*I don't know if this has been address before.....if so PLEASE DELETE IT*


Are the handling capabilities the same between the TSX and RSX? Which one will do better around the curve? I'm asking because my friend just got the new RSX-S and we were both just wondering. I know the RSX should do fairly good, but the TSX is suppose to be "sport" and comparable with with BMWs in terms of handling capabilities right? Anyway, if anybody has any info let me know or refer me to the info. Thank you.

 

Well... i mean... a 2 door coupe vs a 4 door sedan? I'm going to say the RSX could probably take you around the corners at the limits. Both are very well handling cars. However, the RSX is lighter. So physically, there's just less weight to shift when you turn.
I think it'd be close since the TSX is a very refined vehicle. But the RSX is just physically lighter.

 

It's all about driver skills. But at the limit, given it's excellent suspension and weight distribution, the TSX might hav an edge. But it's really a guesstimate.

 

its a LOT lighter.

 

RSX:
Turning Circle, curb to curb
38.1 ft

TSX:
Turning Circle, curb to curb
40.0 ft

 

I think that's the turning radius. Of course the RSX is going to have a smaller radius because it's a shorter overall car. But, i dont really think that says much for handling.

 

The Speed Touring ar Series has I think proven that the TSX can be made to out handle the RSX. Its suspension design is definently superior. But in the real world, stock for stock the RSX probly has the edge.

 

Turning circle is meaningless unless you're racing for a parking space.

 

If you were to race factory stock RSX-S vs TSX, the TSX would get by the extra 400lbs it hauls around. However, in the SPEED TC series the cars are equal weight so the TSX can shine.

 

The suspension on the TSX is alot better than the RSX's... Which is why Realtime Racing is starting to use the TSX over the RSX. The TSX has all around double wishbones while the RSX only has rear double wishbones and front macpherson strut. It wouldn't be hard to mod a TSX to completely out handle a modded RSX.

 

 

If the turning circle is too much, just learn to use the e-brake slide.

 

How is that better? Porches use the same setup as the RSX! I guess a TSX can out handle a porsche then.

TSX weight is 60 front/40 rear! How is that excellent? Or more excellent then the RSX's?

 

Unlike the RSX, Porsches also have their engines in the rear but I'm sure you already knew that.

 

 

The DC5 is based on a Civic platform... Now what would you rather have...
A tuned euro-inspired reinforced Accord chassis or a Civic on steroids?

 

Oh I didnt know that. So having the engine in the rear helps the Mac Strut setup? I dont get it? Suspension setup is the same no matter where the engine is.

 

Everything.. from weight transfer, chassis rigidity, and simple physics.

 

You do understand simple physics, right? A suspension setup is going to be affected by the entire chassis and engine placement and all those factors. The reason a Porsche is so nimble is partly due to the light weight, partly due to the engine placement in the rear.

The MacPherson strut suspension is a compromise between control and space. The double wishbone setup is a more sophisticated, racing developed setup. It does a better job maintaining wheel position during hard cornering.

For a Porsche, since most of the weight rests in the back of the car, it is severely important for them to have a sophisticated suspension setup in the rear while they can afford the compromise in the front.

 

The porsche's engine being in the rear/middle gives the car a more 50/50 weight distribution. Plus the wide tires and the light weight combined with a nice big swaybar, and firmer suspension will give the porsche a much better edge than the TSX. Physically, if a car is lighter; it simply takes less to turn it. Bottom line.

 

The Porsche's engine gives it a rear weight bias. This actually makes it tail heavy and if you're not careful, it can come around on you like you wouldn't believe. Of course, this also contributes to why Porsches have a very neutral feel because the extra momentum when you swing the tail out meant a little more tendency to oversteer.

 

double wishbones take up space, which sports cars like porsche's, even rsx's don't have to spare. you're much more likely to see a double wishbone on a sedan like the TSX or Mazda6.

 

True... in a porsche you have to actually react completely different than you would a typical car. For example if you feel like you are about the skid out, you actually have to do exactly the opposite. For example if you're suppose to let off the brake to prevent a fishtail, in a porsche you actualyl have to give it gas. Otherwise you'll skid out.

 

To understand what a big difference Engine placement (Front, Mid, Rear) makes, heres a simple test.

Go to the grocery store, get a shopping cart and get a large bag of cat food or something else that weighs a lot, but doesn't take up too much space.

Put it at the front of the cart and try to go around some corners. Then put it at the rear of the cart and try to go around some corners.

The shopping cart suspension didn't change, but the rear weight makes the cart easier to turn.

 

Yes the spring rating and damping of shocks must change depending on where the engine is but the general way the suspension is setup is the same.

Struts front, wishbone rear. That was my point!

 

I guess what I'm trying to say is if you setup the TSX with the best suspension mods and engineers and did the exact same to the RSX-S the RSX would still handle better.

Less weight and smaller wheel base.

 

I thought the turning circle stat would give just an idea of how flexible the steering is .. the extremes that is.

 

I have been lucky enough to both have an RSX and a TSX. My RSX was auto while the TSX is MT. I liked the RSX-it handles great but its really really light compared to the TSX -i miss him I would skid if i gunned it on wet roads or tried to stop. The TSX, since being lowered, handles closer to the RSX. The RSX was just really easy to turn, with the steering wheel being so tiny and u could kinda throw it around corners. I was a little reluctant to go as fast around corners in the TSX, but since it got lowered and I have my rims on, its much better. I have awesome roads around me, very windy and remote with no cops, so both cars got tested a lot

 

No car can hold it's minimum turning circle at anything more than about 10mph.

Lateral g's and slalom speeds are much better handling tests.

 

Well I stand corrected. I thought RSX and TSX shed weight proportionally, and so the TSX could have stood a chance in stock trim.

 

The RSX is allowed to be 2500 lbs with driver and the TSX is allowed to be 2550 lbs with driver. So they're close but not exactly the same.