cylinder TSX already shows that Acura has made an excellent car (i.e. the TSX).

I don't even know why people spend money to get the 3-series. They're way overpriced and look all alike on the road.

With the RD-X on its way, BMW now has another strong competitor for its X3/X5 utility. I simply love the fact that Acura usually makes 1 vehicle which competes with an entire line of BMW autos. I guess you can call that the "Japanese" way to compete, simple and effective.

Saintor

Because it is superior? I have yet to see comparo where a TSX wins over a 3-series.

Mokijoki

I can upload one in Dutch :-)

Dan Martin

cool! let's see it!

Mokijoki

Nice one, Dan... making me go through my collection of magazine's on a saturday night... :-) I'll search and connect my scanner...

Dan Martin