You're considering a 1.8l 4 banger but don't like the TSX because its a 2.4l 4 banger? :eh:

 

Having messed around today in a new 4 cyl Camry, Subaru Outback 2.5 and a 6 cyl Mustang (renters)....I have one thing to say, its all about delivery.

The Stang despite having the biggest and more powerful engine of the bunch was the slowest and most raucous. Biggest piece of junk. Rough running, shifting and noisy. (BTW handling is not as bad as people make it out to be....RWD is nice)

The subie is smooth but lacks grunt.

The camry with the smallest engine of the bunch was silky and surprisingly powerful. The new K24 in the accord is almost exactly the same as the camry 2.4 in terms of smoothness and available power, but it feels slightly gutsier than the camry. So now imagine have 200 hp with the same kind of delivery, gotta be sweet.....

What I'm say is drive the cars before you make a final decision, you may be surprised.

noel

 

I'm considering the Mercedes 230 sedan because it has a supercharger and actually has torque.
Horsepower: 189 hp @ 5,800 rpm
Torque: 192 lb-ft @ 3,500 - 4,000 rpm

 

Have you driven it? The engine is very lackluster IMO.

 

Not to compare apples and oranges (but what the hell), I don't think many people have given the new Maxima enough credit to be an alternative to the TSX. The 3.5SL has pretty much everything the TSX has (and more) for an additional 2k. The Maxima is not only quicker, larger in the interior, and it probably handles just as well (actually drove the Maxima - very nice, waiting on TSX). When it comes down to it, the TSX is beginning to look less and less like a bargain, although I'll admit it beats the pants out of all the bottom-barrel 325 and 1.8t A4s.

 

You're right, those Mercedes engine's don' t open up until you push them past 3,000rpm. It's just nice to say to everyone that you drive a Mercedes. I have made up my mind and will trade up to '04 Accord Coupe V6 this fall. I've driven one and it has the torque I'm looking for, has plenty of power, and runs on regular. A few upgrades and I'll smoke any stock TSX.

 

 

:drool:

 

Article on Euro Accord in Car magazine

 

Decent article. I don't know why people complain about 162 lb.-ft. of torque when you have 2400cc to work with. Seems fine for me.