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VW Passat vs. Acura TSX

19 messages,  Last post on Oct 04, 2009 at 10:09 AM

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What is this discussion about? Volkswagen Passat, Acura TSX, Sedan

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#15 of 19 Re: VW Passat vs. Acura TSX [gregd1] by cdnpinhead Mar 29, 2008 (4:51 pm)
Replying to: gregd1 (Mar 25, 2008 11:03 am) Rear seat legroom in a car like this, for me, is borderline irrelevant. The car needs to have some (no 2+2's), but the amount is not that important. Unless I'm planning to take 3 full-size people to San Diego from Phoenix. . .   I don't use my car for that. I drive with no one else in it 98%+ of the time. I need the back seat to be useable for that other 2%, but it's not as if I'm hauling them to the East Coast. It's for a few miles.   In an earlier life, I played a mid/senior manager type and needed to take "clients" to lunch from time to time. Then it's important to have a "worthy" vehicle with a proper back seat.   I don't do that any more.
#16 of 19 Re: VW Passat vs. Acura TSX [gregd1] by shipo Mar 29, 2008 (5:57 pm)
Replying to: gregd1 (Mar 26, 2008 11:04 am) The Rear Seat Legroom specification really doesn't tell the full story. Consider the following measurements from for different cars:   34.2" -- 2008 Acura TSX 34.9" -- 2008 Acura TL 37.7" -- 2008 VW Passat VR6 37.0" -- 1995 VW Passat VR6 (You'll see why I've added this car in a moment)   By the looks of things the Acura TL only has seven tenths of an inch more rear leg room than the Acura TSX. By the same token, the new Passat looks like it beats the Passat from two generations ago by that same seven tenths of an inch. Right? Nope, wrong.   Why wrong? Because that measurement is taken with the front seat all of the way back, and as such, a car with greater front seat travel will (theoretically at least) will leave the remaining space in the rear when not used by the front seat occupants. Consider the following:   - FR ---- RR ---- Tot 42.4" -- 34.2" -- 76.6" -- 2008 Acura TSX 42.8" -- 34.9" -- 77.7" -- 2008 Acura TL 41.4" -- 37.7" -- 79.1" -- 2008 VW Passat VR6 45.1" -- 37.0" -- 82.1" -- 1995 VW Passat VR6   Interesting difference huh?. With the two Acuras, the TL ended up extending its legroom advantage from 0.7" to 1.1", not too shabby. On the VW front, we see a reversal of fortunes with the 1995 erasing the 0.7" lead that the 2008 had and blowing by it by another 3.0".   FWIW, I used to have one of those old Passats, and I've got to tell you, a freaking giant would have been able to find a comfortable seating position in that car, and since I'm only 5'8", when I positioned the front seat all of the way back to the stops, I wasn't able to reach the steering wheel, the stick shift, or any of the three pedals. Conversely, when I positioned the front seat so that I could drive comfortably, there was so much rear seat legroom that even my 6'6" business partner could sit back there and cross his legs comfortably.   Best Regards, Shipo
#17 of 19 Re: VW Passat vs. Acura TSX [awaretek] by mumin4u Aug 08, 2009 (11:04 pm)
Replying to: awaretek (Dec 20, 2007 11:18 am) Hey man I don't blame you one bit for liking the Passat!!! I personally have owned Hondas, Acuras, and VWs. In this day and age of globalization cars are becoming more and more like each other!!! Hondas/Acuras use the fly-by-wire technology that VW and other German automakers have been using for over 20 years!!! Also, more and more components of control systems are being replaced by electronics. German cars are not the only cars to be electronic anymore!!! Everyone is going electronic!!! So the complexity of the parts and service for these types of vehicles will obviously increase. Therefore electrical components failing is a problem with both brands is about the same!!! Keeping that in mind, I would have to say that the real difference between the Acura TSX (although I don't think it's an appropriate comparison--the TL would have been a better comparison) and the Passat is the driving experience. German automakers have focused more on drivetrains that generate more lower end torque vs drivetrains that generate more horsepower. You will notice the Passat has less horsepower than the TSX but the Passat feels as if it grips the ground much better than the TSX (and at a lower RPM)!!! The Passat will have a more refined ride compared to the TSX. If you are a person that likes to impress the ladies with revving you engine high, then the TSX will suit you better. If you are intent on beating the teenager with his GF while taking off from the traffic light, the Passat will suit you better!!! In terms of powertrain, I personally advise you to stay away from Turbocharged applications. I believe there is still a great deal of work needed in order to properly integrate a turbocharger with an electronic engine. In that regards I'd recommend the 3.6 VR6 as great engine!! It is probably one of the most reliable water-cooled engines VW has ever manufactured!!! If you are looking for great fuel economy and a no frills driving experience I'd recommend the TSX. VW will have "reliability" issues simply because VW will take more design risks compared to Honda. Honda is pretty conservative and doesn't usually change their design philosophy except once every blue moon. VW is constantly thinking outside of the box and doing so will carry it's share of risks!!! With design and innovation someone has to take a risk (and the potential falls and rises associated with it)!!! I know this is about at year or so late but hopefully it will shed some light on your desire for the VW German driving experience!!! I know it all too well owning currently owning a GTI and Passat!!! Replies to this message: bvdj84 (Aug 10, 2009 8:00 pm)
#18 of 19 Re: VW Passat vs. Acura TSX [mumin4u] by bvdj84 Aug 10, 2009 (8:00 pm)
Replying to: mumin4u (Aug 08, 2009 11:04 pm) Doesn't the 2.0T engine in the passat offer 201 torque, while the TSX has 172.   In a VW or Honda, most don't always opt for a V6. Though the VW V6 has a huge premium, wouldn't always be practical. Why do you think a bigger car like the passat has a 4cyl engine, turbocharged, but excellent. Others could take pointers with this method. The 4cyl are tuned so well that its plenty powerful to get around with some fun. I love VW's approach, putting the most power within the speeds used most. I love it!
#19 of 19 TSX and Passat by amatista Oct 04, 2009 (10:09 am)
I thought long and hard on the virtues of each vehicle for months. For me, it came down to reliability and resale. If I had purchased the Passat, I would've also bought the extended warranty for peace of mind. The price of the extended warranty would have off-set the savings the Passat had over the TSX. Thus, for this reason I got the TSX on Friday, and am exceedingly glad that I did.

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