Nogard13

I think it's hilarious how people make these obviously erroneous statements as fact.

Here are the numbers for the 2006 325i (6MT): 0-60 in 6.7 Seconds
Here are the numbers for the 2006 TSX (6MT): 0-60 in 7.9 Seconds

Source: Motorweek
Source: How Stuff Works

So, again, how exactly is the TSX faster than the 325i again? This doesn't include the 328i numbers, which are obviously higher since it gained 15 hp and 15 lb-ft of torque.

Boulder TSX

I agree completely with you that numbers have been flying around here without any documentation. Also. from what I've seen over the years, most 3 series (those with a six cylinder engine, not the 318i), are usually faster than the TSX, (whether 6MT or auto).

The only thing I take issue with is Motorweek's numbers for the TSX. I have published 0-60 times in front of me for the 2004 & 2006 TSX 6MT from Car & Driver...and they were able to do 0-60 in 7.2 seconds each time. As we all have seen, different drivers can get different times from the same car, and additionally, some examples of the same car perform differently for the same driver.

bbbuzzy

The 3 series is definitely faster, lots more HP/Tq in a slightly heavier vehicle. If you are unconvinced, go drive one and see, they're not really that close. The TSX is an excellent car, surely has better reliability and lower maintenance costs, and uses less gas. For those who like magazine 0-60 quotes, while the TSX was listed by C+D at 7.2 for the 6MT, they also list the 330i at 5.6 sec. The 325/328 is slightly slower, but not that much. Under the conditions that C+D can get a 5.6 from the 330i, they would likely get a 5.9-6.1 from the 325.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...330i-road_test

(0-60 numbers on the spec sheet download)

Boulder TSX

Well, the 330i is a completely different animal. It goes into a much higher price point, and as it should, competes with much more powerful cars.

As for the 325i, it depends upon which year you're talking about. For the era of cars discussed here, they were not as fast as you're suggesting. For example, in a 2004 Car and Driver test, (compared with the 2004 Acura TL), the 325i did 0-60 in 7.0 seconds. --And that was a $35,000 (price as tested) car at the time, while the TSX was selling for $26-28,000.

http://www.caranddriver.com/reviews/...mparison_tests

I agree that the there are different benefits to each car... speed, RWD handling and some marque 'panache' for the BMW...with reliability, value, better traction in snow (FWD), lower maintenance costs for the TSX.

There's another thing not mentioned: The 6MT in the TSX is universally praised by the automotive press for being smooth, with short throws. Car & Driver called the 6MT in the 325i " a bit rubbery" and said "we wish the throws were shorter."

bbbuzzy

Boulder,

I agree with most of what you say. Your comparison to the '04 325 is spot on. At that time, the TSX was a close competitor for the 3. Original Honda advertising chose the 325 (e46) as a direct competitor and their performance numbers were close, as you mentioned, with the TSX being the less expensive and more reliable choice. Styling, etc is in the eye of the beholder.

My comparison to the e90 325/328/330 was only done because the OP sold his 1st generation TSX for the current generation (e90) 3 series and I did the same. I love Acuras, have owned 3, and wish the 2nd gen TSX went in the direction of their Sports 4 concept with a performance focus to truly match the 3 series. Acura chose another direction and will probably sell more cars as a result. I was disappointed and tried something else. I'll come back if they ever make a vehicle that meets my needs, for now I'll enjoy the 330i and hope it doesn't turn into a money pit.

Nogard13

The 2006 325i (e90 chassis) received a new 3.0 liter engine with 215hp, up from the old 2.5 liter engine with 184hp in the e46. The difference between the 2006 325i and the 330i (they have the same 3.0 engine) is that the 330i received a three-stage induction system, different exhaust, and powertrain software that bumps the power up to 255hp.

One of the biggest e46 330i owner's complaints was that the new e90 325i was actually faster than their cars were, even though it cost less.

Boulder TSX

This is what I was hoping for also, and it was clearly a missed opportunity. The styling alone would have made for a stellar choice in the segment. Add the V6 option that we already have for the TSX, and it could have been a juggernaut. (I could even see that sort of a car rendering the TL rather pointless...and maybe that was a deciding factor.)