I was looking for a list of differences between the 08 and 09 TSX and I can't find any info except from magazine car reviews and this forum. I know about the engine changes, interior and exterior size changes, but I am mostly looking for the tech and interior features on the two cars. Has there been a side by side spec sheet done on the two cars? I did a search and only came up with 04,05,06 TSX differences.

 

I talked about a few of these things in my "geek out" article on my website.

 

sluday, I have not see a side-by-side comparison.

You may already know all this, but...

Spec. sheets are good for putting cars into categories and classes. In that regard, the two TSX's are in the same category. Essentially, the 2G ('09)is a slightly wider, and heavier, version of the 1G ('08).

What a spec. sheet doesn't show is the "look and feel". In that regard, the two cars are very different; externally, internally, and on the road. Some things just can not be put into numbers yet -- like how much "drift" does a car experience if, and when, the steering wheel is locked down. In other words, how much steering correction is required to follow a thin white line? How precise is the tracking around a curve? How much does the car pull or push?

Once a category is selected, the only meaningful way to compare vehicles is with test drives; the longer and the more varied the conditions, the better. And, the shorter the time lapse between the two test drives, the better.

Therefore, if feasible, I would encourage you to test drive both vehicles. The numbers are much too similar to show the real differences in the handling and "feel" of the two cars. Both a straight, 60 MPH+, road and a few sharp, 20 MPH, curves that alternate left and right, would help the cars show their true personalities. On the curves, use both the sport shift on the console ('08) and the paddles on the steering wheel ('09). You will then have a much better idea of how the two cars compare than any spec sheet can give you.

The specs. that were important to me were (in regard to the '09):

1) A little wider.
2) A little heavier.
3) A little less trunk space.
4) A little larger wheel and tire size.
5) A little less horsepower.
6) A change to electric boosted steering, although BWM and the Honda S2000 seem to get few, if any, complaints about electric steering.
7) A little more expensive.

If the TSX acquires a small V-6, and if the steering is made tighter and more precise, and if the suspension is made firmer, then the V-6 powered version would have a completely different "feel" to it, although the spec. sheets would show not much of a change except for the horsepower, torque, and mileage. Perhaps I am talking about a Type S here (a TSX-S).

 

If you go to Acura.com you can download all of the 09 specs but the 08 specs have been removed. You might want to check with your local dealer he probably still has sales brochures on both cars and you can do a comparison from that.