2003 Accord Coupe Handling and Brakes

[MikeW]

I'm toying with getting a new Accord Coupe V6/6speed when they become more generally available. But I had some concerns. First, the new Accord posted TERRIBLE braking tests (>200' 70-0 in C&D). Now, I'm partially willing to attribute this to the econo-comfort, long wear, all season tires that come on the sedan. The varient in question comes with somewhat better tires (Pilot HX), and I could probably be easily convinced to bump them up another notch. Has anyone seen if this will dramatically reduce the breaking distance, or is the problem in the braking system itself, and not easily solvable. Also, how's the handling on the Accord Coupe (I'm assuming the auto 5 and the manual 6 have the same suspension). The old Accord couple had a somewhat mushy reputation. Honda has claimed to have tightened things up a bit. Is this true. A good point of reference would be the RSX Type S. Thanks, Mike

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[NOBRKES]

I've heard the handling doesn't live up to expectations also, with a lot of body roll. I'll upgrade the bars/bushings on my 6MT as soon as they're available.
As far as tires, in my experience, they play a big part in both handling and braking proformance. Motor Trend recorded a 126 ft. stop in their Dec. test of the 6MT, so the Pilots seem to work much better (and I'm not a big fan of Michelin's).

[98CoupeV6]

Originally posted by MikeW
I'm toying with getting a new Accord Coupe V6/6speed when they become more generally available. But I had some concerns.

First, the new Accord posted TERRIBLE braking tests (>200' 70-0 in C&D). Now, I'm partially willing to attribute this to the econo-comfort, long wear, all season tires that come on the sedan. The varient in question comes with somewhat better tires (Pilot HX), and I could probably be easily convinced to bump them up another notch. Has anyone seen if this will dramatically reduce the breaking distance, or is the problem in the braking system itself, and not easily solvable.

Also, how's the handling on the Accord Coupe (I'm assuming the auto 5 and the manual 6 have the same suspension). The old Accord couple had a somewhat mushy reputation. Honda has claimed to have tightened things up a bit. Is this true. A good point of reference would be the RSX Type S.

Thanks,

Mike

Mike,

First off, welcome to HAN Of course the Accord is not going to handle as good as the RSX-S. The RSX-S is a dedicated sports coupe, while the Accord 6 spd is still a luxury coupe. Not to mention that the Accord has an extra 400 or so pounds of girth. The 6 speed version is called the "Sport Coupe" by Honda and has a differently tuned suspension from all other Accords. If you really want handling to go even higher, take a look at the Factory Performance Package...this lowers the car about an inch and adds stiffer shocks/springs and bigger anti-roll bars. It also adds different wheels, the aero kit, and the spoiler. Perhaps somehow you could just get the springs/shocks/roll bars installed.

All Hondas have poor braking distances (aside from the S2K), but it is really an irrelevant stat. The most important thing is brake feel, unless of course you're going to put this car on the track with the hope to beat Mustang GT's. If that's your perogative, get a damn Mustang . The Accord posts such bad braking distances because of the pads...they are made to last for a looong time. The tires probably have a little to do with it, they're still all seasonals. Do yourself a favor and pick up some Bridgestone Potenza S-03's If you really want to increase the braking, you can get a brake kit from Brembo or the like when they come out that would include bigger rotors/calipers and stronger performing pads.

What other cars are you considering alongside the 6spd?

Chris

[98CoupeV6]

Originally posted by NOBRKES
As far as tires, in my experience, they play a big part in both handling and braking proformance.

Tires make the biggest difference out of any modification you can do for handling. It really is a night and day difference, at least on the cars I've owned (6th gen Accord Coupe and RSX-S).

[MikeW]

98,

I currently have a '99 GTI 2.slow. Don't ask why I got this particular car, there are reasons. I'm not in a particular hurry to get rid of it, but I can't say I'm loving it either.

The biggest choice is between two price classes. the $20-25K and the $35-40K (aka BMW territory).

In the lower range, the candidates seem to be GTI VR6, RSX-S, Accord Coupe 6x6. In the upper range, the BMW 330Ci (what I really want), and the Infinity G35 Coupe 6-speed.
While I'd love to go into the higher range, I can't say I know that it's worth the stretch. The Accord 6x6 seems like an interesting compromise. Good power, good interior, and I think I can live with the looks. However the problem is that it's an Accord, a name that reeks of 'Family Car'. Now, if Honda in the 6x6 Coupe is willing to push the envelope of this models definition, to make it a real performance car (and they seem to be making noises in this direction), I might be willing to give it a try. However, if it's the same old family softy with two doors and a snazzier body, count me out

[AcuraFanatic]

I love how you termed the Accord V-6 6-speed the Accord 6x6.

I really don't think it's worth the stretch either, at least for the cars you mentioned. You may get a bit better dealer support (such as car washes after oil changes, etc.) and you'll get the flying propellor logo.

It'll be a little bit before the 7th generation Accord has a plethora of performance options, but it shouldn't be too long. Perhaps a good place to start would be to upgrade your brakepads and tires, and then lower the car when springs are made available. Then, if braking still is not on par, Brembo will likely come out with a kit for it.

[MikeW]

Originally posted by AcuraFanatic
I love how you termed the Accord V-6 6-speed the Accord 6x6.

I really don't think it's worth the stretch either, at least for the cars you mentioned. You may get a bit better dealer support (such as car washes after oil changes, etc.) and you'll get the flying propellor logo.

It'll be a little bit before the 7th generation Accord has a plethora of performance options, but it shouldn't be too long. Perhaps a good place to start would be to upgrade your brakepads and tires, and then lower the car when springs are made available. Then, if braking still is not on par, Brembo will likely come out with a kit for it.

Well I got sick of typing 'Accord Coupe V6 - 6speed'. Everyone should be able to figure out 6x6 Coupe.

As far as service and support for BMW, I've been following the BMW boards for a while now, and hear lots of complaints. However the car is very close to exactly what I want, if way more expensive than it should be.

As far as the Accord, I'd probably be willing to do tires. Brake pad are also not out of the question. If needs any more modding than that, I think I'll move on. One of the benefits of buying a new car is getting a couple years worth of solid warrantee. I don't want to screw that up by modding the car.

[98CoupeV6]

Originally posted by MikeW
98,

I currently have a '99 GTI 2.slow. Don't ask why I got this particular car, there are reasons. I'm not in a particular hurry to get rid of it, but I can't say I'm loving it either.

The biggest choice is between two price classes. the $20-25K and the $35-40K (aka BMW territory).

In the lower range, the candidates seem to be GTI VR6, RSX-S, Accord Coupe 6x6. In the upper range, the BMW 330Ci (what I really want), and the Infinity G35 Coupe 6-speed.
While I'd love to go into the higher range, I can't say I know that it's worth the stretch. The Accord 6x6 seems like an interesting compromise. Good power, good interior, and I think I can live with the looks. However the problem is that it's an Accord, a name that reeks of 'Family Car'. Now, if Honda in the 6x6 Coupe is willing to push the envelope of this models definition, to make it a real performance car (and they seem to be making noises in this direction), I might be willing to give it a try. However, if it's the same old family softy with two doors and a snazzier body, count me out

If you have the money for a $40k BMW 330Ci, I would suggest the G35 Coupe. Infiniti gives you a lot of bang for your buck...6 speed, RWD, decent enough interior, all the luxury options you can want. All for about $34k or so. The Accord V6 6 speed is going to give you a nicer interior IMO, but that's it. If you can't afford mid 30's, get the 6 speed...the GTI VR6 is okay but nothing special (very nose heavy), and the RSX-S feels very small and sparce compared to the 6 speed.

The Sport Coupe is NOT the same as the sedan, believe me. From what Honda said, it is pretty special. But it doesn't have the Limited Slip Differential from the CL Type-S nor the RWD of the G35 Coupe. keep that in mind.

Chris

[F23A4_AcCoRdude]

have you considered CL-S 6 Speed? I dunno about you guys but im a very huge Honda fan and i wouldnt want to get out of my Honda life unless there is a car that is perfect in every way. The reason is because i feel that Hondas are perfect cars. REliability, looks, performance, aftermarket availability, repuation, comfort, all very satisfying. I think that for low 30k range, the CL 6 speed is the big bang for the buck. A world of luxury amentities, performance, not to forget the LSD, 6 gears to play with, nice low end torque and good high end power, smooth revving engine, good looks, good feel, build quality of HONDA, etc. Maybe u should go testdrive one

[jschmid]

Originally posted by F23A4_AcCoRdude
have you considered CL-S 6 Speed? I dunno about you guys but im a very huge Honda fan and i wouldnt want to get out of my Honda life unless there is a car that is perfect in every way. The reason is because i feel that Hondas are perfect cars. REliability, looks, performance, aftermarket availability, repuation, comfort, all very satisfying. I think that for low 30k range, the CL 6 speed is the big bang for the buck. A world of luxury amentities, performance, not to forget the LSD, 6 gears to play with, nice low end torque and good high end power, smooth revving engine, good looks, good feel, build quality of HONDA, etc. Maybe u should go testdrive one

You can get one for the same price as the Accord 6x6, and 20 extra ponies, (and IMO better looks)

[MikeW]

Last I looked, the CL-S was in the $35K range, while the Accord was in the $25K range. Are they discounting the Acura that aggressively?

If I'm going to go to $35K, I'd be more likely to go with the Infiniti, and once I'm playing in that ballpark, it might be worth stretching it to the Bimmer.. I don't really want FWD, but in the <$30K range, that's what's available. I wouldn't pay >$30K for what is essentially a gussied up Accord when I can get the Accord, with most of what the CL-S has, for around $25K

[vtecinside]

btw if you look at MT's stats for Accord Coupe Braking within one month the car's braking distance changed by more than ten feet in 0-60....

Tires are the weak link when it comes to braking.....then pads, then fluid/rotors/cooling and then lines....

noel

[AcuraFanatic]

Originally posted by MikeW
Last I looked, the CL-S was in the $35K range, while the Accord was in the $25K range. Are they discounting the Acura that aggressively?

If I'm going to go to $35K, I'd be more likely to go with the Infiniti, and once I'm playing in that ballpark, it might be worth stretching it to the Bimmer.. I don't really want FWD, but in the <$30K range, that's what's available. I wouldn't pay >$30K for what is essentially a gussied up Accord when I can get the Accord, with most of what the CL-S has, for around $25K

The 3.2CL Type S with the LSD is bar-none the best FWD system out there. You CANNOT tell it's FWD, except maybe when driving it past 9/10 and it begins to understeer.

The Accord starts at around $19,000 for a nice 'ole DX 4-cylinder 5-speed, but makes it's way up to $27,000 or so for a V-6 EX Coupe with a 6-speed manual. If you get navigation, tack on another $2000 to $29,000.

The 3.2CL Type S starts at around $33,000, and $35,000 with navigation. Neither will be discounted heavily, especially the CL, for they're relatively rare (in June I looked into buying a Nighthawk Black Pearl 6-speed, but there was a 4-month wait).

[98CoupeV6]

Originally posted by AcuraFanatic
The 3.2CL Type S starts at around $33,000, and $35,000 with navigation. Neither will be discounted heavily, especially the CL, for they're relatively rare (in June I looked into buying a Nighthawk Black Pearl 6-speed, but there was a 4-month wait).

No.

The CL Type-S 6 speed starts at $30,550. The 6 speed with Navigation can be had for $32,700. Dealers are discounting the CL 6 speed by about $1000...so figure you can get an Accord 6 speed with Navigation for the price of a CL-S 6 speed without Navigation.

[AcuraFanatic]

Originally posted by 98CoupeV6
No.

The CL Type-S 6 speed starts at $30,550. The 6 speed with Navigation can be had for $32,700. Dealers are discounting the CL 6 speed by about $1000...so figure you can get an Accord 6 speed with Navigation for the price of a CL-S 6 speed without Navigation.

Yes.

There's something called "MSRP" which was listed as $32,000 and change. MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. It can vary, I listed it from experience...I figure they'd still be marked up (6-speeds) due to rareity. Yes, automatics are being discounted. You're damned lucky if they're discounting them in your area, but ours was a markup.

[98CoupeV6]

Originally posted by AcuraFanatic
Yes.

There's something called "MSRP" which was listed as $32,000 and change. MSRP stands for Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price. It can vary, I listed it from experience...I figure they'd still be marked up (6-speeds) due to rareity. Yes, automatics are being discounted. You're damned lucky if they're discounting them in your area, but ours was a markup.

The prices I stated were "MSRP" you dumbass Invoice prices are about $1500 lower than what I listed. They are discounting 6 speeds here in Syracuse...our sporty car market blows. Last month, there were 3 in the lot and my friend there said I could have it for about $500 over invoice.

[AcuraFanatic]

Originally posted by 98CoupeV6
The prices I stated were "MSRP" you dumbass Invoice prices are about $1500 lower than what I listed. They are discounting 6 speeds here in Syracuse...our sporty car market blows. Last month, there were 3 in the lot and my friend there said I could have it for about $500 over invoice.

I know you stated MSRP. I was telling him market value. Hence my correction.

[98CoupeV6]

Originally posted by AcuraFanatic
I know you stated MSRP. I was telling him market value. Hence my correction.

Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price doesn't change. You said MSRP, not market value. Dealer mark up has nothing to do with that, if anyone is stupid enough to pay it on a car that isn't selling very well. The 6 speeds were never marked up here and are now discounted.

[jschmid]

Originally posted by 98CoupeV6
No.

The CL Type-S 6 speed starts at $30,550. The 6 speed with Navigation can be had for $32,700. Dealers are discounting the CL 6 speed by about $1000...so figure you can get an Accord 6 speed with Navigation for the price of a CL-S 6 speed without Navigation.

Comparison here:


And like I said...about $30,000. MSRP is 30,550 like Chris said.


*edit* damn...link doesn't go all the way through...here it is:


Acura Honda
2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT





VALUE AND WARRANTY 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Base Price MSRP $30,550 $25,900
Destination Charge $500 $460
Comparably Equipped Price $31,050 $26,360 + DPI*
Automatic Transmission Accessory Not Available
Residual Values 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
ALG Residual Value after 36 months 51% Not Listed
ALG Residual Value after 60 months 38% Not Listed
Warranty & Service Interval 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Basic Warranty Time (Months) 48 36
Basic Warranty Miles 50000 36000
Powertrain Warranty Time (Months) 48 36
Powertrain Warranty Miles 50000 36000
Rust Warranty Time (Months) 60 60
Rust Warranty Miles Unlimited Unlimited
Extended Service Interval Standard Standard
COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Manual Air Conditioning Not Available Not Available
Automatic Climate Control Standard Standard
Rear Seat Heater Ducts Standard Standard
Power Windows Standard Standard
Power Door Locks Standard Standard
Adjustable Steering Column Standard Standard
Automatic Tilt Away Column Not Available Not Available
Navigation System Not Available Optional
Steering Wheel Mounted Controls Standard Standard
Air Filtration System Standard Standard
Cruise Control Standard Standard
Homelink Remote System Standard Standard
Seats 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Leather Trimmed Seats Standard Standard
Leather Wrapped Steering Wheel Standard Standard
Front Bucket Seat Standard Standard
Power Driver Seat Standard Standard
Power Passenger Seat Standard Standard
Front Power Memory Seat Standard Not Available
Front Heated Seat Standard Standard
Front Adjustable Seat Height Standard Standard
Fold-Down Rear Seatback Not Available Standard
Fold-Down Rear Center Armrest Standard Not Available
Front Adjustable Lumbar Support Standard Standard
Sound System 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
AM/FM Stereo Standard Standard
Cassette Standard Optional
Compact Disc Player Standard Standard
Compact Disc Changer Standard Standard
Lighting 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Halogen Headlights Not Available Standard
High-Intensity Discharge Headlights Not Available Not Available
Headlight w/Auto-On/Off Standard Standard
Fog Lights Not Available Optional
Cargo Area Light Standard Standard
Map Light Standard Standard
Glass & Mirrors 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Rear Window Defroster Standard Standard
Heated Mirrors Standard Not Available
Power Mirrors Standard Standard
Vanity Mirror Standard Standard
Illuminated Vanity Mirrors Standard Standard
Instrumentation 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Memory Adjustments Standard Not Available
Tachometer Standard Standard
Outside Temperature Gauge Standard Standard
Maintenance Interval Indicator Standard Standard
Remotes & Releases 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Remote Trunk Release Standard Standard
Remote Fuel Filler Door Release Standard Standard
Keyless Entry System Standard Standard
Storage 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Cargo Net Standard Standard
Door Storage Standard Standard
Seatback Storage Standard Standard
Armrest Storage Standard Standard
Trunk Pass-Through Standard Not Available
Console Storage Standard Standard
Coin Box Standard Standard
Beverage Holders Standard Standard
Sunroof/Removable Top 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Moonroof Standard Standard
PERFORMANCE & ENGINEERING 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Engine & Transmission
Engine Name 3.2L V6 3.0L V6
Cylinders 6 6
Valves 24 24
Valves Configuration SOHC SOHC
Displacement CC 3210 2997
Bore X Stroke 3.50 X 3.39 3.39 X 3.39
Compression Ratio 10.5:1 10.0:1
Horsepower 260 240
Horsepower RPM 6100 6250
Torque Ft. Lbs. 232 212
Torque RPM 3500 5000
Fuel System Multi-Port Fuel Injected Multi-Port Fuel Injected
Engine Location Front Front
Driveline Front Wheel Drive Front Wheel Drive
Transmission Speeds 6 6
Transmission Auto/Manual Manual Manual
Transmission Overdrive Y Y
Final Drive Ratio 3.29 3.29
Fuel Economy 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Fuel-Economy City 19 Not Listed
Fuel-Economy Highway 28 Not Listed
Combined Fuel-Economy 22 Not Listed
Steering, Braking, Traction 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Power Steering Standard Standard
Steering Rack and Pinion Rack and Pinion
Turning Diameter, Left 39.4 38.1
Anti-Lock Braking System (ABS) Standard Standard
Brakes (Front) Disc Disc
Brakes (Rear) Disc Disc
Traction Control System Accessory Standard
Suspension and Tires 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Suspension (Front) Independent Independent
Suspension (Rear) Independent Independent
Stabilizer Bar Standard Standard
Tires SBRP215/50R17 93V, All-Season High Performance Michelin(R) Pilot MXM4 Tires SBRP215/50R17, All-Season Tires
Alloy Wheels Standard Standard
Chrome Wheels Not Available Optional
SAFETY 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Driver Airbag Standard Standard
Passenger Airbag Standard Standard
Front Side Airbags Standard Standard
Seatbelt Adjuster Not Available Not Available
LATCH Upper Tethers Standard Standard
Child Proof Rear Door Locks Not Available Not Available
Intermittent Wipers Standard Standard
Head Restraints (2nd Row) Standard Standard
Anti-theft 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Vehicle Theft-Deterrent System Standard Standard
Radio Theft-Deterrent System Standard Standard
DIMENSIONS AND CAPACITIES 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Curb Weight, MT 3446 3265
Curb Weight, AT 3510 Not Applicable
Ground Clearance 6.2 Not Listed
Height 55.5 55.7
Length 192.0 187.6
Track (Front) 61.1 61.1
Track (Rear) 61.0 61.2
Wheelbase 106.9 105.1
Width 70.6 71.3
Capacity & Volume 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
EPA Class Compact Cars Mid-Size Cars
Cargo Volume (Manufacturer) 13.6 12.8
Fuel Tank Capacity 17.2 17.1
Passenger Volume (Manufacturer) 90.0 88.0
Seating (Standard) 4 5
Interior Dimensions 2003 Acura 3.2 CL Type-S 2003 Honda Accord Coupe EX V6 6-Speed MT
Headroom (Front) 37.5 37.5
Headroom (Rear) 36.7 36.1
Legroom (Front) 42.4 43.1
Legroom (Rear) 33.0 31.9
Shoulder Room (Front) 56.4 56.1
Shoulder Room (Rear) 54.2 55.4

[98CoupeV6]

Originally posted by jschmid
Comparison here:

http://www.acura.com/models/model_co....asp?module=cl

And like I said...about $30,000. MSRP is 30,550 like Chris said.

[MikeW]

Okay, a quick trip over to Edmund's reveals...

3.2 CL S-Type Manual wo/Navigation

MSRP - $30,550
Invoice - $28,159
TMV (their take on 'market' value) - 28,140

These numbers don't include destination.

In comparion, the Accord 6x6 coupe wo/Navigation:

MSRP - $25,900
Invoice - $23,305
TMV - $24,645 (How they get this for a car that's not available yet, I have no idea)

[AcuraFanatic]

I was But I tried. It must be the TL-S that can be pushed up to around $35,000 then.

[ur31337]

MikeW, let me speak about FWD + LSD, I'm a HUGE fan.

Just go test drive a CL-S six speed

[98CoupeV6]

Originally posted by AcuraFanatic
I was But I tried. It must be the TL-S that can be pushed up to around $35,000 then.

No, the TL-S is almost the exact same price as the CL-S. Lay off the crack

[Illusion-Lighting]

I was just at an acura dealer. found the Cl-S 6 spd w/ navi for 30500 and that's the starting price. I haven't even begun to try to get a better price yet

[Illusion-Lighting]

Does anyone know when Honda will be releasing the 7th gen v6 6 spd in mass quantity?

[MikeW]

Bumping this back up.

It's a few months down the line, and the car is now available (I just sat in one in a dealer with a pack sticker on the window showing a $3,000 mark up). A few people on here must have driven this car, and maybe one or two actually bought one. I figured it was a good time to bring this back up.

[98CoupeV6]

Originally posted by MikeW
Bumping this back up.

It's a few months down the line, and the car is now available (I just sat in one in a dealer with a pack sticker on the window showing a $3,000 mark up). A few people on here must have driven this car, and maybe one or two actually bought one. I figured it was a good time to bring this back up.

Several members on this board own the car. try a search

[MikeW]

I did think of, and try, that. I got some info, but nothing too definitive. I figured I'd take the direct approach, and ask again.

Originally posted by 98CoupeV6
Several members on this board own the car. try a search

[ILuvItTheJDM]

I will be going on vacation in a couple of days, but as soon as I get back I will be going to test-drive a '6x6.' The closest dealer had one on the lot when I checked yesterday afternoon. There was no mark-up on it, but it had some stupid accessories like that ugly sunroof visor, etc. I guess they're not flying of the lot here. I wonder if they will discount them.

The S2Ks they have on the lot all have $2000 mark-ups, though, which I thought was odd. I thought those days were long-gone.