So my family recently got an 05 RSX (not type s ) last weekend. I've driven it around enough to get a good feel of what it can and can't do. Comparing it to my WRX, it's a completely different car. But I think the most noticeable difference is whenever I try to accelerate, it accelerates quickly at low speeds (between 20-40~50 mph) But when it gets to the 60s and 70s range it tends to lose power fairly quickly. Unlike my WRX, it has a very consistent power climb. I know that the RSX is a FWD and a vtec. But can anyone explain why this is so? Like even though this thing is stock. I seriously can't imagine it being any faster than a WRX, even if it was modified, everytime I drive it, I just feel like it's constantly having a hard time picking up speed, while the WRX just eases its way to high speeds.

Note: This was the same RSX that I was going to get if I didn't get the WRX, so glad I got a WRX now

 

This is just a guess, and I have no idea if it's true, but since it's a small displacement naturally aspirated engine, it will have little to no pull in the higher RPM range - where as the WRX is helped by a turbo that effectively helps it maintain power over a wider RPM range.

 

One word... Turbo? A lot of cars have lower end because there isn't lag on power from a turbo. With a WRX 2.0 at least the lower end sucks 'til 3.5k.

I was thinkin about gettin' a 2000 RS just cuz the 2.5L moves the car faster at city speeds, fun to drive just no middle-high end power. Then later do an STI engine swap =D.

 

Because its a stock K20A2...

I love driving my moms RSX its a nice break from the suby. It definately handled better out of the box.

 

Yeah, I still love the RSX, it's a nice change from the WRX, and I like the handling of it a little better. Plus I love it's fuel efficiency! 30 MPG!

But because it is STOCK. I've had comparisons when my WRX was stock. And the power difference was still immense. Like with the Suby it seems like it had sooo much power potential like it can go even with a stock set up. But with the stock set up of an RSX, I feel like it's an uphill climb for power. But I guess WRX's turbo has a huge contributing factor to this.

 

is it awww-dowwww-matttticccc ah?

 

Yes unfortunately with "fake manual"

 

Tip tronic ftw wish my suby had it

 

what year is the rsx? My brother just got an 05 non-S automatic. I've driven it once and it definitely is nice for a DD, but I will always prefer my Suby. 5 speed auto ain't bad either.

 

I've driven my friend's 02 rsx type s w/ cai, if u guys got the s version i believe the 05's have a better set of cams than the previous ones, i had fun rev matching with it and tapping into v-tec gets fun with the high pitched sound, they're not bad at turning either, it turned better than my wagon stockwise, overall they're both great cars imo, no one loses with either

 

its actually a k20a3, meaning its the base engine

and to the thread starter, no the rsx your driving does not have real vtec, so you shouldn't really feel any power crossover like you would on a type-s

And you should slap a race header on that car so the rpms can move a lot faster for you and your mom

 

What do you mean it doesn't have "real vtec"

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acura_r...m_2004_to_2005

It states there that the K series engines feature vtec

 

its not full iVTEC. it only adjusts the intake ( or exhaust side, cant remember ) cam for emissions, thats it

 

also I believe the type-s I vtech is more aggressive than the base model... the non type s I vtech is tuned for economy not sport...

 

Basically the Base engine has a fake vtec that really doesn't do much power wise and that come on at 2300 rpms

The Type-S has the "real" vtec that comes on much later

On the base vtec exists only on the intake cam. At low rpm, the two intake valves operate with different cam lobes. One valve gets the primary lobe (the taller lobe) and the other gets the secondary lobe (shorter). The exhaust valves always get shoved open by a single lobe with no tricks at all. When VTEC kicks in at 2300 rpm, both valves start following the primary lobe.


The Type-s VTEC is on both cams, and kicks in much later and there is a distinct sound and feel when it hits, and actually helps performance when you hit it.

Thats what I was saying..