Acura
RSX
Owner report available
Acura
TSX
Owner report available
Acura RSX vs Acura TSX
The short answer
Based on available data, the Acura TSX comes out ahead of the Acura RSX on power. Check the specs table and owner sentiment below for the full comparison before deciding between the two. Both are covered by real owner reports on CarWizz.
Specs side by side
What owners say
RSX
Overall
Deeply divided sentiment for sport compact coupe, polarizing enthusiasts between passionate Type S advocates versus dismissive critics of base models. Type S (K20A2/K20Z1 engine, 200-212 hp) praised extensively for rev-happy i-VTEC engine delivering thrilling 8,000 RPM redline, precise 6-speed manual transmission, nimble handling dynamics, practical hatchback versatility, and exceptional Honda reliability enabling routine 200,000-300,000+ mile operation. However, base model (K20A3 engine, 160 hp, 5-speed manual or automatic) criticized severely as underpowered, boring to drive, and offering insufficient performance advantage over standard Civic Coupe to justify RSX badge.
Best version to buy
Type S with 6-Speed Manual (2005-2006) The 2005-2006 Type S models represent ultimate RSX specification combining 212 hp K20Z1 engine (versus 200 hp K20A2 2002-2004), improved interior materials, refined suspension tuning, and final production year collectibility. Six-speed manual transmission absolutely essential - Type S automatic extremely rare and universally condemned.
Known issues
- • Ripped/torn leather seats, driver bolster wear extremely common 100,000+ miles, leather cracks and tears exposing foam, aftermarket seat covers temporary solution, reupholstery $400-$800 per seat, replacement seats $200-$600 used market,…
TSX
Overall
Owners broadly regard the TSX as a reliable, practical, and engaging car, with the K24 four-cylinder engine and its long service life drawing the most praise. The wagon body style is treated as rare and desirable, though many owners argue that rarity does not justify premium asking prices on high-mileage examples. Criticisms center on oil consumption, VTC actuator rattle, timing chain concerns, and expensive parts for the first generation.
Best version to buy
Insufficient owner data available to declare a consensus, though the strongest signal favors the 2007-2008 first-generation cars, which owners describe as having the refreshed engine and most of the earlier issues resolved. Owners repeatedly advise avoiding the 2004 model year and recommend 2005 and newer.
Known issues
- Oil consumption: Frequency: recurrent. VTC actuator rattle, sometimes appearing as early as 60k miles: Frequency: recurrent. Timing chain rattle on cold start: Frequency: recurrent.
The verdict
The Acura TSX is the better choice for most buyers.
It has more power on its best-equipped version than the Acura RSX, based on the data above. If efficiency matters more to you than outright power, the Acura RSX is worth a closer look instead.
Explore further
Common problems by model year
Other comparisons
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Frequently asked questions
Which is more reliable, the Acura RSX or the Acura TSX?
Owner reports show similar reliability sentiment for the Acura RSX and the Acura TSX. Check the known issues listed above for specific differences between the two.
Which is better for families, the Acura RSX or the Acura TSX?
The Acura TSX seats more passengers than the Acura RSX on its catalogued best-equipped version. Body type also differs: the Acura RSX is classed as a Coupe, the Acura TSX as a Sedan.
Which has better fuel economy, the Acura RSX or the Acura TSX?
The EPA rates the 2006 Acura RSX at 23–26 mpg combined and the 2014 Acura TSX at 22–25 mpg, depending on the version.
Which is cheaper to maintain, the Acura RSX or the Acura TSX?
Exact maintenance costs aren't in our data, but owner reports mention cost-related concerns more often for the Acura TSX than the Acura RSX. See the known issues comparison above.