And all those cars are more luxurious and have more torque than the Euro-Accord.

Do they still even make a Benz C240,I thought they've gone to the supercharged 230.

 

The European cars have less power because they can get by on "prestige" or something like that. People still know that Acura is a spiffy Honda and with a fwd four banger it doesn't really matter what badge you slap on the hood. It's still a fwd four banger. That doesn't exactly scream "prestige."

 

Exactly. The whole argument has nothing to do with horsepower. To most American consumers with the head-up-the-ass disease, it's a dolled up Accord. Sad but true. I mean, it is a dolled up Accord, but that's not to say it isn't worth 2 or 3 more grand than an Accord EX.

 

"more luxurious"? Are you sure? Keep in mind the Euro-Accord does compete with even the BMW 3 series in Europe where the 3 series is a mainstream car. I've sat in the Volvo S40 and the new Saab 9-3 and there were really not that luxurious. I haven't sat in a Euro-Accord or even a proposed TSX (and neither has most people here :squint: ), so saying that the Euro-Accord/TSX isn't as luxurious as the Audi, Saab, or Volvo is just assumption. I'll give in and say the MB, BMW, and Jag are more luxurious, but look at the prices.

There's no final specs on the power train of the proposed TSX yet, so arguing that is moot.

And yes, they still make the C240. The 230 supercharge is in the coupe.

 

And just keep in mind the A4 and Jaguar are dolled up VW Passat and Euro-Ford Mondeo (w/AWD). The Mondeo will be coming to Mercury's lineup soon, or so Ford says so. Then there's the ES300 and I35. The new ES is so far the best selling premium car, even though its a "dolled" up Camry.

 

I disagree with you there. The TSX really is a standard Accord with more luxury features. Those cars you listed are all completely different, like the TL and Accord. This will be a vehicle for people who want some more luxury and are insecure enough to prefer the name "Acura TSX(ooooh, what's that?)" over "Honda Accord(bland and dull)"

 

With the exception of the AWD, the A4 has the same basic formula as the TSX. Smaller than the Passat. Red dome lighting. More "prestiges" brand name. 2-3 grand more than Passat. The A4 is basically a Passat.

But I think the difference is that the A4 came out before the Passat, therefore there's a recognition that Passat is a downsized A4. Whereas the Accord came out before the TSX, so the perception is the TSX is an upsized Accord. Hmmm....


i just lost myself what point i was making :doh:

 

yeah, how can it be "upsized" when its acutally smaller.

also, the accord in europe is in a higher market that it is in this counrty.

 

I meant by brand recognition.

 

The normal buyer doesn't know or care which came first. Acura and Infiniti have certain reputations for rebadging lower end models and adding leather. True? Absolutely not. But that's the perception. Audi doesn't have that. Besides, the A4 and Passat have unique looks. TSX kinda looks like a family sedan (Camry or Accord).