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

 

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).

 

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

 

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).

 

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

 

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

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.

 

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

 

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:thumbup:

 

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