First Drive: 2005 Acura RSX Type-S

[Dulanic]

Originally posted by: Aharami

Originally posted by: srp49ers
My favorite part of the review was

"But with Scion's athletic and well-equipped tC starting at under $17,000 with a moonroof, sport suspension with 17-inch wheels and similar luxury features to the RSX, the Acura salesmen are going to have their work cut out if someone comes into the showroom cross-shopping those two cars."


<------Proud Owner of a Scion tC

whats so special about the moonroof? i heard its all that and then some? pics would be nice

Here is 3 pics of my tC's sunroof, it's not even really a sunroof, it's a all glass roof.

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

I do like the RSX, but I like the tC more, and within a few months TRD will beable to make the tC as fast probably faster then the RSX. But noones sure yet, but figure on the rumors... Base tC 16.5 RSX 23K after dest charge, and thats at near invoice. Toss on 3K (Est Cost for TRD supercharger) and the tC will be making atleast 200/190, tho from the word out itll be closer to 225/210. And thatll be at a cost of 19.5, not bad.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: Dulanic

Originally posted by: Aharami

Originally posted by: srp49ers
My favorite part of the review was

"But with Scion's athletic and well-equipped tC starting at under $17,000 with a moonroof, sport suspension with 17-inch wheels and similar luxury features to the RSX, the Acura salesmen are going to have their work cut out if someone comes into the showroom cross-shopping those two cars."


<------Proud Owner of a Scion tC

whats so special about the moonroof? i heard its all that and then some? pics would be nice

Here is 3 pics of my tC's sunroof, it's not even really a sunroof, it's a all glass roof.

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

I do like the RSX, but I like the tC more, and within a few months TRD will beable to make the tC as fast probably faster then the RSX. But noones sure yet, but figure on the rumors... Base tC 16.5 RSX 23K after dest charge, and thats at near invoice. Toss on 3K (Est Cost for TRD supercharger) and the tC will be making atleast 200/190, tho from the word out itll be closer to 225/210. And thatll be at a cost of 19.5, not bad.

Well, if you are comparing modded to modded, why doesn't the RSX-S guy throw in a $700 accord shortblock swap and burn the SC TC?

 

[RiDE]

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: Dulanic

Originally posted by: Aharami

Originally posted by: srp49ers
My favorite part of the review was

"But with Scion's athletic and well-equipped tC starting at under $17,000 with a moonroof, sport suspension with 17-inch wheels and similar luxury features to the RSX, the Acura salesmen are going to have their work cut out if someone comes into the showroom cross-shopping those two cars."


<------Proud Owner of a Scion tC

whats so special about the moonroof? i heard its all that and then some? pics would be nice

Here is 3 pics of my tC's sunroof, it's not even really a sunroof, it's a all glass roof.

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

I do like the RSX, but I like the tC more, and within a few months TRD will beable to make the tC as fast probably faster then the RSX. But noones sure yet, but figure on the rumors... Base tC 16.5 RSX 23K after dest charge, and thats at near invoice. Toss on 3K (Est Cost for TRD supercharger) and the tC will be making atleast 200/190, tho from the word out itll be closer to 225/210. And thatll be at a cost of 19.5, not bad.

Well, if you are comparing modded to modded, why doesn't the RSX-S guy throw in a $700 accord shortblock swap and burn the SC TC?

Because the RSX-S is already over $20k?

 

[Vic]

The tC is a cool car, and a good value at the base price, but the problem with it is that once you start throwing on some options, the price goes up FAST.

 

[PowerMac4Ever]

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: Dulanic

Originally posted by: Aharami

Originally posted by: srp49ers
My favorite part of the review was

"But with Scion's athletic and well-equipped tC starting at under $17,000 with a moonroof, sport suspension with 17-inch wheels and similar luxury features to the RSX, the Acura salesmen are going to have their work cut out if someone comes into the showroom cross-shopping those two cars."


<------Proud Owner of a Scion tC

whats so special about the moonroof? i heard its all that and then some? pics would be nice

Here is 3 pics of my tC's sunroof, it's not even really a sunroof, it's a all glass roof.

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

I do like the RSX, but I like the tC more, and within a few months TRD will beable to make the tC as fast probably faster then the RSX. But noones sure yet, but figure on the rumors... Base tC 16.5 RSX 23K after dest charge, and thats at near invoice. Toss on 3K (Est Cost for TRD supercharger) and the tC will be making atleast 200/190, tho from the word out itll be closer to 225/210. And thatll be at a cost of 19.5, not bad.

Well, if you are comparing modded to modded, why doesn't the RSX-S guy throw in a $700 accord shortblock swap and burn the SC TC?

One argument is that the RSX's engine would no longer be covered by the warranty whereas the TRD Supercharger would be covered under the Tc's warranty. Also, you'd still be comparing a ~$23,700 RSX to a $19,500 Tc. I think the Tc still wins on price.

 

[Dulanic]

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: Dulanic

Originally posted by: Aharami

Originally posted by: srp49ers
My favorite part of the review was

"But with Scion's athletic and well-equipped tC starting at under $17,000 with a moonroof, sport suspension with 17-inch wheels and similar luxury features to the RSX, the Acura salesmen are going to have their work cut out if someone comes into the showroom cross-shopping those two cars."


<------Proud Owner of a Scion tC

whats so special about the moonroof? i heard its all that and then some? pics would be nice

Here is 3 pics of my tC's sunroof, it's not even really a sunroof, it's a all glass roof.

Pic 1

Pic 2

Pic 3

I do like the RSX, but I like the tC more, and within a few months TRD will beable to make the tC as fast probably faster then the RSX. But noones sure yet, but figure on the rumors... Base tC 16.5 RSX 23K after dest charge, and thats at near invoice. Toss on 3K (Est Cost for TRD supercharger) and the tC will be making atleast 200/190, tho from the word out itll be closer to 225/210. And thatll be at a cost of 19.5, not bad.

Well, if you are comparing modded to modded, why doesn't the RSX-S guy throw in a $700 accord shortblock swap and burn the SC TC?

Im comparing a option, the TRD supercharged wont be some aftermarket system that wont be warrantied. Im comparing price/performance anyways. But either way the TRD supercharger will be a OPTION and will be warrantied, and STILL be 3K under the Type S cost. Hey wait isn't that what a Type S is? Yes yes it is... it is an option, labeled with Type S. Soo just because the scion doesnt have add something to the name, the tC s/ced shouldnt be valid for a comparison?

 

[Dulanic]

Originally posted by: Vic
The tC is a cool car, and a good value at the base price, but the problem with it is that once you start throwing on some options, the price goes up FAST.

No doubt, but honestly, there are no options that are a big deal. Floor mats is all I got. Im lowering it, but doing that myself and the TRD springs cost me $160. The only other common factory option Ive seen gotten is the lip spoiler.

And to show an example of how scion works... they recently dropped the cost of the XM (Which yes was a rip off) $250, and are offering a REFUND of the $250 to anyone who got that option on their 05.

Either way I like the RSX, but the price is too high for what it is. It is just not competitive when it comes to price, and when the tC gets the s/c it prob not be there in performance either.

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: Vic
The tC is a cool car, and a good value at the base price, but the problem with it is that once you start throwing on some options, the price goes up FAST.

What options? The only available "options" are exterior color and transmission type. Everything else is standard. You have a choice of like 50 different accessories, though, like shift knobs, exhaust, floor mats, etc - all dealer-installed equipment. The tC is the best value on the market, period.

 

[Thegonagle]

Originally posted by: Aharami
so my car's max hp is 174 @ 5800 rpm and max torque is 181 ft-lbs @ 3200 rpm

so at max hp my car's making 158 ft-lbs of torque.

Yes. I didn't check your math, but the important thing is that you understand that there is a relationship between torque, HP, and RPM. People who don't understand this have no business arguing about torque and HP, but they try anyway.

You really need a torque (or HP) vs. RPM graph to fully see how an engine would perform out in the real world. Published specs. only give you two points on such a graph--the RPM at which peak torque is produced (from which HP can be derived), and the RPM at which peak HP is produced (from which torque can be derived). I wish manufacturers would publish, or otherwise make it easier to find these graphs.

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: KnightBreed

Originally posted by: Vic
The tC is a cool car, and a good value at the base price, but the problem with it is that once you start throwing on some options, the price goes up FAST.

What options? The only available "options" are exterior color and transmission type. Everything else is standard. You have a choice of like 50 different accessories, though, like shift knobs, exhaust, floor mats, etc - all dealer-installed equipment. The tC is the best value on the market, period.

Um, he meant accessories. Are you that dense?

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: KnightBreed

Originally posted by: Vic
The tC is a cool car, and a good value at the base price, but the problem with it is that once you start throwing on some options, the price goes up FAST.

What options? The only available "options" are exterior color and transmission type. Everything else is standard. You have a choice of like 50 different accessories, though, like shift knobs, exhaust, floor mats, etc - all dealer-installed equipment. The tC is the best value on the market, period.

Um, he meant accessories. Are you that dense?

My apologies, I generally infer only as much as the post allows. He clearly said "options" which, IMO, refers to features available from the factory, like ABS, moonroof, CD-changer, etc.

In the context of this discussion (the RSX versus tC for value compact) I just assumed he was referring to factory options, because, quite honestly, I fail to see how comparing a standard tC with thousands of dollars of useless accessories is at all relevant to the comparison.

When most people compare two vehicles for their price/performance, they look at ABS, moonroof, tilt/telescope wheel, and the like. Not aftermarket shift knobs and drilled aluminum pedals.:roll:

 

[JulesMaximus]

They took a distinctive looking car and made it look like the Civic...Way to go Acura...:thumbsdown:

 

[RagingBITCH]

Originally posted by: KnightBreed

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Originally posted by: KnightBreed

Originally posted by: Vic
The tC is a cool car, and a good value at the base price, but the problem with it is that once you start throwing on some options, the price goes up FAST.

What options? The only available "options" are exterior color and transmission type. Everything else is standard. You have a choice of like 50 different accessories, though, like shift knobs, exhaust, floor mats, etc - all dealer-installed equipment. The tC is the best value on the market, period.

Um, he meant accessories. Are you that dense?

My apologies, I generally infer only as much as the post allows. He clearly said "options" which, IMO, refers to features available from the factory, like ABS, moonroof, CD-changer, etc.

In the context of this discussion (the RSX versus tC for value compact) I just assumed he was referring to factory options, because, quite honestly, I fail to see how comparing a standard tC with thousands of dollars of useless accessories is at all relevant to the comparison.

When most people compare two vehicles for their price/performance, they look at ABS, moonroof, tilt/telescope wheel, and the like. Not aftermarket shift knobs and drilled aluminum pedals.:roll:

Ahh. Like you said though - AFAIK, there's only colors and tranny for options. It's generally assumed that options in this case would mean ricer accessories

 

[Mr.IncrediblyBored]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH
Ahh. Like you said though - AFAIK, there's only colors and tranny for options. It's generally assumed that options in this case would mean ricer accessories

Eh, perhaps. I guess I didn't see it that way.:beer:

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: RagingBITCH

Ahh. Like you said though - AFAIK, there's only colors and tranny for options. It's generally assumed that options in this case would mean ricer accessories

to me, options and accessories have really blurry definition, I often (and rather) mix the two together.

so a cup holder and a sun visor is an option or accessory..?


edit: well, obviously engine and tranny choices are options.

 

[Howard]

Originally posted by: Vic

Originally posted by: OS

Originally posted by: Vic
edit2: torque is the real power, horsepower simply shows the ability to maintain that torque over a high rpm range, but otherwise is a mathematical fiction

Torque isn't "real power" at all. It's rotational force. How fast you can apply that force is power, which is what HP is.

You know what I meant....

Why don't you just say you care more about torque than power? More power = higher top speed, and greater acceleration if geared properly.

 

[OS]

Originally posted by: Dulanic
Im comparing a option, the TRD supercharged wont be some aftermarket system that wont be warrantied. Im comparing price/performance anyways. But either way the TRD supercharger will be a OPTION and will be warrantied, and STILL be 3K under the Type S cost. Hey wait isn't that what a Type S is? Yes yes it is... it is an option, labeled with Type S. Soo just because the scion doesnt have add something to the name, the tC s/ced shouldnt be valid for a comparison?

You are sadly mistaken if you think you can get the TRD supercharger purchased and installed at the same dealer for 3k. The only way toyota will fully warranty the car is if the SC is installed by the dealer, who will naturally charge you an arm, leg and testicle for it.

As far as the accord block swap not being under warranty, a swapped RSX is indistinguishable from a stock one unless you tear apart everything under the hood. The stock cylinder head/valve cover, intake manifold, header, hell even the oil pan are all unchanged.

At anyrate, anyone who was familiar with auto consumer laws knows that modifications do not automatically void your warranty. The manufacturer can only void your warranty if the mod causes a failure, (IE CAI causing hydrolock).

Besides, you're only looking at dragstrip performance. Any other performance metric, grip, slalom, the RSX-S is a better platform.

 

[MazerRackham]

I want to test drive this thing... wonder if it'll be in showrooms by the end of September?

 

[Passions]

I've been following tC's way back even when it was in concept form. I also regularly visit scionlife forums.

In my expert opinion, the tC is a cheap rice-o-matic for HS students. It is the new Civic for the new generation. If you are young and on a tight budget working for Taco Bell, it's perfect. It offers many features and generally a well-made car.

RSX is a bit more upscale catering towards the college crowd.

 

[austin316]

Originally posted by: Passions
I've been following tC's way back even when it was in concept form. I also regularly visit scionlife forums.

In my expert opinion, the tC is a cheap rice-o-matic for HS students. It is the new Civic for the new generation. If you are young and on a tight budget working for Taco Bell, it's perfect. It offers many features and generally a well-made car.

RSX is a bit more upscale catering towards the college crowd.

Ummm, no. All your comments are based on the fact that your mommy and daddy buy you your cars. If someone working at Taco Bell buys a 17,000 car, he obvisously is a loser that still lives at home and with his parents, since no way in hell he could afford rent and food with that kind of income.

As for the RSX for the college crowd. Since most people don't work while at college, or those that do put in limited hours at low paying jobs (myself included), I don't see where they get the money either to afford $23,000 on a car.

What kind of car do you drive? Maybe you can prove my ranting wrong.

 

[andylawcc]

Originally posted by: Passions

In my expert opinion, the tC is a cheap rice-o-matic for HS students. It is the new Civic for the new generation. If you are young and on a tight budget working for Taco Bell, it's perfect. It offers many features and generally a well-made car.

RSX is a bit more upscale catering towards the college crowd.

i think you should move the scale up one level.

RSX is a bot more upscale catering towards the college grad who just got a 9-5 clerical position job.
tC is for college kids, and/or college grad working 9-5 clerical.
ford pintos and novas are for ppl working at taco bell.

I believe Toyota Marketing Director would agree with me

 

[Aharami]

i like the looks of the tC better than the RSX

 

[Pocatello]

Originally posted by: Aharami
i like the looks of the tC better than the RSX

It's tough to beat the tC, in term of performance and pricing.

 

[Passions]

Originally posted by: austin316

Originally posted by: Passions
I've been following tC's way back even when it was in concept form. I also regularly visit scionlife forums.

In my expert opinion, the tC is a cheap rice-o-matic for HS students. It is the new Civic for the new generation. If you are young and on a tight budget working for Taco Bell, it's perfect. It offers many features and generally a well-made car.

RSX is a bit more upscale catering towards the college crowd.

Ummm, no. All your comments are based on the fact that your mommy and daddy buy you your cars. If someone working at Taco Bell buys a 17,000 car, he obvisously is a loser that still lives at home and with his parents, since no way in hell he could afford rent and food with that kind of income.

As for the RSX for the college crowd. Since most people don't work while at college, or those that do put in limited hours at low paying jobs (myself included), I don't see where they get the money either to afford $23,000 on a car.

What kind of car do you drive? Maybe you can prove my ranting wrong.

Where do you live? Oklahoma?

Obviously you aren't in So Cal, where kids get cars from their parents. Also, if the parent doesn't buy the car for them, there's something these days called financing. Come to UCLA and check out the cars in the parking lots and I will guarentee you that RSX's is on the low end for college students. Hah! PWNAGED.

Btw: I drive a 1989 Toyota Corolla.

 

[Passions]

Originally posted by: Pocatello

Originally posted by: Aharami
i like the looks of the tC better than the RSX

It's tough to beat the tC, in term of performance and pricing.

Nissan Senta Spec-V