318 messages,
Last post on Jun 14, 2007 at 3:18 PM
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Lexus IS Forum.
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Acura TSX, Lexus IS 250, Car Comparisons, Sedan
#31 of 318 Re: 4-cylinder vs 6-cylinder [sosk]
by ninjaguy
Jan 05, 2006 (12:19 am)
Although both cars have the same HP, the IS250 has more torque (185 vs. 164 ft-lbs). The 20 extra ft-lbs of torque do make a difference. My son has a 2004 TSX, and I drove the IS250 at the Taste of Lexus last fall. The Lexus did indeed feel more powerful.
However, the IS is overpriced, and the TSX is a better value at thousands less, and it handles just as well (as far as I could tell during the short time I was able to drive the IS). Plus the IS250 has the cramped back seat.
I would also recommend the Infiniti G35 for the same price as the IS250. Note that the G35 will have a design change for 2007 (to be unveiled at the New York Auto Show in April). If you decide on a G35, suggest waiting until after the the NY Auto Show to see if you will like the new model better, although you probably won't be able to get a decent price on the 2007 model until at least spring 2007.
#32 of 318 Re: 4-cylinder vs 6-cylinder [sosk]
by sosk
Jan 05, 2006 (7:18 am)
Thanks, ninjaguy!
So are you saying it's the torque that makes the IS faster? Does the number of cylinders have nothing to do with it? Pardon my ignorance!
The cramped backseat of the IS250 isn't a problem for me - I use the backseat rarely, and usually only to transport my dogs! I drove the G35 - I thought the backseat was much smaller in it, and I got a lot of outside noise (maybe it was just the one I was in).
I know the TSX is getting a new look for '07, so I'm thinking of waiting until I can see it. I'm in no hurry at this point. Maybe by early summer the Lexus can be had for less than sticker.
I'm looking for small but nice, as I tend to keep my cars for a good 10 years. It seems like every year "they" add a few inches to all the cars I like. I'm having a hard time finding something no longer than the TSX that is fun, peppy & a bit luxurious.
Jan 05, 2006 (12:13 pm)
The IS may have more peak TQ, but until we see a graph showing the full-range power delivery, no conclusions about it being more "powerful" than the TSX can be made.
Also, don't forget the IS weighs 200 lbs more than the TSX.
#34 of 318 Re: 4-cylinder vs 6-cylinder [sosk]
by johnny420
Jan 05, 2006 (1:06 pm)
The TSX's full model change is slated for model year 2008, not 2007. Still, that's less than two calendar years away.
And if you're having trouble finding a car "no longer than the TSX that is fun, peppy & a bit luxurious," then try the TSX itself. It fits that description perfectly.
#35 of 318 Re: 4-cylinder vs 6-cylinder [johnny420]
by sosk
Jan 05, 2006 (3:55 pm)
Thanks, johnny420. I DID try the TSX and for the most part I liked it a lot. I liked that it came loaded with everything I wanted at a nice price, but I felt that the interior of the IS was nicer. I don't like that the 2 Acura dealerships are so far away, tho! And I guess I'm a little nervous about getting on the freeways in a 4-cylinder car.
#36 of 318 Re: 4-cylinder vs 6-cylinder [sosk]
by biker4
Jan 05, 2006 (6:48 pm)
And I guess I'm a little nervous about getting on the freeways in a 4-cylinder car.
That's gotta be one of the more ignorant remarks I've read. Who brainwashed you into that opinion? Would you feel more comfortable if it was a 16 cyl car?
The number of cyclinders in a car should no difference what so ever - just ask yourself during a test drive if its performance is adequate for your needs. Would it make you feel better if I told you that the 30-50mph roll on acceleration (something you need on the highway) is better in the TSX than the IS? But for the not so grippy OEM tires on the TSX virtually all performance numbers for the TSX would be better than the IS.
Buy the IS for its better interior, better badge, for its looks but for gosh sakes not because it has two more cylinders.
P.S. You can have routine work done at a Honda dealer on your TSX.
#37 of 318 Re: 4-cylinder vs 6-cylinder [biker4]
by sosk
Jan 05, 2006 (7:05 pm)
That's gotta be one of the more ignorant remarks I've read.
Excuse my ignorance, biker4 - I've been told by several people, here and there & over the years, to avoid 4-cylinder cars. And while recently researching the '06 TSX & the '06 IS, I stumbled across a TSX-owner who said he wished he'd spent the extra money on the IS because he felt the TSX was a bit sluggish.
Please don't blast me for not knowing much about cars. I have no one to turn to & thought I could write here for guidance.
#38 of 318 Re: 4-cylinder vs 6-cylinder [sosk]
by pat
Jan 05, 2006 (7:37 pm)
Yes indeedy, you can get guidance here. Sometimes folks are a little quick to misunderstand - and jump at people - but usually they mean no harm, they just forget that not everyone has the automotive background they do. Please feel free to ask any questions you have. Someone here will try to help, I'm sure of it.
#39 of 318 4-cylinder vs 6-cylinder
by fredvh
Jan 05, 2006 (10:15 pm)
I test drove the TSX automatic and it has plenty of power. I will not deny that a 6 will have generally more power than a 4 but it would not sway me from buying a 4. The TSX has more than enough power for every day driving. The new generation of 4-cylinder engines with 2.0 liters and above have very adequate power and in almost every case get much better mpg too.
#40 of 318 Re: 4-cylinder vs 6-cylinder [fredvh]
by sosk
Jan 05, 2006 (10:48 pm)
Thank you, fredvh, for your comments & info. And thank you very much for not belittling me for my question!