Hi,

I test drove the Acura TSX recently. I was impressed with the interiors and all the luxury features, but the ride was very disappointing. I am interested in the 6sp manual but the dealer doesn't stock sticks and so I had to drive the automatic. My first impression was "not enough low-end torque". I don't know if this was just because I was driving an automatic. But it seems like dealers don't stock stick shifts since they sell very few of those.

I was really hoping that I'd fall in love with the TSX, but the TSX didn't appear to be fun to drive. I drove my girlfriend's Mazda6 (v6) to the dealer and my obvious reaction was to compare the TSX to the Mazda6. It was sad that the manual Mazda6 felt more exciting than the rather sluggish TSX. The Mazda6 is not even a car that I am considering.

A week earlier, I test drove the contender -- Subaru Legacy GT limited manual. With 250hp of power and 250Nm of torque, that car definitely is a thrilling ride. I know that the Acura cannot beat the Legacy GT in terms of performance, but I would have liked the TSX to be at least in the same class. I am ready to sacrifice a few hp for the better interiors and refinement of the Acura.

Anyone driving a 6speed TSX, could you tell me what your experience is like. If you've driven other stick shifts, especially the Mazda6, how'd you compare them?

Later,
Rushi

 

Well, it's a 200 hp 4 banger pulling 3300 lbs of steel.. 0-60 performance shouldn't have surprised you.. TSX's forte is the way it handles, and I'm surprised if you didn't find it "fun" to drive.. Maybe you just drove it back and forth on a long straight boulevard..

 

Your idea of driving excitement is too focused on moving in a straight line. The TSX is all about being nimble and well-balanced in the corners. The Legacy GT is a quick car, but the interior materials and build quality aren't up to par with Toyota or Honda.

As for the TSX being sluggish, this is solely a perception. It may not be the quickest car in its class, but it definitely falls into the same range as most of the competition.

If you're looking for straight line speed, perhaps the TSX is not the car for you. If you're looking to get a comfortable, decently powered, entry-luxury sedan with excellent handling characteristics, then the TSX is the best bang for the buck.

 

i dont know about you guys but its always fun when i drive my tsx.. even with an auto its still fun.. i think i made a great purchase when i bought this tsx but thats just me.. it was right for my family and right for my pocket.. i love my car no complaints.

 

https://acurazine.com/forums/showthr...=TSX+Legacy+Gt

 

except i hab no family yet..

 

I'm not looking for straight-line acceleration only. I did test the handling of the two cars around corners. The TSX handles brilliantly, although the Legacy's AWD seemed to provide more traction on slippery surface. I'd like to have some extra torque handy while passing semi's on the highway or changing lanes on smaller roads to move past slower traffic. I could not appreciate this on the TSX.

At least with the automatic TSX, I felt that hitting the gas causes the engine to rev up, but the torque converter doesn't transfer the extra boast to the wheels instantly. I could not appreciate the capability of the engine.

 

well, i have a 6MT, and i think it's fun to drive, the mazda 6 and subie gt def have more power in the straight line.

but i didn't buy the car w/ performance intended, i bought it is b/c it's refined and a nice ride and has nice touches - like hid, good stereo.

the tsx is a great value at 25k.

bottom line is that you should get what you feel is the most comfy to drive, the 6MT may be slightly quicker than the AT, but dont expect to blow the doors off every car out there.

and driving 6MT is more fun imo than ANY AT. period.

 

I think you shouldn't buy a TSX

 

Uh...that's why there is the SS. An automatic will always be tuned more towards the comfort and ease of use side of things, but if you use the SS, you get more control over the transmissions behavior.

 

The TSX isn't for everybody.

 

Drive a 6 speed it's better matched with the TSX engine. The TSX was developed for the european market where most if not all europeans generally prefer manuals to automatics. The auto adds weight and saps horsepower where as the 6sp with it's magnesium case is lighter and short throws is lots of fun to drive to boot !

 

Below is a link from a LGT forum where owners have posted "Missing features/quirks":

http://www.legacygt.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5078

Most of the features missing on the LGT, the TSX already has.

IMO, TSX>LGT>Mazda6

 

I'm not a big fan of SS. It's not as responsive as I would like it to be and I've found the transmission overriding in higher revs or on slowing down. The BMW steptronic is definitely better tuned than the Acura's SS. Of course, I wouldn't buy a car with SS/steptronic/tiptronic transmission. Until I can afford an SMG transmission, I'm okay with shifting gears myself using a stick. Puts me in control and avoids wasting power in the torque converter :-)

I wish I could drive a 6MT TSX so that I could do a fair comparison with the Legacy GT.

 

breaking news! the TSX is not fast!

 

The LGT does not have a 6-speed transmission.

 

This thread, based on the comparison run between four presumably equal cars, beat the comparison issue to death; dig out the original article on the internet and review the thread - it may alter your thinking or confirm your worst fears, but it will provide you with a wealth of additional data. .

If you want straight-line acceleration for flatline driving, the TSX will not do it. If you want a sense of precision handling coupled with a very well-bred suspension supporting a very well-thought out rather minimalist interior, the overall "package" of the TSX will. I spend way too much time in my car, and that process has been shifted from a chore to a pleasure, partially because my coworkers now fight for their time at the wheel................. the driving I do is in dense urban traffic, both city and freeway, so it may be that I no longer lust for pure power and raw acceleration. Howver, at speed, the TSX (even my 5at) has the capacity to dance through traffic at my determination; I have yet to experience a sense of inadequate power on the freeway while trying to pass some trucker bound to live in the middle lane.............

The debate between at and mt rages on this site as well, and if you run a thread search on this site, you can garner an additional chunk of emperical commentary, most of it impassioned, and some of it based on logic. You can draw your own conclusion, but the concensus seems to be that the 5at is a bit less aggressive in handling, though the SS does serve as compensation for some.

The TSX is one of those odd cars where the total is greater than the sum of the parts........... but before you reject the TSX completely, try to get the test drive to cover some twisties................ that's when this little beast comes into its own.

 

thats the purpose of AWD.

 

I wasn't impressed by the test drive either but bought my 6MT anyway for other reasons. I've never been "in love" with the car but it also never fails to impress. Maximum performance requires driving with some finesse. Keep the RPM's below 2500 and you'll enjoy remarkably high mileage for a 200HP car. Keep them above 3500 and the TSX delivers smooth power and deceptively quick acceleration. As far as handling..........
Blowing past old farts on the on-ramp: A+
Weaving in and out of heavy traffic: A+
Yellow light, right/left acceleration through intersection: A+
Christmas time WalMart parking lot demolition derby obstacle course: ? Not attempted.
Hope this helps.
You may also want to see if a friend will take you on a "real" test drive before you make your decision.

 

The Mazda6 and TSX are very comparible in terms of overall power. But on the low end of the tach the difference in torque is niticable (although not huge).

When I test drove the 5AT TSX I also felt the lack of low end torque was a problem. The 6MT was much better (but its still no rocket). Did you try the SS? It will make a big difference (keep the revs above 3500 and you should be very happy).

 

i agree with not enough low end torque... but overall package TSX is still tops in this price range...

 

Why do people fail to realize this? If I drove a car and was disappointed, that would be the end of it. If one tries to force one's mind into thinking "well, maybe..." then the lingering doubts are continual.

 

go with your gut and get something else. get something that wows you, i know the tsx wowed me when i first sat in it. maybe you need an evo or an sti, those will push you into the seat.

 

Did you try pushing that triangular button on the dash between the middle air vents? It engages the "performance" mode, you should then get the full torque.

 

Wait..why are you comparing Auto's to Manuals?? Of course if you drive a manual car it will feel alil peppier than an auto...go drive a 6speed TSX and then compare...because i've been in all 3 cars (TSX auto and Manual which i own and a Mazda6 manual) and my Manual TSX felt faster...i raced my friend in his Mazda6 and beat him, not by much but i got him..but the TSX is just a better car overall and it looks 10times better than a GT and Mazda6! And make sure the traction control isn't on!! make sure when your in the car this symbol is displayed..."look at the top left side of my post to see it"

 

if you smoke a bunch of crack and drive a TSX it feels wicked fast.

 

I'd really like to compare the LGT with the TSX 6MT. Unfortunately, the dealers don't have stick shifts. I'd probably have to look for TSX owners who are willing to let me drive. Anyone from south-east Michigan?

 

But if you are completely blasted drunk, the TSX feels slow...that's why there's the urge to go 120 mph in the rain.

 

I don't know if you come to Chicago area much...maybe call around one of the many Chicagoland Acura dealerships and schedule a test drive?

 

look at the power difference between the LGT and TSX, it should already tell you. TSX has better features for the price. you give up some performance...the TSX is not exactly a snail either.

find another car with all the TSX's current features and more power for a lower price, then that's the car you should get

 

Take a G35 6MT for a spin and the Legacy will be a let down ( you could probably get an 04 G35 for the price of a Legacy GT). Regardless of what you get there's always some other "better" car out there for you. You have to draw the line at what is enough for you.

 

just installed the ingalls camber kit on the car and re-adjust the whole car's alignment with hunter's digital alignment system. My friend and I were amazed with how much thoughs were put into this car's multi link suspension. It is just a work of art! Straight line acceleration is not where the TSX is at. and you "must'" try the 6mt on the TSX. Please dont write off the TSX because the AT you drove!