Acura RSX (All years/types)

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#1977 of 2585 mr orange by beowulf7

Nov 16, 2003 (11:23 pm)

- Good warranty/service?
+ Yes: 4 years/50 kmi.

- How much should I be looking to spend for what I want?
+ Don't go much above invoice. 2003s will be cheaper if there are any left. For 2004, you should still spend closer to invoice than MSRP.

- How much is that Factory Premium Package or whatever the heck it is?
+ What is this? Do you mean the sound system? There's no choice for audio - if you buy a base, then you won't get the Bose woofer and 6-CD changer. That's a good thing, probably, since you can use the cost difference to put in a killer sound system.

- Is it fast enough?...is it strong enough?
+ Type-S is a bit faster than base (200 HP vs. 160 HP). RSX base w/ a MT is quick enough for most folks.

- Is it going to turn into a rattle trap?
+ I hope not. Acura has a pretty good reputation.

- Are they going to release a newer better version of the same model within a friggin' year (my luck)?
+ I think the RSX will be due for a reskin in 2005, but no major redesign until 2007 or 2008.

Good luck.

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#1979 of 2585 mr orange/beowulf7 by li_sailor

Nov 17, 2003 (8:25 pm)

AFAIK, the package being referred to here is the Factory Performance package being offered for the type S. It lists for $4800 plus installation. Frankly, I don't think it's worth the money, but YMMV.

Here's what the package includes:

High performance, track-tuned shocks and springs
Slotted brake rotors and performance brake pads
Lightweight 17x7.5 inch alloy wheels
High performance tires (225/45VR17)
Factory performance rear wing spoiler
Under-body spoiler kit
Metallic look interior trim kit
Factory Performance shift knob
Factory Performance badging

Here's what it looks like:

Photo is from the Edmunds RSX type S page.

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#1980 of 2585 Sailor by joe249

Nov 18, 2003 (7:47 pm)

Where's the low end torque ,or did I miss something?
I've an 03 TYpe S and the base modle is quicker from the get go.
YA, $4800 is a bit much.IMO

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#1981 of 2585 joe249 by li_sailor

Nov 18, 2003 (8:32 pm)

Mmmm, yes, this is not a low-end torque-kind of beast. Didn't think about the base being quicker from start...is it really? The crossover should come soon after that, though...to me, the quickness at higher rpms is more important on the hwy and such.

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#1982 of 2585 hey Matt by swan898

Nov 19, 2003 (12:11 am)

Your going to love the 04 coupe. Don't have to worry about noise,inside or out. If you live in hilly country,maybe the auto would be best. Why worry about shifting?The new 4 or 5 speeds are almost seamless,and much improved overall. No clutch to burn or wear out.Keep life simple. Before you buy you might take a look at the Toyota Solara sport. About the same price and rather sporty. tight as a drum.The four cyl has plenty of get up and go. Last thing you need is to start building up speed tickets at 18. Your ins. rates will leave a great big hole in your pocket. We just got an 04 SLE and couldn't be more pleased. Just a tad larger than the Acura. Happy hunting. (I am not a salesman)

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#1983 of 2585 li sailor by nitromax

Nov 19, 2003 (5:12 am)

Mmmm, yes, this is not a low-end torque-kind of beast. Didn't think about the base being quicker from start...is it really? The crossover should come soon after that, though...to me, the quickness at higher rpms is more important on the hwy and such.

I've also heard that the base engine has more low end. The torque curves prove it, but with such a smooth fast revving engine....this shouldn't be a concern.
I, OTOH, have the automatic which gives an additional shot of torque right off the line due to the torque converter. It's not much but every little bit helps.

Another way to gain more low end power is by replacing the existing air cleaner with a cold air intake.

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#1984 of 2585 Base and S engines by bobst

Nov 20, 2003 (1:11 pm)

According to the sales brochure, the base engine has both more torque and more horsepower than the S engine below 5500 rpm. Above 6000 rpm, the torque in the base engine falls off dramatically.

I doubt I will ever rev mine over 5500 rpm.

We got our base RSX in October after drooling over the car for 1.5 years. We love it.

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#1985 of 2585 Base and S engines by li_sailor

Nov 21, 2003 (6:05 pm)

Ok, ok, guys...I went back to the brochure to check, as I didn't remember the exact differences.

You're right, technically. But the HP differences are pretty miniscule. The HP difference peaks at about 10 at 4000 rpms. It's identical up to 3000 rpm and is virtually identical up to about 5300 rpm where the type-S gradually pulls away.

The torque difference is similarly small. It's identical below 2000 rpm. There's about a 5 ft-lb difference at 2500 rpm and about 10 ft-lbs at 4000, rpms. The difference is less at other points. The type S torque pulls away at, once again, 5300 rpm.

It appears to me that the hp/torque output difference below 5300 rpm is minimal with a significant advacntage to the type S over 5300 rpm.

I agree that, unless you race, you don't often exceed 5000 rpms. However, I often downshift to pass on the highway and I go over 6000 rpms at times. The power I get is awesome. I don't do it often or hold it very long, but it's, um, kinda neat

I do a lot of highway driving and it's important to me to be able to be able to "move out" when I need to.

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#1986 of 2585 li sailor by nitromax

Nov 22, 2003 (6:37 am)

You, sir, are correct!

People tend to buy their vehicles to suit their needs (hmmm, sounds like a segue to another forum)

Remember though that torque is what moves the car in the lower RPMs and HP is what moves the car in the higher RPMs. (Perhaps I'm simplifying/butchering that explanation, but that's the general rule)
And 5-10 ft lbs of torque is substantial for this sized car...so for people that like to play in the lower rpms, the base is probably better. For poeple that like to play in upper rpms, the type S is better.

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