wackura

I have a TSX but we need a second car, I'm considering a used RSX. I've heard of people here trading in an RSX for a TSX, so I'm concerned that rather than being fun the RSX might have a lot of drawback relative to the TSX that drove them to make the trade.

Is the RSX a decent companion to a TSX in a driveway or do they feel and perform to similar to one another? I'd really apreciate any comparisons of the from people who have experience with both. Does it satisfy as a sporty car or does it leave you wanting more?

I realize a used Honda s-2000 or the like is a more logical fun second car but I owned two integras previously and miss them, and I love hatch backs.

(I searched on this but most threads are about swapping car parts and such)

aznt1217

Base RSX sucks. Get an RSX-S. You won't have torque but hey if you loved your Teg then it should be okay. You might have to mod the RSX a little bit to have some fun.

K-Pro
Cold Air Intake

You should be good...

tdottsx

my bro has a white rsx-type s. when i drive in it, im personally not a big fan of it. its a nice car and it drives nice but the suspension is so rough in comp. to the tsx. Dont get the rsx get an s200. and apparently from what my acura dealer told me, because he was a former intergra owner, he hates the RSX, he was offered 1 from acura but he turned it down. he loved his integra way more then the rsx. Not hatin on the rsx just personally wouldnt buy it...

lumpulus

Torque, schmorque...an RSX/S is a great car period...and I should know, I've had five Integras/RSXs starting in 1989.

89 LS
95 GSR
98 GSR
02 RSX/S
05 RSX/S

They were all perfect, never had a problem with any of them, and I beat the snot out of each and every one. The only reason I don't still have one is they stopped making them in 06, and I wanted AWD, so I got an 06 RL.

There has never been a better gearbox IMO thatn the 6 spd tranny in mthe 05 RSX/S. Short throw, silky smooth.

There was only one thing wrong with the RSX/S...the POS OEM Michelins. I took them off and put Dunlop SP Sports on the car.

That said, if you want a pure sports car, get an S2000.

wackura

This is good info. I think my thinking is in line with lumpulus, because I know exactly why tdottsx's dealer contact would have hated it, the suspension combined with the cramped quarters is hatable, but yet also what I miss. If it were the cheap stereo he might have said, meh, not for me.

I've never had any inclination to mod a car, expecialy not the TSX because I see it as more of a luxurious people mover, but for some reason I have a strong desire to get an RSX and soup it up. I'm not even into racing, I just like them for what they are. I wouldn't mind buying one that has already been modded but I take that to mean that it has almost certainly been pushed hard in every other aspect.

Mokos23

While the RSX-S is nice, I've always liked the 1997-2001 Honda Prelude more.

dlee74

What about the Integra Type-R? I think that body style always looks good.

hunterk1

If you do this you are living my dream, and I am jealous... I'd love to have the TSX for when I absolutely had to have a back seat, and have the RSX (maybe S-Type, maybe not) for when I could just do with a smaller car and better mpg.

Good luck, hope it works out for you!

xenonhid

Ahh Can you guys feel the Honda Love? Group hug!




Wackura, if you can find a well maintained used RSX-S, manual with decent miles, I say go for it.

wackura

Yeah, I also really liked both the 4th and 5th gen preludes as well as the Integra Type-R. They're classics in my mind now that Honda has murdered them all.

I suppose I'd avoid the Integra Type-R simply because it's much harder to come by than an RSX-S. I'd have to probably look out of state. The type-R and RSX-S have similar track times, but I also really apreciate the pureness of the Type-R and the thought that went into its crafting. I like that it's meant to be an efficient speed machine and not just some cheap heavy frame with a large and crude V-8 dropped in.

wackura

I've had Honda's for so long that the interiors of a lot of other car makers seem ugly to me.

erick3

I'd go for that S2K if I were you man! especially since you're looking for a second "fun" car - if not, how a used 3rd gen TL?

wackura

I'm coming to feel that sports sedan is an oxymoron. Yes, they are more fun to drive then a regular sedan but the extra doors, length and weight suck away the sense that you're doing anything for the sport of it. It feels more like you're cheating a little, having a tiny bit of fun between dropping the kids off and picking them up. I'll always take the sport sedan over the regular sedan but it still doesn't replace a coupe or a fast hatch. My old 4-door Integra was an exception because the rear doors and rear passenger space were almost non existant.

tdottsx

[QUOTE=Wackura, if you can find a well maintained used RSX-S, manual with decent miles, I say go for it.[/QUOTE]

my bro is lookin to sell his. white 2003, type s, 45 000miles. in canada a rsx like his is still going for $21 000 CDN. they went up because many people like the older body style and its white which is rare. personally think 21 000 is a little too much for an rsx.

wackura

Thanks, but I'll probably look around locally first, I'm pretty far from Toronto.

Speaking of prices, I stopped by an Acura dealer who had a few RSX's on the lot and they posted $25G sticker for an '06 RSX-S. Did a famous person die in it or soemthing? I noticed when I sat in it that everything about the interior says "it's supposed to be fun not comfortable" with the sculpted seats and miniature appointments, whereas the closest the TSX gets is maybe faux aluminum trim and shifter.

Mokos23

for $25G, i would just buy a used G35 coupe.

wackura

Oh, yeah, there's no way I'd pay that for any RSX not plated in gold. I when the time comes to get one I almost want to make them a low ball offer just for the laugh.

pacman821

what about not getting another four-cylinder FWD and going going for something different. the S2000 sounds good. but what about going with something...original.
why not look at the new Hyundai Genesis Coupe. yes i know the word Hyundai might make you cringe or others to have explosive diarrhea but hear me out. your looking at a car that will not coast more then 32,000, like some of our TSX's. and it will come with a 3.8-liter V6 RWD pushing out 310hp, front and back brakes are packed with Brembos or a 2.0-liter turbocharged four-cylinder RWD pushing out 223hp. now i know Hyundai is not really big with sports cars but personaly i'd give them a try. im not totaly saying that this is the greatiest car nor am i saying its the worst. and if your linking about modding a car, look at the left over money you'll have. think bout it, a twin-turbo 3.8 V6, think bout how much more power you'll have over a RSXtypeS. im just looking at it with an open mind. just my


Sorry if it seem like im stealin this thread.

Take a look at these links, and also search for yourself

Link1
Link2
Link3

And i haven't forgotten those who want the quick info and to move on w/their life's

GENESIS COUPE SPECIFICATIONS

• Configuration: Front engine, rear-wheel drive
• Wheelbase: 2820 mm / 111.0 inches
• Overall length: 4630 mm / 182.3 inches
• Overall width: 1865 mm / 73.4 inches
• Overall height: 1380 mm / 54.3 inches
• Wheels: 18-inch or 19-inch five-spoke
• Engine types: 3.8-liter V6 or 2.0-liter 4-cylinder turbo
• Est. horsepower V6: 306 @ 6,000 rpm (regular fuel)
• Est. horsepower V6: 310 @ 6,000 rpm (premium fuel)
• Est. torque V6: 263 lb. ft. @ 4,700 rpm (regular and premium fuel)
• Est. horsepower 2.0t: 212 @ 6,000 rpm (regular fuel)
• Est. horsepower 2.0t: 223 @ 6,000 rpm (premium fuel)
• Est. torque 2.0t: 217 lb. ft. @ 2,500 rpm (regular and premium fuel)
• Block & head materials: aluminum for both engines
• Valvetrain: DOHC for both engines
• Valve timing: continuously variable valve timing for both engines (Dual for 2.0t)
• Estimated 0-60 mph V6: under 6 seconds
• Transmission types: 6-speed manual, 5-speed automatic (4-cylinder) or 6-speed manual, 6-speed automatic (V6)
• Front brakes: 12.6-inch (standard) 13.4-inch (Brembo package)
• Rear brakes: 12.4-inch (standard) 13.0-inch (Brembo package)
• Front calipers: single piston floating (standard), monobloc four-piston (Brembo package)
• Rear calipers: single piston floating (standard) monobloc four-piston (Brembo package)
• Limited slip differential (Optional)
• Est. top speed: 149 mph (V6), 137 mph (2.0t)
• Base curb weight: 3549 lbs. (V6); 3439 lbs. (4-cylinder)

TSX_831

I went from a base RSX to TSX. I still miss the car to this day. The car is very rough on the road but was fun as hell to drive and toss around. It was great on the mileage too (38MPG on the freeway). You really can't go wrong with a RSX; just make sure you find one that hasn't been abused.

aaronng

If it is a fun car, i'd go for a used EVO...

wackura

I've secretly wanted an RSX for years. I think if I get anything other than an RSX I'll be right back in this spot in short order.

Why did I get a TSX you ask? Wife, and generally speaking a TSX is a better car top to bottom. The feature list was long and good, but alas it never mentioned "a void in you soul."

aaronng

If you are trying to fill a void in your soul with a car, you need to do a little bit more soul searching. If you are wanting the RSX for driving fun, then that is a valid reason!

davidspalding

"Champagne Performance On a Beer Budget" is what one review had to say about the RSX. That review sucked me into test driving Acuras.... Last summer, I was looking for a CPO 2005/2006 RSX, either Type-S or not (they retuned it in 2005, and apparently the base 2005 RSX had the oomph of the 2004 RSX-S). I test drove an 2006(?) base RSX at Carmax, then immediately drove a 2005 TSX from the same lot on the same road -- just for comparison. Both wowed me on the road. I liked the RSX, it drove great, but the interior really disappointed me for the money I was looking to shell out. Prettified Civic, clearly. Insufficient cubby holes, scratched the door pocket with my watch trying to reach the seat adjustment, couldn't adjust the drivers seat without opening the door. NICE seat, though, very comfy. Very elegant climate controls.

The TSX just seemed like the same driving experience (maybe a bit softer, without losing grip or handling) with a more urbane interior, better stereo (chuckle), and nicer back seat. I had to pull over to explore all the amenities. I grasped the RSX' appointments in about 60 seconds.

I don't imagine the retuned 2005 or 2006 base model would disappoint. I was definitely gonna hold out for a Type-S if I had to settle for a 2004, though. Someone here at work has a 2005 or '06 RSX-S, and I feel a healthy pang of envy every time I see it. It dissipates though when I look inside and see how he has to retrofit his GPS and XM radio on the dash.

EuRTSX

RSX's have horrible body roll.

You're gonna need to do some work before you can enjoy it.

chuson

While I think RSX-S is a great car, and it is; it still a FWD car. By no means of slow, they do have their limits on track. If I were you, I would try to get a S2K, even in stock form, it would give you a totally fresh feeling compare to the RSX-S.

BTW: You can pimp on your S2K w/ the top down while the RSX-S can't, given both are "performance" ride, the RSX-S is more on the boy-racer side.

dom

How about a Civic Si? Essentially the same motor as an 05-06 RSX-S but with the benefit of an LSD.

dom

The base RSX went from 160HP in 02-05 to 155 in 06. The drop was due to the new SAE standard for measuring HP. I don't think the base motor was re-tuned in its lifetime. S motor went from 200 to 210 in 05 and then back down to 201 for 06. Again because of the SAE. So 05-06 RSX-S should feel quicker than an 02-04.

frescagod

i did too. and then i sold the TSX and got an S2000. hmm.

i never seemed to get 38mpg with my RSX but i did break 400 miles on a tank a few times. it was very fun to drive, and at the time, i thought there was no better transmission out there. it was a little loud on the highway but nowhere near the S2000 (it's annoying, trust me).

looking back on things, if i had kept my RSX, it would have been paid off awhile ago and i'd still have a very fun, economical car. the fold-down rear seats make for pretty useful cargo space as well. all in all, i miss the car dearly.

i don't think it had terrible body roll. if you're used to the TSX, you won't find the RSX to be much of a stretch. if anything, i'd say that the TSX has more body roll. you're right, though, in that if you're buying the RSX to just tool around with and you want super flat cornering abilities, you'll have to upgrade a few things (suspension, tires).

similarities between the RSX and TSX:
1) you must rev the engine very high to get any real power out of it
2) the six-speed manual transmissions are both very smooth
3) they both have decent interiors, and supportive, bolstered seats
4) they both have speedometers that start at 6 o'clock. cool.
5) they both achieve excellent fuel economy when driven normally
6) they are both very reliable cars

wackura

One thing that kinda sucks is the the 02-04 fascia was more interesting than the 05-06. The former is like a fingerprint, the latter is relatively ordinary. However the 05-06 has a healthy list of improvements over the 02-04.

LukeaTron

I'm with Dom on this one, you should really scope out the new Civic Si. It's a small step down in the luxury department but a bigger step up in handling. If fun is what you want, and you're looking for a small FWD with a roof, it definitely delivers the goods. Plus there's every part imaginable available for the thing if you get the urge to do some modding.

TommySalami

If you're looking for a fun second car, I would go with something rear wheel drive. S2000 fits the bill nicely

Mowgli

S2000 or Miata

wackura

One thing that worries me is that as time passes the RSXs that are on the market will continue to be driven by their owners and the RSX-s in particular will get trashed, however a four year lease on a '06 will generaly expire in '09, so by this logic can I expect a healthy supply of CPO RSX's on various Acura lots through '09?

rmjames007

I have the 06TSX and the 05S2K

I love both of them and they each fill that niche.

datadr

I owned a 2003 RSX-S - traded this past winter for a 2008 TSX. I loved the car. Even after 4 years with it, it still brought a smile to my face. No mods, but was very peppy. I feel it was slightly faster than the TSX, but it's pretty close.

I traded for a TSX for comfort, plus the kids are getting bigger and it was a pain getting them in and out of the back seat. I still do miss it sometimes, though. The seats hug you like they were molded just for your body, and the steering wheel is a small sportly little thing. Very quick, responsive steering.

You can't go wrong with it. It is noisy on the highway, though. Probably my biggest complaint. My other was the quality of the interior materials... They were good, but I also owned a '93 Integra, and that had a higher-quality interior, IMHO. The door panels in the integra were padded vinyl, and the RSX is high-quality hard plastic.

xenonhid

Don't know about you but I have music thumping when I'm cruising in my TSX!

So I don't hear highway road noise.

PrecyseStylez

Are we talking about these cars in stock form or modded??.. A fun stock car i would go with the S2K.. an intake alone and its a blast to drive. NOW... modded?? RSX-S all the way.. but again depending on how far your trying to mod it? The S is already modded from factory so gains will be little with bolt ons.. K-pro was released for the S2K so you can smooth out vtec alittle. But if your gonna do any serious modding "NA".. i'd go with the RSX.. both are 2liters.. the difference is rear wheel compared to front wheel. If your gonna go turbo, i'd take the rear wheel over front wheel..so that means the S2K would be better with traction.

black label

RSX type S has sooooo much less body roll than a TSX if they are both in stock form.

RSX is definitely a fun car to drive, it's a lot of fun to scream to 8K and not have to worry about the back end coming out on you.

That said, if I was looking for a truly fun car, I'd go S2000, Miata or maybe RX8. Rear wheel drive is fun to play with.

davidspalding

RX8's have terrible gas mileage. I love the interior, exterior, rear half-door (as did Consumer Reports), but the EPA mileage figures (and word of mouth) slid it off my A-list.

LukeaTron

Between the two of my friends who bought RX-8s shortly after they were released they ate a total of 4 engines in about 18 months. Both were lemon lawed. Such a shame because it's really nice looking, and when it's running, fun to drive car.