OK, I've read somewhere that based on torque/HP curves, Type-S beats the regular trim only above 5500 rpm. Checking Carpoint, the regular trim is rated at 141 lb-ft @ 4000, and Type-S at 143 lb-ft @ 7000. Anybody has any info on that / other thoughts?

 

The k20a3 has more power than the a2 up to 6200rpm. Here's a link to hondata's dynos.

http://www.hondata.com/reflash_rsx_base.html

Oh, I should add that that's a reflashed base v. a stock S, but acura's manufacturer's dyno chart basically showed the same result.

 

That is correct however the K20A2 is a better motor...period

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by aspec04t &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">That is correct however the K20A2 is a better motor...period</TD></TR></TABLE>

...if you're looking for speed.

If you're talking everyday driveability and practicality, I wholeheartedly disagree with you.

 

OK, that's what I was getting at. As a daily driver, would you recommend the base version? I guess I should get off my butt and go test-drive both, but it would be nice to hear people's opinions.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by RusBear &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">OK, that's what I was getting at. As a daily driver, would you recommend the base version? I guess I should get off my butt and go test-drive both, but it would be nice to hear people's opinions.</TD></TR></TABLE>

If you're concerned with speed at all, GET THE TYPE-S (or better yet, a WRX/SRT4/350z/RX8). A lot of people buy the base, but get disappointed when they find out how well the S responds to mods. With the 05 models, the difference between the 2 is now 50hp (different rims too).

Only if you're sure you don't care much about speed, get the base. Personally, I like the fact that the base is such a great/efficient everyday car.

- vtec and head are designed to save gas (27/33mpg)
- can take 87 octane gas
- IM has dual-length runners for more midrange torque
- lighter than the S
- cloth seats hold up to wear and tear better

And the car still makes 160hp. I think that amount of hp is perfect for daily driving for a car of this weight and enough to easily pass traffic. The base also costs $3-4k less than the Type-S and is less to insure as well. I wanted to buy a car that would look good and be an efficient daily driver. The base RSX is great for that. If I were to do it again, I'd pick the base again in a heartbeat.

 

i luv my base

 

Correct me if I'm wrong, but don't the base RSX and the 02+ Civic SI us the same motor???

 

almost. head and block are same. the EP3 uses the typeS intake manifold. which is why it makes more hp than the base RSX.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by krystar &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">almost. head and block are same. the EP3 uses the typeS intake manifold. which is why it makes more hp than the base RSX. </TD></TR></TABLE>

There are some other slight differences as well. The ep3 has an extra balancing shaft that the base rsx doesn't have, but the slight loss in power from this is arguably offset by the use of electric power steering.

The ep3 makes 3-4 more peak whp than a base rsx stock, but has less midrange torque (5-7 lb/ft less from 3-5k rpm). However, the nature of bolt-ons in providing better breathing in higher rpm's works in conjunction with the ep3 IM which also breathes better at higher rpm's, giving the ep3 more peak whp per bolt-on.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 360 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

There are some other slight differences as well. The ep3 has an extra balancing shaft that the base rsx doesn't have, but the slight loss in power from this is arguably offset by the use of electric power steering.

The ep3 makes 3-4 more peak whp than a base rsx stock, but has less midrange torque (5-7 lb/ft less from 3-5k rpm). However, the nature of bolt-ons in providing better breathing in higher rpm's works in conjunction with the ep3 IM which also breathes better at higher rpm's, giving the ep3 more peak whp per bolt-on.</TD></TR></TABLE>

WOuldnt that make the 2 about equal in speed then. Lets say a 0-60 run? It seems that the base is better then ep in low-mid, and ep is better in high. Do they about equal eachother out?

Im not sayin racing, but in actual usable power. Race i think would be a drivers race.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by whiteDCfiver &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

WOuldnt that make the 2 about equal in speed then. Lets say a 0-60 run? It seems that the base is better then ep in low-mid, and ep is better in high. Do they about equal eachother out?

Im not sayin racing, but in actual usable power. Race i think would be a drivers race.</TD></TR></TABLE>

Yeah, the two differences between the two are so minor they're about equal in speed. The ep3 has shorter gearing, but the base RSX is about 50 lbs. lighter. When it comes to mods though, the ep3 makes better power because of its IM. I've seen I/RH/E/hondata ep3's ranging from 155-170whp.

 

<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by 360 &raquo;</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">

Yeah, the two differences between the two are so minor they're about equal in speed. The ep3 has shorter gearing, but the base RSX is about 50 lbs. lighter. When it comes to mods though, the ep3 makes better power because of its IM. I've seen I/RH/E/hondata ep3's ranging from 155-170whp. </TD></TR></TABLE>

The i/rh/e/Hondata are exactly the direction I am going to go with my ep3, right after suspension tuning and new tires. However, not to get to far of the original post, these things would also repsond fairly well in the base rsx. For a DD the a3 is a really great engine, I was afraid the ep3 would be underpowered, but I really dont feel that way ever. My car will also make RPM's really quick, which is really nice so you dont have to waite for the car to make power.

 

I thought since I got just a tad less torque then the S i'll be along side it when launching. That's a big NO I got my *** whooped so badly off the line. It was a girl driving too.

 

Listen go test drive both. Dont be that guy who gets a base auto and then wants to oo what about intake o what about headers o what about this what about that.

 

Obviously, automatic is not an option. Having said that, there's only so much you can find out during a 10-min test drive. I feel that doing your research and asking around informs your decision much better.