Acura RSX Review
The Acura RSX, known as the Honda Integra DC5 is Japan, is a compact sports coupe produced by Honda and is the succesor to the Acura Integra in North America. In the U.S. it is available in base and “Type-S” trim levels, and in Japan these models are the “Integra iS / Integra Type S” and “Type R”. Canada had three different models: Base (cloth interior, no sunroof, steel wheels with wheel covers), Premium (leather interior, sunroof, alloy wheels) and Type S (similar to U.S. Type-S). In other markets such as Hong Kong, Australia, etc only the base model is available.
Honda chose to create an entirely new platform for the RSX, rather than re-engineer previous Integra/Civic platforms. This was the first new platform for entry-level vehicles Honda had debuted since 1994. In North America, Acura chose to market the vehicle towards older, wealthier buyers who had recognized the older integra as sporty and reliable, but wanted a more upscale and luxurious car. Outside of North America, Honda continued selling the model as Integra, and aimed toward younger buyers who wanted something more upscale then a Civic.
The new RSX suspension uses MacPherson struts in the front, instead of the Double Wishbone design used on previous models. The rear still uses the Double Wishbone setup. The decision to use MacPherson struts in the front disappointed some Acura/Honda enthusiasts who had come to appreciate double-wishbones for both front and rear suspensions. However, the new K-series engine proved to have significant potential for tuning. The K-series engine features intelligent VTEC or (i-VTEC), which can electronically adjust valve lift, valve duration and valve timing, giving the 2.0L engine a flatter torque curve compared to the previous B series engine which only adjusted valve lift and valve duration.
Engine
The base model RSX uses a K20A3 motor with 160 hp, and is available with an automatic or a five-speed manual transmission. Type-S models have 200 hp (2002-2004 K20A2) or 210 hp (2005 K20Z1) and are only available in a short-throw 6-speed manual transmission. In 2005 the RSX Type-S received new camshafts, b-pipe and muffler, a 4.7 final drive ratio, crankshaft pulley and the intake snorkel duct from the Japanese model. Another major change was the use of a timing chain rather than a timing belt.
The Honda Integra Type-R in Japan is more performance oriented and has reduced weight, a 220 PS K20A motor, a limited slip differential (LSD), stiffer springs and shocks, 4 piston Brembo brakes, 17″ wheels, Recaro suede seats, and more.
Racing
Acura had won the Manufacturers’ Championship of the Speed World Challenge Touring Car class in 2006, using the Acura RSX and TSX. A Honda Integra DC5 also won the British Touring Car Championship with driver Matt Neal in 2005 and 2006. Both versions of the K20 motor have shown major potential for tunning and durability when exposed to extreme conditions under aftermarket forced induction applications, which recently has become very popular among street racers. Many tests have shown the RSX with stock internal components to be capable of outputting over 300whp when fitted with a turbocharger or supercharger while running around 10psi. Overall, the RSX is a reliable vehicle with many good aspects, with much potential in the racing world.