There are some fanatic RWD fans. I, for one, like RWD very much, from a racing standpoint. After driving my little Miata, it's very addictive. It's a choice like everything else.

HOWEVER... With that being said, to your point, the TSX is kicking some serious tail in SCCA road racing events. This is one of the reasons I'm considering it even more, not to mention in stock form it doesn't look like a racer, which I also like. Plus, I want to expand my racing skills over into the FWD realm too. It's totally different.

 

In terms of being a racer, from what I have seen and heard, they are a bit of a sled. They are a little on the chunky side. We do have one guy in the ATL Region that does very well with his. But it's still a heavy car for its size, IMO.

I considered the IS300 myself because I really like the way they look and because they are RWD. However, they are heavy and don't get great gas mileage. I think the TSX is ultimately a better choice.

 

<edit>

Last post was posted twiced for some reason.

 

IS300 and TSX both weigh about the same and have similar dimensions. The IS300 vs TSX in stock trim I'd say would take a TSX at the autox. They grip the road like a mad man...

Start modding though and its anyones game.

 

Dunno, hard to say really could be as few as 3 years and as long as 7 or so years. I generally get ancy as a car gets to 100k miles...with acura however I may hold onto it longer assuming it holds up well.

 

Here are some basic specs:

Acura TSX:
2.4 liter 4-cyl
205 HP @ 7000
164 ft/lb @ 4500
6 spd MT
3257 lbs
22/30 mpg

'05 Lexus IS300:
3.0 liter inline 6-cyl
215 HP @ 5800
218 ft/lb @ 3800
5 spd MT
3255 lbs
18/25 mpg

Lexus IS250:
2.5 liter 6-cyl
204 HP @ 6400
185 ft/lb @ 4800
6 spd MT
3455 lbs
20/29 mpg

 

Told you the IS330 wasn't bloated

 

I just learned... If you want or can wait until the Fall, the TSX Si is supposed to be coming out for considerably less (but with less "luxury" too). I'd be curious about it as well.

 

I am waiting till the fall...

TSX SI? Why have I not heard about this through all the normal channels? The Civic SI is coming out but I dont want a civic.

 

really!? very intresting. I'd love to get a stripped down version that meant for more performance than luxury. any idea on what pricing is supposed to be, and if the engine specs will be the same or more powerful?