Im trying to decide between getting an ep3 or an rsx I chose between these 2 because they both have the more powerful k series. I know that performance wise the rsx type s trumps the ep3 but thats not what im here for. I want to know which platfor m is better for a build. What are the pros and cons of each. Which one would you chose. As of now I am leaning towards the ep3 because it is the forgotten chassis.

 

ep3 has a k20a3. fail.

 

EP3 with a type s swap

 

fixed

 

Ep3 is lighter and has eps.

Rsx has better motor, bigger brakes...

Rsx motor and brakes can easily be thrown onto the ep3 chassis.

Other than that it all comes down what pleases you aesthetically.

 

I had this question in my head back in 2002 when shopping for a brand new car.......

I choose the rsx, why?

- better wheels
- brakes
- body lines are slightly nicer
- leather seats
- larger rear sway bar, the suspension stock for stock, the rsx handles better

 

I wouldn't call electric steering a better feature.

As far as weight goes, they are very very close!!!

 

Move to europe or japan and get Ep3 type R with k20a2 .)

 

DC5 for sure...

 

I went through the same process in my head last year, and ended up buying an EP3 after driving both the EP and several RSX-S. The RSX-s is way quicker, but I love the body and interior so much more on the EP. After a swap, there's no downside.

 

I'm mot going to do a motor swap as its not in my budget stock stock an ep3 is basically. A base rex bit which one is more reliable comfortable fuel efficient etc.

 

I've owned both and there are pros and cons for both. Some of my notes may not effect you, but hope it helps in making your decision

EP3 Pros:
- "unique" / not as common
- more of a hatchback (RSX has a hatch, but I personally like the "wagon-type" look)
- "unique" shifter
- less likely to get stolen
- I like electronic power steering (although people prefer hydro)

EP3 Cons:
- VERY slow - some people are OK with the K20A3. I too thought at first "oh, not bad" but it feels slower and slower once you get used to it.
- requires more money for performance. Pretty much no point on buying bolt-ons; they won't help at all (power wise).
- stock suspension sucks (but not like the RSX is a lot better; at least not mine)
- I actually got pulled over A LOT more in the EP3 than the DC5 (maybe because it looks more like a "kids car")
- If you buy one, plan to keep it because the pricing seems to be getting lower and lower. And the more $$$ you put into it makes no difference.
- the gearing sucks in my opinion. The ratio actually works out similar to the K20A2 gearing from 1-5, but that 5th gear + the shorter stock final drive is pretty short and sucks on the highway.

DC5 Pros
- K20A2/z1 stock (in a Type-S)
- 6 speed stock (gearing is OK in the A2, but still a little long in my opinion) (in a Type-S)
- nicer interior (in a Type-S)
- some people prefer the looks of the DC5 over the EP3
- more of an "adult" car (I blend in better and cops seem to leave me alone :knocks on wood:
- a lot more owners so there is a better community and used parts are easier to obtain

DC5 Cons:
- thieves are stealing these cars a lot more now
- isn't really unique nor stands out in my opinion
- hit or miss as far as pricing goes (I got raped on mine)
- some transmissions had grinding/popping out of gear issues (EP3 also, but I think more common in the 02-04 Type S)

 

If you get a Type-S, get a 05-06 for sure.
If you're trying to decide between an EP3 and a RSX base, then I'd take the EP3 any day.
I love my EP3 but stock for stock honda did give us the shaft. They should've made a 180hp version of the K20 like the GSR B18 and put that in the EP or at least a K24A1, stupid honda....

 

I disagree with this, although there's not as many EP3 owners as RSX owners, the EP community is growing and as far as used parts, aside from some interior parts almost everything from an RSX will bolt on to an EP3, they are essentially the same chassis.

 

True that RSX stuff will work on an EP3, but for example, I could not for the life of me find anyone willing to sell their OEM 04-05 SSM skirts for my EP3.

But found OEM 02 DC5 side skirts in ABP like 4 hours after posting my WTB ad lol.

Don't get me wrong, I definitely found some good deals for my EP3, but it seems to be quicker / easier to find stuff for my DC5.

For the record, selling my K24 EP3 was the biggest mistake in my life.

 

Neither one is a better platform for a build, like I said before they are essentially that same chassis. It's like choosing between an DC/DB integra or a EG/EK civic, it's just a matter of taste. The civic will always take a little more work cuz the integra/RSX comes more performance oriented from the factory. Whatever problems you run into building a RSX will most likely be the same problems if you build an EP3...but you said you just want to keep the car stock so I'm confused as to what it is you want. Stock from the factory, 05-06 RSX-S is the best choice in my opinion, it's the closest thing we have to the DC5 Type-R. If you wanna be unique, EP3 all day.

 

 

Ep3 also has itr final drive
Base 5spd rsx and ep3 have the same gears ratios

Later versions had 5 bolt hubs

Cdn rsx had heated seats

 

Thanks skoundrelUSA exactly the response I was looking for big ups.
I'm still undecided though I'm torn between the uniqueness of the ep3 ( I have always had a softspot for civic Hhs) and the performance of the dc5ts

 

I never said I was gonna keep it stock I just wont have the money to do a swap ultimatlely I would want to shoot for some form of forced induction

 

I want to sing the praises of the ep3 with a K20A3 - completely stock - as a daily driver. The K20A2 is much faster and it's really fun when you're racing (I've driven my brothers'), but you have to have that thing wound up to 6K rpm before the fun begins. That's fine on the track and for a thrilling merge onto the highway, but I don't want to drive that way to work every morning. The A3, on the other hand, has plenty of torque at 3K (more than the A2, I read). Plus the EP3 is really, really comfortable - the seats are brilliant, the steering and shifter really good. Plus I can get 34 MPG by doing little more than gliding down hills and into stop lights/signs. You won't win drag races in an EP3, but it's plenty quick enough to have fun, and it's a car you can love day in and day out. The biggest drawback I see is that with no 6th gear, it whines like banshee on the highway at 75 MPH.

 

Not sure you are going with this about 6th gear.........the rsx-s 6th gear is gearing at the 5th gear found on an A3 tranny..........there is 'No" difference...at least on 02-04 models

 

the rsx-s will wax on the ep3 in a drag race, both will have similar handling characteristics

i chose the ep3 because i have always loved hatches, so what if its slow, ITS A HONDA not a racecar

 

EP3 with a K24A2 will wax any honda (aside from a NSX)

 

Yes the gear is the same ratio, BUT the 02-04 RSX-S final drive is 4.3 while the EP3 is 4.7. So at 70mph, the EP3 will be around 4k rpm while the RSX-S will be around 3200 rpm.

I've owned both stock EP3s and stock DC5 so I know first hand. Z3 trans is the best of both worlds imo