1caintegra
type-s and the RS
2002-2006 Acura RSX Review
Introduced for 2002, the front-drive RSX replaced Acura's entry-level Integra. Though similar in dimensions, the RSX featured new styling and promised more power. The new model came only as a two-door hatchback coupe, whereas the Integra had been offered in coupe and sedan body styles. Acura's RSX came in both base and sportier, performance-oriented Type-S trim. Each used a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 160-horsepower base model could have a five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission. In the Type-S, the engine made 200 horsepower and was available only with a six-speed manual gearbox. The Type-S had a firmer suspension, but the same 16-inch wheels and tires as the base model. Both versions included antilock four-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags, plus automatic climate control and a sunroof. Leather upholstery was standard in the Type-S and optional for the base RSX. The Type-S also contained an in-dash CD changer. Competitors included sport coupes like the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Toyota Celica, as well as the Mini Cooper and Volkswagen New Beetle. Acura is Honda's luxury/premium division
Year to Year Changes
2003 Acura RSX: Except for one new paint color, the RSX coupe was unchanged for 2003.
2004 Acura RSX: Heated mirrors became standard for 2004, but other changes were few.
2005 Acura RSX: Freshened styling, sporty-model upgrades, and 10 more horspower for the Type-S model mark Acura's entry-level car for 2005. The Type-S also gets a standard rear spoiler and 17-inch wheels for '05. Both trim levels get revised suspension, steering, and brakes, plus a minor facelift, more heavily bolstered front seats, and extra interior accents in chrome and faux titanium.
2006 Acura RSX: No significant changes for 2006 RSX
2002-2006 Acura RSX
Expert Rating Summary
Category Acura RSX Type-S Rating
(See All Ratings)
Performance 7
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 7
Quietness 3
Controls/Materials 8
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 2
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 3
Total Score: 46
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder engines have been available in the RSX. Base models used a 160-horsepower version, while the Type-S got a 200-horsepower variant, which grows to 210-hp in 2005. Only a six-speed manual gearbox came with the Type-S, but base coupes could have either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I4 2.0 / 122 160 141 5-speed manual: 27/33
5-speed automatic: 24/33 5-speed manual: --
5-speed automatic: --
dohc I4 2.0 / 122 200-210 142 6-speed manual: 24/31 6-speed manual: 24.9
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
An RSX can feel sluggish at low rpm, but delivers impressive power above 3000 rpm. Acura claimed that the base model with manual transmission did 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds. A test Type-S accomplished that task in 7.8 seconds. As expected, the base model does not feel quite as quick, and an automatic transmission dulls performance somewhat. Fuel economy is appealing. Type-S test models have averaged 24.9 to 26.2 mpg, including city/highway driving and performance tests. This suggests base models will also average close to EPA city ratings. Acura recommends premium fuel for the Type-S and regular for the base model. A Type-S coupe rides slightly firmer than the base RSX, but a stiff, rattle-free structure partly compensates. Both versions feel firm, but not harsh or punishing. Steering/handling in impressive on the base model, while the firmer-damped Type-S is slightly more athletic yet. Both have minimal body lean and good grip. Steering is quick, precise and nicely weighted, delivering good road feel. Brakes are powerful, especially on the Type-S with its larger front discs. These coupes aren't the quietest for long trips. Marked tire roar is always evident, accompanied by slight wind noise at highway speeds. The engine has a nicely refined note, but best performance requires staying above 4000 rpm, where engine and exhaust can get annoyingly loud. Instruments and controls are legible and handy. Climate and audio controls are thoughtfully angled toward the driver, but slightly awkward for passenger use. The automatic climate system is less distracting to set than most rivals'. Cockpit materials are good quality, with a sporty, reasonably upscale feel--especially the Type-S with its perforated leather seats instead of cloth. Workmanship has been terrific on test Type-S coupes. An RSX is small-car snug up front, but comfortable. Front legroom is good, though headroom is limited for tall adults. Seats are firm, with prominent side bolstering, but are well-shaped and supportive. Small rear side windows, thick roof pillars and a tall deck hamper rearward visibility. The back seat is cramped for adults, but okay for kids on short trips, though headroom is very limited. Rear entry/exit is typical of small coupes: an awkward squeeze between the front seat and doorjamb, although the tip-slide right front seat helps. Cargo space is useful but not generous. All told, this is a versatile load carrier, with hatchback design and easy-fold split rear seatbacks, but high liftover is a minus. Cabin storage is slightly subpar, too.
2002-2006 Acura RSX Road Test
Pros--- Cons
Acceleration--- Noise
Steering/handling--- Rear-seat room
Instruments/controls--- Rear-seat entry/exit
stock 2005 pics
stock 2004 pics
bone stock 2005 dyno
bone stock 2002 dyno
(02-06) RSX
Drivetrain Layout:
Transverse front engine/front wheel drive
Engine:
Base: K20A3
Open deck, die cast aluminum block and head
16 valve DOHC i-VTEC
Displacement: 1998cc
Bore: 86mm
Stroke: 86mm
Horsepower: 160hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 141 ft.-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
Redline: 6800
Fuel: Regular unleaded
02-04 Type S: K20A2
Open deck, die cast aluminum block and head
16 valve DOHC i-VTEC
Displacement: 1998cc
Bore: 86mm
Stroke: 86mm
Horsepower: 200hp @ 7400 rpm
Torque: 142 ft.-lbs @ 6000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 11:1
Redline: 7900 rpm
Fuel: Premium unleaded
05-06 Type S:
Open deck, die cast aluminum block and head
16 valve DOHC i-VTEC
Displacement: 1998cc
Bore: 86mm
Stroke: 86mm
Horsepower: 210hp @ 7400 rpm
Torque: 143 ft.-lbs @ 6000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 11:1
Redline: 8100 rpm
Fuel: Premium unleaded
Transmission:
Base
1st: 3.266
2nd: 1.880
3rd: 1.212
4th: .0921
5th: .0738
Final Drive: 4.388
02-04 Type S:
1st: 3.266
2nd: 2.130
3rd: 1.517
4th: 1.147
5th: .921
6th: .738
Final Drive: 4.388 (05-06: 4.770)
Automatic Transmission:
1st: 2.68
2nd: 1,50
3rd: 0.98
4th: 0.73
5th: 0.57
Final Drive: 4.56
DC5:
Wheelbase: 101.2
Length: 172.4
Width: 67.9
Height: 54.9
Weight: 2775lbs
Track Front: 58.5
Track Rear: 58.5
Turning Radius: 38.1
Seating Capacity: 2+2
Front Head room: 37.8
Front Leg room: 30.1
Rear Head room: 43.1
Rear Leg room: 29.2
Drag coefficient: .33
Suspension Etc:
Front Suspension: Independent MacPherson Stut, coil springs w/ sway bar
Rear Suspension: Independent double wishbones, coil springs w/ sway bar
Stock Tires: 205/55-16 (05-06 Type S: 215/45-17)
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc, single piston caliper w/ ABS
Rear Brakes: Solid Discs, single piston caliper w/ ABS
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 ga. (50L)
Introduced for 2002, the front-drive RSX replaced Acura's entry-level Integra. Though similar in dimensions, the RSX featured new styling and promised more power. The new model came only as a two-door hatchback coupe, whereas the Integra had been offered in coupe and sedan body styles. Acura's RSX came in both base and sportier, performance-oriented Type-S trim. Each used a 2.0-liter four-cylinder engine. The 160-horsepower base model could have a five-speed manual or optional five-speed automatic transmission. In the Type-S, the engine made 200 horsepower and was available only with a six-speed manual gearbox. The Type-S had a firmer suspension, but the same 16-inch wheels and tires as the base model. Both versions included antilock four-wheel disc brakes and front side airbags, plus automatic climate control and a sunroof. Leather upholstery was standard in the Type-S and optional for the base RSX. The Type-S also contained an in-dash CD changer. Competitors included sport coupes like the Mitsubishi Eclipse and Toyota Celica, as well as the Mini Cooper and Volkswagen New Beetle. Acura is Honda's luxury/premium division
Year to Year Changes
2003 Acura RSX: Except for one new paint color, the RSX coupe was unchanged for 2003.
2004 Acura RSX: Heated mirrors became standard for 2004, but other changes were few.
2005 Acura RSX: Freshened styling, sporty-model upgrades, and 10 more horspower for the Type-S model mark Acura's entry-level car for 2005. The Type-S also gets a standard rear spoiler and 17-inch wheels for '05. Both trim levels get revised suspension, steering, and brakes, plus a minor facelift, more heavily bolstered front seats, and extra interior accents in chrome and faux titanium.
2006 Acura RSX: No significant changes for 2006 RSX
2002-2006 Acura RSX
Expert Rating Summary
Category Acura RSX Type-S Rating
(See All Ratings)
Performance 7
Fuel Economy 6
Ride Quality 3
Steering/Handling/Braking 7
Quietness 3
Controls/Materials 8
Interior Room 4
Room/Comfort (rear) 2
Cargo Capacity 3
Value within Class 3
Total Score: 46
Ratings: Maximum 10 points per category
Chart: One rating chart provided for a representative model
Powertrain Options and Availability
Two 2.0-liter, dual-overhead-cam four-cylinder engines have been available in the RSX. Base models used a 160-horsepower version, while the Type-S got a 200-horsepower variant, which grows to 210-hp in 2005. Only a six-speed manual gearbox came with the Type-S, but base coupes could have either a five-speed manual or five-speed automatic transmission.
Engines Size liters /
cu. in Horse- power Torque Transmission:
EPA city/hgwy Consumer Guide Observed
dohc I4 2.0 / 122 160 141 5-speed manual: 27/33
5-speed automatic: 24/33 5-speed manual: --
5-speed automatic: --
dohc I4 2.0 / 122 200-210 142 6-speed manual: 24/31 6-speed manual: 24.9
Consumer Guide® Road-Test Evaluation
An RSX can feel sluggish at low rpm, but delivers impressive power above 3000 rpm. Acura claimed that the base model with manual transmission did 0-60 mph in 7.7 seconds. A test Type-S accomplished that task in 7.8 seconds. As expected, the base model does not feel quite as quick, and an automatic transmission dulls performance somewhat. Fuel economy is appealing. Type-S test models have averaged 24.9 to 26.2 mpg, including city/highway driving and performance tests. This suggests base models will also average close to EPA city ratings. Acura recommends premium fuel for the Type-S and regular for the base model. A Type-S coupe rides slightly firmer than the base RSX, but a stiff, rattle-free structure partly compensates. Both versions feel firm, but not harsh or punishing. Steering/handling in impressive on the base model, while the firmer-damped Type-S is slightly more athletic yet. Both have minimal body lean and good grip. Steering is quick, precise and nicely weighted, delivering good road feel. Brakes are powerful, especially on the Type-S with its larger front discs. These coupes aren't the quietest for long trips. Marked tire roar is always evident, accompanied by slight wind noise at highway speeds. The engine has a nicely refined note, but best performance requires staying above 4000 rpm, where engine and exhaust can get annoyingly loud. Instruments and controls are legible and handy. Climate and audio controls are thoughtfully angled toward the driver, but slightly awkward for passenger use. The automatic climate system is less distracting to set than most rivals'. Cockpit materials are good quality, with a sporty, reasonably upscale feel--especially the Type-S with its perforated leather seats instead of cloth. Workmanship has been terrific on test Type-S coupes. An RSX is small-car snug up front, but comfortable. Front legroom is good, though headroom is limited for tall adults. Seats are firm, with prominent side bolstering, but are well-shaped and supportive. Small rear side windows, thick roof pillars and a tall deck hamper rearward visibility. The back seat is cramped for adults, but okay for kids on short trips, though headroom is very limited. Rear entry/exit is typical of small coupes: an awkward squeeze between the front seat and doorjamb, although the tip-slide right front seat helps. Cargo space is useful but not generous. All told, this is a versatile load carrier, with hatchback design and easy-fold split rear seatbacks, but high liftover is a minus. Cabin storage is slightly subpar, too.
2002-2006 Acura RSX Road Test
Pros--- Cons
Acceleration--- Noise
Steering/handling--- Rear-seat room
Instruments/controls--- Rear-seat entry/exit
stock 2005 pics



stock 2004 pics



bone stock 2005 dyno

bone stock 2002 dyno

(02-06) RSX
Drivetrain Layout:
Transverse front engine/front wheel drive
Engine:
Base: K20A3
Open deck, die cast aluminum block and head
16 valve DOHC i-VTEC
Displacement: 1998cc
Bore: 86mm
Stroke: 86mm
Horsepower: 160hp @ 6500 rpm
Torque: 141 ft.-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 9.8:1
Redline: 6800
Fuel: Regular unleaded
02-04 Type S: K20A2
Open deck, die cast aluminum block and head
16 valve DOHC i-VTEC
Displacement: 1998cc
Bore: 86mm
Stroke: 86mm
Horsepower: 200hp @ 7400 rpm
Torque: 142 ft.-lbs @ 6000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 11:1
Redline: 7900 rpm
Fuel: Premium unleaded
05-06 Type S:
Open deck, die cast aluminum block and head
16 valve DOHC i-VTEC
Displacement: 1998cc
Bore: 86mm
Stroke: 86mm
Horsepower: 210hp @ 7400 rpm
Torque: 143 ft.-lbs @ 6000 rpm
Compression Ratio: 11:1
Redline: 8100 rpm
Fuel: Premium unleaded
Transmission:
Base
1st: 3.266
2nd: 1.880
3rd: 1.212
4th: .0921
5th: .0738
Final Drive: 4.388
02-04 Type S:
1st: 3.266
2nd: 2.130
3rd: 1.517
4th: 1.147
5th: .921
6th: .738
Final Drive: 4.388 (05-06: 4.770)
Automatic Transmission:
1st: 2.68
2nd: 1,50
3rd: 0.98
4th: 0.73
5th: 0.57
Final Drive: 4.56
DC5:
Wheelbase: 101.2
Length: 172.4
Width: 67.9
Height: 54.9
Weight: 2775lbs
Track Front: 58.5
Track Rear: 58.5
Turning Radius: 38.1
Seating Capacity: 2+2
Front Head room: 37.8
Front Leg room: 30.1
Rear Head room: 43.1
Rear Leg room: 29.2
Drag coefficient: .33
Suspension Etc:
Front Suspension: Independent MacPherson Stut, coil springs w/ sway bar
Rear Suspension: Independent double wishbones, coil springs w/ sway bar
Stock Tires: 205/55-16 (05-06 Type S: 215/45-17)
Front Brakes: Ventilated disc, single piston caliper w/ ABS
Rear Brakes: Solid Discs, single piston caliper w/ ABS
Fuel Capacity: 13.2 ga. (50L)
Last edited: