How does the RSX compare to the performance/handling/comfort of a Celica and GTI 1.8t? How does it compare in other areas? The base RSX (20,500) isn't too much more than the Celica and GTI with options (19.400 and 19,600). I can drive stick but this will be my first manual transmission car. I want a car that is more fun than my 95 Integra LS /w auto. I don't drive around looking to race people but I do autocross when I can.

7orbits

 

http://acura.com/comparison/comp_frame.asp?model=RSX

Try This Link for performance

as far as handling, and comfort.. everyone has there own opion


[Modified by JUNIOR, 7:46 AM 5/20/2002]

 

The GTI 1.8T is a slightly faster car and has extrordinary aftermarket potential for relatively little investment. If you want to go real high end though you'd be better off going for the VR6 200hp version. So if you just want straight line performance it's the cheaper 1.8T GTI hands down. The handeling in my opinion isn't nearly as good (too much roll), making the stock RSX-S more fun to drive around town in my opinion. Parts for the S are probably going to be cheaper than volkswagon parts and my monies on the RSX to have a larger longevity. The Celica handles quite nicely (most say better than the RSX, though it's a toss up I figure) having a real low center of gravity stock, it hasn't got the torque it needs though and nowhere near the after market support the other two will have/have. As stupid as this sounds you may want to wait and see what the Neon SRT has to offer in first quarter 2003 (god I feel unclean saying that). Additionally you could buy an Altima for that price range with a pretty fantastic engine and there's bound to be at least fair aftermarket support for it (two things I thought I'd never say in a posting ever, what's the world coming too).

 

Damn you said Base RSX and Celica! The GTI will hand the Celica and the base RSX their asses in a basket straight line wise. Lower the GTI add some sway bars if your into performance. If your going the RSX route, I would go with the premium RSX instead of the base, I think the 3 G's is totally worth what you get (canada talk). The only reason I'd consider the base RSX is for fit and finish (with the leather package I'm talking and the bigger wheels) and my suspicion it'll be cheaper to repair and last longer.

 

Well being a 1.8t GTI owner I felt compelled to interject and make my first post. Yes it handles like crap, I've auto-x'd a few times and absolutley get killed by the GSR's SVT contour's and just about anything else, but it is fun to drive. My only mod is a 500 GIAC chip and you see the numbers in my sig, I spin 1st and 2nd, and the car is lightning quick on the highway. I've given quite a few other imports a run on the streets. Honestly I think the GTI gives the most bang for the buck, it is incredibly moddable, I have friends running mid 13's with just chips 3" DP's and dumb tubes, and can handle really well wehn set-up. Another friend who has a chip, DP, Koni yellow's and H&R sports alongwith a rear bar and some victorracers frequently keeps up with ITR's at the auto-x. If you ahve any quesitons let me know
Mike

 

Didn't disagree with you in the slightest. Like I said bad handeling is easy enough to fix up and upgrade per dollar value is astounding. Do you have the 180 hp version? The only thing I'd worry about is how long the motor is going to last running like that? Any thoughts? I mean the upgraded power is only since the 2002 model year I think on the 4 cyl's so it's a little hard to say you might not be hitch hiking in a year or two. Other than that it's the deal of the century. Though the 337 is an even better one My that things sweet, and has a six speed.

 

I have an 01 AWW which is 150hp but has the exact same turbo and everything else as the 02's with 180 stock. The 00's have a slightly smaller turbo, diff compressor wheel and don't have variable cam timing so when chipped they don't see as much power and torque. Well as for the motoro not lasting one guy on the vortex is =currently at 369 to the wheels with a T3/T4 and custom fuel management on a bone stock bottom end, car gets raced all the time too. I have a good friend with a 240hp K04 kit, cams, and for a while he had a wet 50 shot and his car still has perfect compression after 45k abused miles. Basically the bottomend is solid and can take alot of abuse. The turbo is tiny though which limits power to about 235ish with a chip, and turbo back exhaust.
Mike

 

So the horsepower numbers and torque is great, but any idea what it does the 1/4 in???? It must be pretty damn quick. I'd be really interested to know as that's a pretty affordable to repro setup. Congrats by the way...

 

As much as I don't like the VW cars... I would have to say the 1.8T is the faster choice but the RSX will last longer and the celica is if you don't want it to get stolen.