RSX vs. CL-S
06-29-2009, 01:14 PM
#1
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RSX vs. CL-S
Hi all,
I'm new to this forum. I don't have a CL yet, but I'm planning on picking up a 2003 CL-S 6-speed by spring next year.
My last car was a 2002 RSX 5-speed, and I loved it for the most part.
I'm curious for those having driving experience with both cars, what are the major differences I'm going to see with the CL-S6? Major improvements? Drawbacks?
Thanks
I'm new to this forum. I don't have a CL yet, but I'm planning on picking up a 2003 CL-S 6-speed by spring next year.
My last car was a 2002 RSX 5-speed, and I loved it for the most part.
I'm curious for those having driving experience with both cars, what are the major differences I'm going to see with the CL-S6? Major improvements? Drawbacks?
Thanks
06-29-2009, 01:29 PM
#2
Whats up with RDX owners?
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The CL has plenty more power. 100hp/91tq more then your old RSX to be exact. Going from the RSX to the CL, you will spin the tires much easier. It has an LSD. More luxury. One drawback right now is that the aftermarket for the car is rather small, but it is opening up. It is about 700lbs heavier then the RSX, but the power makes up for it.
06-29-2009, 01:47 PM
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The CL has plenty more power. 100hp/91tq more then your old RSX to be exact. Going from the RSX to the CL, you will spin the tires much easier. It has an LSD. More luxury. One drawback right now is that the aftermarket for the car is rather small, but it is opening up. It is about 700lbs heavier then the RSX, but the power makes up for it.
What about handling and roll between the two cars?
06-29-2009, 02:08 PM
#4
Whats up with RDX owners?
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Due to the weight, stock for stock the RSX will out-handle the CL. If you lower it, swap the rear sway bar, and get some decent tires it will be the same, if not better. My car constantly out-handles some of the other cars on the road, and I have the Comptech rear sway bar which is smaller then the Progress rsb (23mm vs 24mm). The LSD definately helps powering out of turns.
06-29-2009, 06:54 PM
#6
Whats up with RDX owners?
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Lol. Nice input 
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06-29-2009, 08:39 PM
#8
Whats up with RDX owners?
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I was at work. What did you expect me to do??
06-30-2009, 08:00 AM
#11
Whats up with RDX owners?
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He said it was a 5 speed, so RSX = Non-type S 160hp turtle (no offense OP)
06-30-2009, 12:26 PM
#13
Whats up with RDX owners?
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06-30-2009, 01:28 PM
#14
Three Wheelin'
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^ no one is talking to you civic! And why don't you do some work at WORK
I prefer the smaller lighter feel of the RSX to the CLs fatass. That being said, stock - RSX-s < CL-S
But if I had more money, Modded RSX-S >>>> Modded CL-S.....6
I prefer the smaller lighter feel of the RSX to the CLs fatass. That being said, stock - RSX-s < CL-S
But if I had more money, Modded RSX-S >>>> Modded CL-S.....6
06-30-2009, 02:03 PM
#15
Whats up with RDX owners?
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Work??? AT WORK???? WTF do you think I am? A machine?
Im actually off from work today.
Im just waiting for the UPS man to bring me my parts.
Stock for stock Id take the CL-S. Modded though, definately the RSX. Weight is a big issue of mine, thats why I havent gotten rid of my Civic. You cant beat a sub-2000lb car with more power then the CL
Im actually off from work today.
Im just waiting for the UPS man to bring me my parts.Stock for stock Id take the CL-S. Modded though, definately the RSX. Weight is a big issue of mine, thats why I havent gotten rid of my Civic. You cant beat a sub-2000lb car with more power then the CL
06-30-2009, 02:15 PM
#16
RSX-S with bolt-ons, cams and a tune will put 220+ to the tires and that's conservative. That said, the interior is rather civic'y, the ride isn't anything to write home about, and when you want to pick up the pace from 70 to 80 to pass someone once they get out of the way - you do have to downshift. The CL is more the expressway monster touring cruiser. It's nimble for a big girl - but don't expect to be outdancing anyone in an S2000. 
06-30-2009, 02:41 PM
#17
Whats up with RDX owners?
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Yea, the only way the CL can have a chance out handling the S is if the S has bald tires, and even that would be difficult.
The K series are mod friendly engines. For that matter, so is the J. The aftermarket just isnt there yet.
The K series are mod friendly engines. For that matter, so is the J. The aftermarket just isnt there yet.
06-30-2009, 04:39 PM
#19
Dunno how much of an aftermarket there will ever be for the J motor - they've been in use since what...98? The K-motor didn't come on the scene until 02 - and look at the aftermarket for it? Still, there are header, clutch, flywheel, gasket, throttlebody, intake and exhaust options for various models - just not at every corner like K, D, and B motors...
06-30-2009, 04:42 PM
#20
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Work??? AT WORK???? WTF do you think I am? A machine?
Im actually off from work today. Im just waiting for the UPS man to bring me my parts.
Stock for stock Id take the CL-S. Modded though, definately the RSX. Weight is a big issue of mine, thats why I havent gotten rid of my Civic. You cant beat a sub-2000lb car with more power then the CL
Im actually off from work today.
Im just waiting for the UPS man to bring me my parts.Stock for stock Id take the CL-S. Modded though, definately the RSX. Weight is a big issue of mine, thats why I havent gotten rid of my Civic. You cant beat a sub-2000lb car with more power then the CL
06-30-2009, 08:08 PM
#27
Whats up with RDX owners?
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Dunno how much of an aftermarket there will ever be for the J motor - they've been in use since what...98? The K-motor didn't come on the scene until 02 - and look at the aftermarket for it? Still, there are header, clutch, flywheel, gasket, throttlebody, intake and exhaust options for various models - just not at every corner like K, D, and B motors...
Nothing special. Just some gasket material for the CL, a new pedal assembly for my Civic and a new intake manifold for it as well.
Define bolt-on. Turbos have bolts.
06-30-2009, 09:56 PM
#29
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Even with all that said, the RSX-S is simply a better looking car all around imo, has a heavy aftermarket base, and has been a staple in almost every kind of track related debauchery in the last 6 years (or more). (Realtime Acura uses both the TSX and the RSX in the races they compete in)
I feel that it wouldn't even be a fair fight with a CLS6 even in terms of suspension. The RSX has so much offered for it in terms of subframe braces, strut bars, sways, cages, dampers etc etc that a properly tweaked RSX-S would simply embarrass a CL with all the goods provided by the (few) aftermarket vendors and suppliers we have available to us.
Even if you want to talk about FI, and for your sake civicdrvr (lol) we'll use turbos as a benchmark, the RSX has been known and documented to hit well over 700hp on a K-series with supporting mods. Again, nothing a CL couldn't do, but with the lack of parts the victory goes again to the RSX. Without having this turn into a "anything can be made fast with enough money put into it" argument.
I feel that if you wanted to truly compare the two you'd have to keep in mind alot of custom work on the CL's part.
The RSX got the support it needed, while the CLS6, did not.
Just the fact that the CLS6 was a rare production model off the bat, and was axed so quickly are probably whats to blame.
I can't truly say its an apples->oranges argument, but it still doesn't seem like a fair fight. Stop comparing the CLS to what it's not. Start appreciating it for what it is. A nice looking, luxurious, and (sometimes fast) houseboat/cruiser.
If you want to whoop ass while stretching your legs out and relaxing your bum on some perforated leather, go buy an AMG, an M, or an S (or if you're smart, an RS
)
I feel that it wouldn't even be a fair fight with a CLS6 even in terms of suspension. The RSX has so much offered for it in terms of subframe braces, strut bars, sways, cages, dampers etc etc that a properly tweaked RSX-S would simply embarrass a CL with all the goods provided by the (few) aftermarket vendors and suppliers we have available to us.
Even if you want to talk about FI, and for your sake civicdrvr (lol) we'll use turbos as a benchmark, the RSX has been known and documented to hit well over 700hp on a K-series with supporting mods. Again, nothing a CL couldn't do, but with the lack of parts the victory goes again to the RSX. Without having this turn into a "anything can be made fast with enough money put into it" argument.
I feel that if you wanted to truly compare the two you'd have to keep in mind alot of custom work on the CL's part.
The RSX got the support it needed, while the CLS6, did not.
Just the fact that the CLS6 was a rare production model off the bat, and was axed so quickly are probably whats to blame.
I can't truly say its an apples->oranges argument, but it still doesn't seem like a fair fight. Stop comparing the CLS to what it's not. Start appreciating it for what it is. A nice looking, luxurious, and (sometimes fast) houseboat/cruiser.
If you want to whoop ass while stretching your legs out and relaxing your bum on some perforated leather, go buy an AMG, an M, or an S (or if you're smart, an RS
)
Last edited by Onese1f; 06-30-2009 at 10:00 PM.
06-30-2009, 10:03 PM
#30
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even with all that said, the rsx-s is simply a better looking car all around imo, has a heavy aftermarket base, and has been a staple in almost every kind of track related debauchery in the last 6 years (or more). (realtime acura uses both the tsx and the rsx in the races they compete in)
i feel that it wouldn't even be a fair fight with a cls6 even in terms of suspension. The rsx has so much offered for it in terms of subframe braces, strut bars, sways, cages, dampers etc etc that a properly tweaked rsx-s would simply embarrass a cl with all the goods provided by the (few) aftermarket vendors and suppliers we have available to us.
Even if you want to talk about fi, and for your sake civicdrvr (lol) we'll use turbos as a benchmark, the rsx has been known and documented to hit well over 700hp on a k-series with supporting mods. Again, nothing a cl couldn't do, but with the lack of parts the victory goes again to the rsx. Without having this turn into a "anything can be made fast with enough money put into it" argument.
I feel that if you wanted to truly compare the two you'd have to keep in mind alot of custom work on the cl's part.
The rsx got the support it needed, while the cls6, did not.
Just the fact that the cls6 was a rare production model off the bat, and was axed so quickly are probably whats to blame.
I can't truly say its an apples->oranges argument, but it still doesn't seem like a fair fight. Stop comparing the cls to what it's not. Start appreciating it for what it is. A nice looking, luxurious, and (sometimes fast) houseboat/cruiser.
If you want to whoop ass while stretching your legs out and relaxing your bum on some perforated leather, go buy an amg, an m, or an s (or if you're smart, an rs)
i feel that it wouldn't even be a fair fight with a cls6 even in terms of suspension. The rsx has so much offered for it in terms of subframe braces, strut bars, sways, cages, dampers etc etc that a properly tweaked rsx-s would simply embarrass a cl with all the goods provided by the (few) aftermarket vendors and suppliers we have available to us.
Even if you want to talk about fi, and for your sake civicdrvr (lol) we'll use turbos as a benchmark, the rsx has been known and documented to hit well over 700hp on a k-series with supporting mods. Again, nothing a cl couldn't do, but with the lack of parts the victory goes again to the rsx. Without having this turn into a "anything can be made fast with enough money put into it" argument.
I feel that if you wanted to truly compare the two you'd have to keep in mind alot of custom work on the cl's part.
The rsx got the support it needed, while the cls6, did not.
Just the fact that the cls6 was a rare production model off the bat, and was axed so quickly are probably whats to blame.
I can't truly say its an apples->oranges argument, but it still doesn't seem like a fair fight. Stop comparing the cls to what it's not. Start appreciating it for what it is. A nice looking, luxurious, and (sometimes fast) houseboat/cruiser.
If you want to whoop ass while stretching your legs out and relaxing your bum on some perforated leather, go buy an amg, an m, or an s (or if you're smart, an rs
)
100%
06-30-2009, 10:51 PM
#31
Whats up with RDX owners?
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Well said. The K is a beastly motor. My K20Z3 has nothing more then a BDL 70mm throttle body, blueprint stage 3 cams, and a tune and its putting out just over 250hp at the wheels. Stock for stock, the CL has a 63hp advantage over my K, yet the CL only makes 232/202 at the wheels. Granted, the CL has the disadvantage when it comes to aftermarket support. The two biggest items I would love to see produced are cams and a proper ems.
It definately isnt an apples to apples argument. Each car has its benefits, as well as their downsides. Id give anything to have another 2800lb car with leather and A/C again, but until then, the CL will have to do.
Not that thats a bad thing though
It definately isnt an apples to apples argument. Each car has its benefits, as well as their downsides. Id give anything to have another 2800lb car with leather and A/C again, but until then, the CL will have to do.
Not that thats a bad thing though
06-30-2009, 10:58 PM
#32
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Well said. The K is a beastly motor. My K20Z3 has nothing more then a BDL 70mm throttle body, blueprint stage 3 cams, and a tune and its putting out just over 250hp at the wheels. Stock for stock, the CL has a 63hp advantage over my K, yet the CL only makes 232/202 at the wheels. Granted, the CL has the disadvantage when it comes to aftermarket support. The two biggest items I would love to see produced are cams and a proper ems.
It definately isnt an apples to apples argument. Each car has its benefits, as well as their downsides. Id give anything to have another 2800lb car with leather and A/C again, but until then, the CL will have to do.
Not that thats a bad thing though
It definately isnt an apples to apples argument. Each car has its benefits, as well as their downsides. Id give anything to have another 2800lb car with leather and A/C again, but until then, the CL will have to do.
Not that thats a bad thing though
06-30-2009, 11:07 PM
#33
w/e u can't ride in style like you can in a cl...
it's got WAY more low end tq so for daily driver it a beauty... and when u throw shit in ur trunk or ppl... you don't have to press the gas more cause they're litterally slowing you down.
going from a v6 ford probe fully modded to a stock cl even that! was a massive tq increase... so... i can only imagine the rsx-s
Oh and btw the rsx-s isn't anything special (no offence)... my probe with some bolt ons dealt with rxs-s.
it's got WAY more low end tq so for daily driver it a beauty... and when u throw shit in ur trunk or ppl... you don't have to press the gas more cause they're litterally slowing you down.
going from a v6 ford probe fully modded to a stock cl even that! was a massive tq increase... so... i can only imagine the rsx-s
Oh and btw the rsx-s isn't anything special (no offence)... my probe with some bolt ons dealt with rxs-s.
06-30-2009, 11:15 PM
#34
Whats up with RDX owners?
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Every time I see a 4th gen Lude alittle bit of me dies on the inside. I never should have gotten rid of that car. I had big plans for it too. BIG PLANS!!
I used to race against RSX's and 06-up Si's. The Prelude held its own very well against all but the most heavily modified cars. Ive gone againsts 240s, Scions (why do all Scion owners think their car is fast?), and even my friends Mustang, and never lost a race.
I let that car go for a measily $3800. I always regret selling it.
I used to race against RSX's and 06-up Si's. The Prelude held its own very well against all but the most heavily modified cars. Ive gone againsts 240s, Scions (why do all Scion owners think their car is fast?), and even my friends Mustang, and never lost a race.
I let that car go for a measily $3800. I always regret selling it.
07-01-2009, 07:26 PM
#36
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w/e u can't ride in style like you can in a cl...
it's got WAY more low end tq so for daily driver it a beauty... and when u throw shit in ur trunk or ppl... you don't have to press the gas more cause they're litterally slowing you down.
going from a v6 ford probe fully modded to a stock cl even that! was a massive tq increase... so... i can only imagine the rsx-s
it's got WAY more low end tq so for daily driver it a beauty... and when u throw shit in ur trunk or ppl... you don't have to press the gas more cause they're litterally slowing you down.
going from a v6 ford probe fully modded to a stock cl even that! was a massive tq increase... so... i can only imagine the rsx-s
Every time I see a 4th gen Lude alittle bit of me dies on the inside. I never should have gotten rid of that car. I had big plans for it too. BIG PLANS!!
I used to race against RSX's and 06-up Si's. The Prelude held its own very well against all but the most heavily modified cars. Ive gone againsts 240s, Scions (why do all Scion owners think their car is fast?), and even my friends Mustang, and never lost a race.
I let that car go for a measily $3800. I always regret selling it.
I used to race against RSX's and 06-up Si's. The Prelude held its own very well against all but the most heavily modified cars. Ive gone againsts 240s, Scions (why do all Scion owners think their car is fast?), and even my friends Mustang, and never lost a race.
I let that car go for a measily $3800. I always regret selling it.
@ Scion owner douchebags 
@ $3800 WTF were you thinking?I let my 96 GSR go for $3600. But heres what kills me:
1.) I sold it to some idiot who claimed to own some sort of tuning shop in chicago. He showed me pics of his 98 Civic-
----- i almost laughed when i saw it2.) I got a letter in the mail a month later ( i would have reveived it earlier but it was first sent to oregon, where i lived when i bought the car, then sent back to illinois) that the car had been abandoned and then towed
lude is a nice ride
07-03-2009, 10:11 AM
#37
Whats up with RDX owners?
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The CL is a nice car. But with the money Ive put into it, I couldve built the Civic twice. Or bought a Triumph Daytona. Or put the money into the Prelude and had that run 12s.
Am I happy with the CL? Yes. Could I have been happier if I didnt get it? Probably. This will be my last 3000+lb car that I buy for a very long time.
And Anthracite: The Prelude was a 94 VTEC model with 136k miles on it. There was about $800 worth of body damage to the front end. I had it listed for $4300 originally, but I had no takers. It was listed for 2 months or so. I had 4 of my cars in the driveway, and it needed to go. I dropped the price a few times, then some kid who sold his Prelude wanted another one. I wanted $3900 at the time, he offered $3700, and we agreed on $3800.
I paid $3750 for the car, so I didnt lose anything, aside from general maintenance stuff that I put into the car.
07-03-2009, 05:07 PM
#38
lol u gotta pay to play with the CL... and YES i LOVE it... I had it back 6 years ago and it was my moms and my bro DESTROYED it so it was a write off and I was planning on buying it off her.. BUT never got the chance..
So i got a ford probe... AKA the Probelem and had EVERY single thing go wrong imaginable... 3 alternators, 2 motors, 2 trannys, 2 sets of rotors, new suspension, sway bar links broke... u name IT..
My mom's CL gave us zero problems in 100000km and i loved the ride and the luxury...
For the record... i don't have a lot of $$$ so this car is way more than I should ever have gotten my hands on. And I merked many cars in my mom's 01 CL-P so what is there not to love about this car?
It's a boat yes.. but for the stats it does better in real life than u'd expect, which i love (the element of suprise).
And I'm no longer riping it all over the place since if u got 50km over the limit u get ur car impounded on the spot and u lose ur lisence and ur pretty much fked
So i got a ford probe... AKA the Probelem and had EVERY single thing go wrong imaginable... 3 alternators, 2 motors, 2 trannys, 2 sets of rotors, new suspension, sway bar links broke... u name IT..
My mom's CL gave us zero problems in 100000km and i loved the ride and the luxury...
For the record... i don't have a lot of $$$ so this car is way more than I should ever have gotten my hands on. And I merked many cars in my mom's 01 CL-P so what is there not to love about this car?
It's a boat yes.. but for the stats it does better in real life than u'd expect, which i love (the element of suprise).
And I'm no longer riping it all over the place since if u got 50km over the limit u get ur car impounded on the spot and u lose ur lisence and ur pretty much fked
07-04-2009, 08:17 AM
#39
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Hi, I owned a 2002 Civic Si which is very similar to the RSX, I have also drive both the Regular and Type S RSX, I own a CL Type S now(auto) and also have a regular CL in my family and I also test drove and almost bought the 2003 6spd. CL definately has more power, even a base CL can probably hang with the RSX type-s. However as others said the handling on the RSX is much better. Its smaller and lighter and can weave in and out of traffic much better than the big CL. However in a straight line and if you want lots of torque the CL is better. It's also a much better highway crusier for long trips. The back seats of the CL are hell maybe evn worse than the RSX. RSX is better on gas and has a much better aftermarket. I am honestly thinking about getting rid of it because It needs some aftermarket suspension and I can't find anything.
07-04-2009, 08:21 AM
#40
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Every time I see a 4th gen Lude alittle bit of me dies on the inside. I never should have gotten rid of that car. I had big plans for it too. BIG PLANS!!
I used to race against RSX's and 06-up Si's. The Prelude held its own very well against all but the most heavily modified cars. Ive gone againsts 240s, Scions (why do all Scion owners think their car is fast?), and even my friends Mustang, and never lost a race.
I let that car go for a measily $3800. I always regret selling it.
I used to race against RSX's and 06-up Si's. The Prelude held its own very well against all but the most heavily modified cars. Ive gone againsts 240s, Scions (why do all Scion owners think their car is fast?), and even my friends Mustang, and never lost a race.
I let that car go for a measily $3800. I always regret selling it.
LOL@ the Scion comment.. When I used to go to WCC and drive up the Sprain- I always had kids in their TC's trying to race me, but yeah thats soo true lol