EP3 or DC5: Advantages and Disadvantages
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Streets closed Pizzagate boy
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From: SoCal
EP3 or DC5: Advantages and Disadvantages
Well i'd like to get a "newer" honda/acura because i feel it's time to move on...a little. 
I'm looking at a EP3's or an RSX. I plan on swapping in a k24a2 motor that i have into which ever chassis i buy.
Now, my questions are
1. which is lighter
2. which is cheaper (aftermarket parts/ insurance)
3. which handles better
4. which depreciates slower
5. how'd you all decide to go with the car you chose?
Thanks in advance.
I'm looking at a EP3's or an RSX. I plan on swapping in a k24a2 motor that i have into which ever chassis i buy.
Now, my questions are
1. which is lighter
2. which is cheaper (aftermarket parts/ insurance)
3. which handles better
4. which depreciates slower
5. how'd you all decide to go with the car you chose?
Thanks in advance.
Joined: Sep 2003
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From: Irvine, CA, USA
the ep3 is lighter and cheaper.
out of the box the rsx handles better because of better stock wheels/rubber and larger swaybar.
depreciation probably goes to the rsx, slightly, because of the uprated marque and 'luxury' features. i must admit, though, from day one my ep3 has been worth more than i owed on it.
i may be biased, but i would still take the EP3. it's just a better value and i feel has better utility. insurance for mine has been CHEAP. i pay ~$300/6 months for full coverage ($100 comp/coll etc.) but i'm 33 with a second car, wife, and a house.
what troubles me is the number of break-in and theft posts i see on this forum with RSX owners. it's somewhat unnerving to me.
the ep3 is a bit more rare, too. i love the ergonomics and interior design. it has been one my favorite long-haul, daily driver cars i have ever owned (second behind the 325is i owed a few years back) it's as subtle or as audacious as you want it to be. go autocrossing one weekend, use it to move a buttload of mulch the next. excellent value, but you'll be happy with either model.
out of the box the rsx handles better because of better stock wheels/rubber and larger swaybar.
depreciation probably goes to the rsx, slightly, because of the uprated marque and 'luxury' features. i must admit, though, from day one my ep3 has been worth more than i owed on it.
i may be biased, but i would still take the EP3. it's just a better value and i feel has better utility. insurance for mine has been CHEAP. i pay ~$300/6 months for full coverage ($100 comp/coll etc.) but i'm 33 with a second car, wife, and a house.
what troubles me is the number of break-in and theft posts i see on this forum with RSX owners. it's somewhat unnerving to me.
the ep3 is a bit more rare, too. i love the ergonomics and interior design. it has been one my favorite long-haul, daily driver cars i have ever owned (second behind the 325is i owed a few years back) it's as subtle or as audacious as you want it to be. go autocrossing one weekend, use it to move a buttload of mulch the next. excellent value, but you'll be happy with either model.
Thread Starter
Streets closed Pizzagate boy
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From: SoCal
Re: (kung fu grip)
^^^Thanks for your input, i was leaning towards the EP over the RSX. IMO though, i just hate the way it differs from the JDM version. I figure i'll have to spend some money on a lip/wing to make it look somewhat okay. I just think the stock front end is meh'.
That can all be fixed and i think if i can sell my eg for 5, i'll be able to make enough this summer to find a decent EP.
Thanks, i think you settled it for me.
That can all be fixed and i think if i can sell my eg for 5, i'll be able to make enough this summer to find a decent EP.
Thanks, i think you settled it for me.
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From: Washington, DC, USA
People think EP3s are slow; surprise them when you've got your swap done. 
The shifter and "true" hatchback are things that you'll never be able to add to the RSX. But, within a similar budget, you can add things to the EP to make it faster and better-handling than an RSX.
Plus, like kung fu grip said, you can race one day and haul junk the next.
The shifter and "true" hatchback are things that you'll never be able to add to the RSX. But, within a similar budget, you can add things to the EP to make it faster and better-handling than an RSX.
Plus, like kung fu grip said, you can race one day and haul junk the next.
Thread Starter
Streets closed Pizzagate boy
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From: SoCal
Re: (Turn or Burn)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Turn or Burn »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Actually I think the DC5 is lighter by like a few pounds, and I personally would hate to drive an 'si' that has no vtec cam. But that's just me, maybe for some it's more fun to redline at 7k?</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm swapping in a TSX motor i have...redline is still 7600, but who cares when i'll be putting down 180 wtq!
I'm swapping in a TSX motor i have...redline is still 7600, but who cares when i'll be putting down 180 wtq!
I said I don't want a title!
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From: OH
Re: EP3 or DC5: Advantages and Disadvantages (The Dza)
If you're swapping motors, why not go for a Civic coupe? Lighter than the EP3/RSX by quite a bit (even when you get the new motor in).
Otherwise, EP3/RSX it doesn't matter...get what you like as both will be pretty much the same once the new motor is in.
I presonally prefer the RSX styling, but that's just me.
But honestly, think about the Civic coupe. Will be cheaper to purchase by a ton.
Otherwise, EP3/RSX it doesn't matter...get what you like as both will be pretty much the same once the new motor is in.
I presonally prefer the RSX styling, but that's just me.
But honestly, think about the Civic coupe. Will be cheaper to purchase by a ton.
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Streets closed Pizzagate boy
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From: SoCal
Re: EP3 or DC5: Advantages and Disadvantages (Todd00)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Todd00 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">If you're swapping motors, why not go for a Civic coupe? Lighter than the EP3/RSX by quite a bit (even when you get the new motor in).
Otherwise, EP3/RSX it doesn't matter...get what you like as both will be pretty much the same once the new motor is in.
I presonally prefer the RSX styling, but that's just me.
But honestly, think about the Civic coupe. Will be cheaper to purchase by a ton.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Well, if i wanted a light car, i would keep my 93 dx hatch. The whole purpose of me getting a newer honda is to still be able to mod, but not worry about losing most of my money in case of an accident.
I had another hatch, with a gsr swap, was rearended, and got nothing from insurance. NOTHING. I can expect the same if i swap the k into that as well. I look at it as if i buy either an RSX or EP3, i'll be able to get something back, at least a motor since a K belongs in there to begin with.
I also want AC/PS w/o all the headaches that come with swapping a k into an older chassis.
I will either get an EP3, (leaning towards one at this point) or an high milage RSX-S.
Otherwise, EP3/RSX it doesn't matter...get what you like as both will be pretty much the same once the new motor is in.
I presonally prefer the RSX styling, but that's just me.
But honestly, think about the Civic coupe. Will be cheaper to purchase by a ton.</TD></TR></TABLE>
Well, if i wanted a light car, i would keep my 93 dx hatch. The whole purpose of me getting a newer honda is to still be able to mod, but not worry about losing most of my money in case of an accident.
I had another hatch, with a gsr swap, was rearended, and got nothing from insurance. NOTHING. I can expect the same if i swap the k into that as well. I look at it as if i buy either an RSX or EP3, i'll be able to get something back, at least a motor since a K belongs in there to begin with.
I also want AC/PS w/o all the headaches that come with swapping a k into an older chassis.
I will either get an EP3, (leaning towards one at this point) or an high milage RSX-S.
I said I don't want a title!
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From: OH
Re: EP3 or DC5: Advantages and Disadvantages (The Dza)
Civic coupe as in 01+ Civic coupe. Easier swap then with an older car.
But why not just buy an RSX-S and sell your motor off? If you are looking for a car that has resale and that insurance will cover, that's the car to get.
Plus no swap headaches.
But why not just buy an RSX-S and sell your motor off? If you are looking for a car that has resale and that insurance will cover, that's the car to get.
Plus no swap headaches.
Joined: Oct 2002
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From: Sunny, FL
Re: EP3 or DC5: Advantages and Disadvantages (The Dza)
Well for me I guess it would depend on security's sake. Depending on your area, the DC5 might be a worse choice. The parts off of the type-S are hot and people usually get ripped off.
I haven't heard many cases where people steal parts from the EP. The only thing really worth anything are the seats and somewhat, the motor. Whereas the DC5 has a lot of stuff that is in demand.
I haven't heard many cases where people steal parts from the EP. The only thing really worth anything are the seats and somewhat, the motor. Whereas the DC5 has a lot of stuff that is in demand.
Thread Starter
Streets closed Pizzagate boy
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From: SoCal
Re: EP3 or DC5: Advantages and Disadvantages (Todd00)
Enough with the suggestions of an EM2, they're ugly as sin, and not the best handling cars ever. I never said i wanted one ever...
ONE MORE TIME,
ADVANTAGES OF THE EP3 AND DC5
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From: rancho cucamonga, ca, usa
Re: EP3 or DC5: Advantages and Disadvantages (Kal)
i have and ep3 and my roommate has a dc5
since if driven both i would go with the ep3
but, if u do go w/ the dc5 u can sell the motor and get a lot of ur money back
since if driven both i would go with the ep3
but, if u do go w/ the dc5 u can sell the motor and get a lot of ur money back
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From: Washington, DC, USA
Re: (ballerchild)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ballerchild »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">why not just get a type-s and keep the k20a2 as opposed to swapping in the k24?</TD></TR></TABLE>
That's a good point... ^^^
The thing about going for a Type-S is that you're not going to get much better with just a swap. It's already got the motor that the European Civic Type-R had anyway.
If you're really going to go through the effort of an engine swap, I'd say to use a starting point from which you'll see the most difference. Swap something into an EP, and relative to its stock form, you'll see a larger gain for the same amount of effort.
I'm just a hatchback guy, too. Haven't wanted to own anything else over the past fifteen years.
That's a good point... ^^^
The thing about going for a Type-S is that you're not going to get much better with just a swap. It's already got the motor that the European Civic Type-R had anyway.
If you're really going to go through the effort of an engine swap, I'd say to use a starting point from which you'll see the most difference. Swap something into an EP, and relative to its stock form, you'll see a larger gain for the same amount of effort.
I'm just a hatchback guy, too. Haven't wanted to own anything else over the past fifteen years.
Thread Starter
Streets closed Pizzagate boy
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From: SoCal
Re: (BarracksSi)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by ballerchild »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">why not just get a type-s and keep the k20a2 as opposed to swapping in the k24?</TD></TR></TABLE>
The k24a2 puts down more torque stock meaning the type s would be faster and i could keep the six speed trans and sell the k20a2 for more than i could the tsx motor.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BarracksSi »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
That's a good point... ^^^
The thing about going for a Type-S is that you're not going to get much better with just a swap. It's already got the motor that the European Civic Type-R had anyway.
If you're really going to go through the effort of an engine swap, I'd say to use a starting point from which you'll see the most difference. Swap something into an EP, and relative to its stock form, you'll see a larger gain for the same amount of effort.
I'm just a hatchback guy, too. Haven't wanted to own anything else over the past fifteen years.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm a hatch guy as well. I've owned 3 eg's and i can't see myself drive anything else. I'm almost positive i'll save for the EP3 just becuase it's a hatch, and i love it's styling. WHEN i drop the k24 in, a JR supercharger will accompany it as well.
The k24a2 puts down more torque stock meaning the type s would be faster and i could keep the six speed trans and sell the k20a2 for more than i could the tsx motor.
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by BarracksSi »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
That's a good point... ^^^
The thing about going for a Type-S is that you're not going to get much better with just a swap. It's already got the motor that the European Civic Type-R had anyway.
If you're really going to go through the effort of an engine swap, I'd say to use a starting point from which you'll see the most difference. Swap something into an EP, and relative to its stock form, you'll see a larger gain for the same amount of effort.
I'm just a hatchback guy, too. Haven't wanted to own anything else over the past fifteen years.</TD></TR></TABLE>
I'm a hatch guy as well. I've owned 3 eg's and i can't see myself drive anything else. I'm almost positive i'll save for the EP3 just becuase it's a hatch, and i love it's styling. WHEN i drop the k24 in, a JR supercharger will accompany it as well.
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From: Washington, DC, USA
Re: (azriDC5R)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by azriDC5R »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">still prefer the teg, looks fast standing still, espeacially typeR ver... ep3 looks like a bread van....</TD></TR></TABLE>
Easier to have sex in a bread van....
(sorry, I'm tired!)
Easier to have sex in a bread van....
(sorry, I'm tired!)
I said I don't want a title!
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From: OH
Re: (The Dza)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">
Enough with the suggestions of an EM2, they're ugly as sin, and not the best handling cars ever. I never said i wanted one ever...
ONE MORE TIME,
ADVANTAGES OF THE EP3 AND DC5
</TD></TR></TABLE>That's fine, but you do realize that the EM2 has an almost identical chassis and suspension setup that the EP3/RSX has, correct? As far as handling, the Civic coupe is still a lighter car and will handle better than EP3/RSX due to weight.
Again, with all of these cars it comes down to what styling you like best. There aren't enough differences to justify one over the other.
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From: Ellicott City, MD
Re: EP3 or DC5: Advantages and Disadvantages (The Dza)
1. which is lighter
Pretty even on weight, think the ep3 is a tad lighter though
2. which is cheaper (aftermarket parts/ insurance)
RSX has more parts I think since its a more powerful platform than the ep3. But the Honda has the cheaper insurance than the Acura.
3. which handles better
Both have similar potential, but I think the RSX is better in this department.
4. which depreciates slower
Both again abotu even, but the Acura holds its value just a bit longer than a Honda. (again has to do with the Luxury title)
5. how'd you all decide to go with the car you chose?
I'm tall, I fit in it, it had two doors. I love the Integra, it was only natural to go with the RSX.
Pretty even on weight, think the ep3 is a tad lighter though
2. which is cheaper (aftermarket parts/ insurance)
RSX has more parts I think since its a more powerful platform than the ep3. But the Honda has the cheaper insurance than the Acura.
3. which handles better
Both have similar potential, but I think the RSX is better in this department.
4. which depreciates slower
Both again abotu even, but the Acura holds its value just a bit longer than a Honda. (again has to do with the Luxury title)
5. how'd you all decide to go with the car you chose?
I'm tall, I fit in it, it had two doors. I love the Integra, it was only natural to go with the RSX.
I said I don't want a title!
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From: OH
Re: EP3 or DC5: Advantages and Disadvantages (PixelStyles)
Please compare the weight of a base 02-04 RSX to that of any EP3. The RSX is the lighter car. Even the Type S is lighter in those years. The 05-06 RSX got kinda porky though, but it would not be smart to buy an 05-06 just to swap motors.
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Streets closed Pizzagate boy
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From: SoCal
Re: EP3 or DC5: Advantages and Disadvantages (Todd00)
<TABLE WIDTH="90%" CELLSPACING=0 CELLPADDING=0 ALIGN=CENTER><TR><TD>Quote, originally posted by Todd00 »</TD></TR><TR><TD CLASS="quote">Please compare the weight of a base 02-04 RSX to that of any EP3. The RSX is the lighter car. Even the Type S is lighter in those years. The 05-06 RSX got kinda porky though, but it would not be smart to buy an 05-06 just to swap motors.</TD></TR></TABLE>
So 02-04 RSX's are lighter, i was told otherwise but thanks for the correction.
So 02-04 RSX's are lighter, i was told otherwise but thanks for the correction.