I've been thinking a bit about the TSX's off-the-line acceleration. I'm still struggling to understand AUTOMOBILE's findings. AUTOMOBILE found the TSX to be fairly slow overall, but quicker than many other competing vehicles in the 30-70 range (which is the sweet spot for the TSX's powerband). That reminded be a bit of Motor Trend's complaint that it was hard to launch the car because of wheel hop. And, also the reports we've had here of wheel spin from MT drivers. It seems like there are a lot of issues related to traction that are leading to some acceleration problem when torque is low.

I'm not complaining about the acceleration. I think the performance of the TSX overall is fine (lots of fun, even). I'm just trying to get an intellectual handle on the various issues involved in getting power from the K24 to the ground.

Thoughts?

 

I think the bad launching has alot to do with tires. I think with some better rubber you should launch better.
Also some lighter wheels?
I could be mistaken though. Ill know more about this after the winter unfortunately.
AKay

 

YUP... the stock rubber BLOWS! Stickier tires should be number 1 on your shopping list if you're looking for performance.

 

In reality is, our stock tire is rated quite good. Maybe they are not pure performance tire, but they r not cheap either. :P I went and got a price check on the stock tire in a few shops. Exact match tire is about $350 cdn or $185 US each. Very expensive tire. :P

 

they are expensive because of the wear rating. They are designed to last a long time. The traction is no better than very average(touring all seaons..not even performance all season) and the sidewalls are a bit squishy

 

So - they are a fair-to-middling tire performance-wise and we're stuck with them for a long time if we want to wait till they wear out to replace them. Lovely.

 

The TSX as well as my previous 3 Honda Accords deliver the best accelleration if you do not floor the gas pedal. It takes but a second or two to get toward the sweet spot. I think that the off-the-line accelleration rankings are immaterial.

 

On some level, it is a non-issue because I don't feel a big need for more power. I'm just intrigued by the pattern of acceleration numbers.

 

I did the math and the 0.29G PEAK acceleration is bullshit in the Automobile Magazine review of the TSX. That would mean that the average acceleration in their quarter mile test was 0.26G if you go with the numbers they provide.

I have a VectorFX2 accelerometer so when I finally get my car I'll let you know what it actually does. I didn't think the Acura dealer would have liked it if I brought it with me on the test drive!