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Acura TSX vs. Lexus IS 250

318 messages,  Last post on Jun 14, 2007 at 3:18 PM

You are in the Lexus IS Forum.

What is this discussion about? Acura TSX, Lexus IS 250, Car Comparisons, Sedan

Messages Page 29 of 33

#272 of 318 Re: I'm not sure now [johnny420] by glenn386

Apr 20, 2006 (11:39 am)

Replying to: johnny420 (Apr 20, 2006 10:59 am)
Why does it have to be an argument?
 
How about just plain opinion, these two cars have thousands of variables. Asking others opinion may just bring out a finer point that I wasn't considering.
 
I have test driven both cars three times, so a grand total of maybe 30 minutes +/- in each. I respect the opinion of anyone who owns either of these cars, they have a much larger base of knowledge than mine.
 
I doubt that lexus_in will ever be persuaded that you are correct, that the TSX is the better car. Will he ever convince you that the IS is a better car than your TSX?
 
I respect both of your opinions. As I said, I am interested in your greater base of knowledge and experience with your respective cars.
 
No need to argue or win a debate, in my book.
 
Thanks to both of you for your help in evaulating your cars.

#273 of 318 Apples to Apples??? by mrgold35

May 26, 2006 (7:14 am)

I’ve been reading through these posts and I wonder are we comparing the right apples to apples. The 1st generation IS 300 was from 2001-2005. It seems the 2004-2006 TSX was designed to compete against the 1st Gen Lexus in the entry level sport/luxury or luxury/sport sedan market. There were not a lot of choices a few years ago in this under $30k market. You either picked a very expensive Honda/Toyota/Nissan/GM/Ford or a very inexpensive BMW/Audi/Mercedes/Volvo. Either choice left a lot of us wanting more from our vehicles than what was offered. Honda/Acura always had a history of letting others test the waters first before getting their feet wet. As a consequence, Acura model years run a year a two after their competitors.
 
Comparing the 1st Gen IS 300 against the 1st Gen Acura TSX would seem to be a more realistic debate. Lexus had 5-6 years to learn and improve their product and understand their sales demographics and modified the IS 2nd Gen to reflect this change. I haven’t seen a lot (or any) forums comparing the previous Gen IS to the current IS 250, I think the majority of folks would agree the 2nd Gen is better overall. I think comparing 2nd Gen IS to 1st Gen TSX is like taking a test when you know the answers. Lexus has shifted its market focus based on the information it gather over the last 6 years. It will be interesting to see how Acura interprets the same data and what demographics the 2nd Gen TSX will try to capture. This is the forum I’m waiting for: 2008 TSX –vs- 2008 IS 250 (apples to apples).
 
I’m a proud owner of a 2006 TSX w/ Navi. I pick this vehicle because it was the best overall combinations of all the factors I (and my wife) were looking for in a vehicle. I expect the 2nd Gen IS to be better and I would be disappointed in Lexus if it wasn’t. I found the 1st Gen TSX was better for me. When the 2008 TSX arrives, I will be there for a test drive (I won’t purchase until 2010, work out the new model bugs).
 
Just a thought……

#274 of 318 Let us start here by chikoo

May 30, 2006 (1:01 pm)

What is a "sports car" supposed to accomplish?
 
Please don't give crappy answers like should have RWD.
My farm tractor has RWD. does that mean it can be compared in the sports car segment?
 
Then we should find out whether the TSX or the IS accomplishes that.
 
Go!

#276 of 318 Re: Let us start here [chikoo] by novice

May 30, 2006 (8:49 pm)

Replying to: chikoo (May 30, 2006 1:01 pm)
chikoo,
 
Sounds as though you bring a bit of an 'edge' to your perspective. Let me guess--you aren't persuaded that RWD makes a sports sedan just because a lot of enthusiasts say so. I like your take on this, i.e. you want to identify some outcomes/criteria and then see which cars meet those. It's a very logical and sound approach IMHO. I would only add that even if you can reach a conclusion with data, it won't entirely settle the issue. For instance, car A may prevail on a particular data set. But, most likely, there are other considerations about a sports sedan the data set in play doesn't include. Moreover, while one car may 'win' on points, it doesn't mean it's the desired car overall. For instance, the 100 meter run in the Olympics or other international track events usually has eight entrants, but only one wins. It doesn't mean the others are blow out losers. In fact, they're world class. So too potentially with cars. In addition, there are other factors/features that attract potential owners besides sports dimensions. Nonetheless, you invite a conversation based on some agreed upon elements and that is worthwhile. Let's see what it attracts.

#277 of 318 u got it! by chikoo

May 31, 2006 (1:41 pm)

Precisely. You have articulated my thoughts extremely well Novice.
 
What I really want is the die-hard sport car fan define what the sport car should be able to do. Then based upon those criteria, let us see which car achieves the best scores. Let the performance decide the designation of a "sports car", rather than aspects such as RWD or double-wishbone suspension or a V6 / Inline6.

#279 of 318 Re: I'm not sure now [glenn386] by cchanpa

Jan 04, 2007 (7:20 pm)

Replying to: glenn386 (Apr 16, 2006 10:15 am)
I was in your same situation last week. I think TSX has better interior design and layout. More room in the rear passenger than IS 250. Also, IS250 AWD rear seats can't fold down but TSX can. I agree that IS250 AWD is not $7100 better. Also the car dealer told me I have to get a Navi in order to get a HID xenon lights option. What are either Lexus or the car dealer thinking? I am happy with my 07 TSX comes with all options I need. ">

#280 of 318 Re: I'm not sure now [cchanpa] by jsandberg77

Jan 05, 2007 (6:56 am)

Replying to: cchanpa (Jan 04, 2007 7:20 pm)
I haven't chimed in on this issue yet, but since I've driven both cars, I thought I'd give my impressions. I had an IS250 AWD for a week while my wife's car was in for service. Recently, I purchased an '06 TSX. Overall, I thought that the 250 was the more luxurious car - I liked the leather seats, styling, and dealership experience more. I thought TSX was the more practical car - it had more interior space, fold down rear seats (necessary for a skier), and a more well-thought out, easy-to-use interior. In terms of performance, I didn't get a chance to push the 250 in cornering much, but it felt very competent. The TSX is just as good in the corners as the 250, though the ride on the freeways was a bit more harsh. There isn't much difference in acceleration between the two cars, despite the V6 vs. I4 issue. I own a 6 speed manual TSX, and the 250 I drove was a 6 speed auto. A manual 250 may be quicker, but I've heard that that transmission is nothing to write home about. Overall, I thought that they were both very nice cars, and I could see myself owning both of them. The 250 I drove was similarly equipped to my TSX (6sp, navi), but had a few extra goodies (backup camera, cooled seats, etc.). However, the price difference was upwards of $8,000. If the price were the same, it would be a good comparison, and I probably would've chosen the 250, but that $8,000 difference made my decision easy.

#281 of 318 Re: I'm not sure now [jsandberg77] by dbw1

Jan 05, 2007 (11:44 am)

Replying to: jsandberg77 (Jan 05, 2007 6:56 am)
In Sept I got a TSX mt6 after looking at the IS250 and BMW 3 series. The IS250 was somewhere around $10k more similarily equipped though the only things I really wanted were the hid's and heated seats - for that you had to get the 10k luxery package. The BMW was eliminated because of no BMW extended warrenty available and no spare tire - just run flat tires. While run flats may be okay if you live in Toronto in northern Manitoba they are not acceptable.
Anyway, to shorten the story, after 3+ months and 7000km later I'm very pleased with the TSX. At the end of the day it's whatever turns your crank and gives you a bit of a rush when you start it.

Messages Page 29 of 33

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