- Dec 12, 2000
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Well, daddy had a little problem with his GPS system in the MDX, so he took it in to our local dealer. Of course, our local dealer has no idea how to install a new GPS system, so his MDX is sitting there. Luckily, Hendrick VIP gave him his choice of loaner. The last time my dad left the MDX at the dealer, he took the RL. This time he saw an RSX and some sort of mid-life crisis coupe rage took hold of him.
Of course, as soon as I saw the RSX out there in the driveway I squealed with delight! It was in pearl white with everything but the Type S engine. I grabbed the keys and went for a spin. First, just sitting in the car is an experience itself. I like to think the interior is 'techno' themed, with brushed aluminum and chrome accents, with red interior lighting accents. The gauges are all very easy to read, and the auto air controls are ingenious, though the vents could use a bit of work (or maybe I just don't like them?) The gated shifter was mounted a bit forward for my tastes, but otherwise everything was in order. All in all it was what I would expect from Acura; a quality finished interior with a decent choice of materials, but not as nice as the Mercedes C230 Kompressor IMHO. Also, as one can expect from Acura, the sound system just sucks. I think its the same sound system you get with the EX Civic, but I could be wrong. Maybe the Type S has a better option. Any true audiophile would probably replace the factory system anyway, so at least these folks can rest assured they're not paying extra for something they'll never be using.
Well here is where I learned that driving a sedan well does NOT make you a good driver. It took me awhile just to back up, cuz I couldn't see a damn thing out the rear hatch. The seating position is very low, and taller drivers may be at a disadvantage compared to smaller drivers due to the design of the seats (very comfortable in leather though, with nice bolstering.) Of course, I don't know how to drive stick, so the 5 speed auto with shifter was perfect for a guy who likes to show off in front of girls. Even the base engine has a great exhaust note, with plenty of bass to satisfy those concerned with being labeled 'ricers' for drivng this car.
So I took off and very quickly found the twisty back roads around the horse ranches and golf courses behind my 'hood. While the steering initially felt numb compared to my Accord (I swear my Accord steers like someone dumped a gallon of WD-40 in the steering column) I realized that at speed it offered just the right amount of responsiveness. I was able to deftly maneuver at 45 mph through a series of consecutive curves that I would normally take at 25-30mph (much to the chagrin of a jogger who pointed out the 15mph speed limit sign!) Low end torque is in ample abundance for a car this size, and when using manual control downshifts deliver quick power when needed. It wasn't until I reached the highway when I longed for the Type S variant. Let me put it this way; my old Volvo 850 Turbo (now my sister's car) would spank this car silly if the driver ever tried to pass me on the highway (55mph - 80mph in about 5 seconds in my Volvo; 8-9 seconds in this car.) I think the forte of this coupe is the handling. No matter how tight a curve I took, body lean was minimal, and the car kept its poise well. In addition, torque steer was virtually non-existant (this may not be so with the 200hp Type S engine?)
Without further ado, I will leave you to ponder my review, correct me judgements, or flame me if necessary. While I've sat inside a C230 Kompressor before, I've never driven one (like I said, I can't drive stick!) but I would love it if someone could tell me how it compares to the RSX/RSX-S. I'd also be willing to hear from an MP3 driver on how the hanlding compares.
Of course, as soon as I saw the RSX out there in the driveway I squealed with delight! It was in pearl white with everything but the Type S engine. I grabbed the keys and went for a spin. First, just sitting in the car is an experience itself. I like to think the interior is 'techno' themed, with brushed aluminum and chrome accents, with red interior lighting accents. The gauges are all very easy to read, and the auto air controls are ingenious, though the vents could use a bit of work (or maybe I just don't like them?) The gated shifter was mounted a bit forward for my tastes, but otherwise everything was in order. All in all it was what I would expect from Acura; a quality finished interior with a decent choice of materials, but not as nice as the Mercedes C230 Kompressor IMHO. Also, as one can expect from Acura, the sound system just sucks. I think its the same sound system you get with the EX Civic, but I could be wrong. Maybe the Type S has a better option. Any true audiophile would probably replace the factory system anyway, so at least these folks can rest assured they're not paying extra for something they'll never be using.
Well here is where I learned that driving a sedan well does NOT make you a good driver. It took me awhile just to back up, cuz I couldn't see a damn thing out the rear hatch. The seating position is very low, and taller drivers may be at a disadvantage compared to smaller drivers due to the design of the seats (very comfortable in leather though, with nice bolstering.) Of course, I don't know how to drive stick, so the 5 speed auto with shifter was perfect for a guy who likes to show off in front of girls. Even the base engine has a great exhaust note, with plenty of bass to satisfy those concerned with being labeled 'ricers' for drivng this car.
So I took off and very quickly found the twisty back roads around the horse ranches and golf courses behind my 'hood. While the steering initially felt numb compared to my Accord (I swear my Accord steers like someone dumped a gallon of WD-40 in the steering column) I realized that at speed it offered just the right amount of responsiveness. I was able to deftly maneuver at 45 mph through a series of consecutive curves that I would normally take at 25-30mph (much to the chagrin of a jogger who pointed out the 15mph speed limit sign!) Low end torque is in ample abundance for a car this size, and when using manual control downshifts deliver quick power when needed. It wasn't until I reached the highway when I longed for the Type S variant. Let me put it this way; my old Volvo 850 Turbo (now my sister's car) would spank this car silly if the driver ever tried to pass me on the highway (55mph - 80mph in about 5 seconds in my Volvo; 8-9 seconds in this car.) I think the forte of this coupe is the handling. No matter how tight a curve I took, body lean was minimal, and the car kept its poise well. In addition, torque steer was virtually non-existant (this may not be so with the 200hp Type S engine?)
Without further ado, I will leave you to ponder my review, correct me judgements, or flame me if necessary. While I've sat inside a C230 Kompressor before, I've never driven one (like I said, I can't drive stick!) but I would love it if someone could tell me how it compares to the RSX/RSX-S. I'd also be willing to hear from an MP3 driver on how the hanlding compares.
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