2001-2005 Lexus IS 300 vs 2004-2008 Acura TSX

[kuri]

I have both cars. A 2002 IS300 and a 2004 TSX. Well, technically the IS is my wife's car.

IS:
+ More powerful engine. Much more torque down low.
+ Lexus brand appeal for some
+ RWD fun
+ Quicker steering
+ Much more comfortable ride
- Car's exterior & interior look more dated
- Interior is smaller (front and rear seats AND cargo area)
- Rear seats do not fold down (TSX is 60/40)
- Tail light style now associated with rice
- If you're getting the auto, the IS's auto doesn't allow you to hold 1st gear. It might not bother you but it bugs me a lot
- The IS is in storage during the winter months. Even with snow tires, the car just can't seem to get enough traction. It's sure fun to slide it around though.

TSX:
+ Nicer interior and more up-to-date exterior
+ Some minor features that the IS doesn't have (e.g. steering mounted controls, dual zone climate control, speed sensitive intermittent wipers, etc.)
+ Better traction in the winter thanks to FWD layout
- FWD is less fun to drive
- Less low end torque means you'll be reving higher often (this could be a +? )
- More bodyroll than IS with the stock suspension, yet it still rides firmer (i.e. less comfortable)
- Weak stock brakes

Btw, as far as I know, the 04-08 TSX did not come with MP3 CD playback capability. The 06+ came with a AUX/MP3 audio jack though if that's what you're referring to. Bluetooth was introduced in the 06 as well.

They both have their +'s and -'s. If you are into modding the cars, you can improve on some of the -'s too.

Make your own decision.

[L-S-D]

lol trust me man.. rx beter than the mdx in every way once u drive both of them ull notice the difference... even somthing as simple as adaptive headlights the mdx doesent have or the tilt steering wheel

[roastpuff]

Originally Posted by ienhz

i can't believe people are suggesting any Acura as a driver's car. My dad owns a 2006 TL and that car is in no way a driver's car or even close to an IS in terms of being a driver's car. That's not to say it's a bad thing though, cause he didn't buy it for that reason, but anyone looking for a driver's car shouldn't even consider an Acura.

It may just be my Honda fanboyism showing through. The TL is a bloated Accord, I'll give you that. I've not driven many Lexuses beyond the ES350 and a short stint with a friend's IS350, but they felt rather bloated (the IS much less, with a lot more power, but the ES definitely. There's just this "heavy" feeling to those cars). The TSX is light and nimble, with enough power for around-town use - it really needs some more for sporting usage though. The suspension is willing but the engine is weak.

Honda products have more "character" than Toyota products, IMO. More interesting to drive. Haven't had a chance with the old IS300, so I can't really say how the driving experience with that one is.

Originally Posted by svelt

What? An old 5-speed IS300 is faster than the IS250 which is the only incarnation of the IS with a manual now.

Of course I'm biased since I quite enjoy mine, but I would pick the IS300 anytime. TSXs are a dime a dozen throughout metro Vancouver... they are closer to a Civic than any IS. Plus it's a FWD 4banger, so a 5-speed I6 IS300 with limited slip diff. could probably run rings around that little honda.

Design-wise, certainly the TSX is newer and more luxurious in its interior, but I find it very sedate and bland. It hardly catches any attention and blends right in. An IS300, polarizing as they may be with their clear tail-lights is still eye catching and easy to spot on the street. Note that they have been "refreshed" in 2004, if you wanted a slight facelift.

Acura couldn't be further from the Japanese BMW in its current form; Lexus' lineup is both sportier (IS-F, SC430, GS450h) and more luxurious.

I wouldn't really call the SC430 sporty, it's more of a GT. And it's rather ugly.

The TSX is definitely outclassed by the IS300 in terms of pure speed/handling, but it's a more practical car around town, especially for gas mileage. And yes it's rather common/sedate nowadays. OP's choice, practical sports or less practical more sports.

The GS-F is sporty, the GS450h not really...

And Acura's trying. They're shifting to a AWD-optional performance setup now. Hopefully the TSX will get it too. And the V6 option now... only if a manual transmission was offered...

Originally Posted by Mugen EvOlutioN

kinda and sort of not


MDX > RX anyday

RDX > MDX > RX.

The RDX is actually very nice to drive. And the SH-AWD + turbo powerplant is FUN.

[jigga250]

Originally Posted by L-S-D

what about the new GS? LS? RX? ... all of those are beter than the acuras ...

RDX >> RX as far as being a drivers car. Great handling, 0-60 in 6.3, not even close.
09 TL > ES (boat) too

I don't see any model from the whole Acura lineup right now is any near to be a driver's car.

apparently you didn't look very hard

[sexyaccord]

TSX

[L-S-D]

.

[L-S-D]

Originally Posted by jigga250

RDX >> RX as far as being a drivers car. Great handling, 0-60 in 6.3, not even close.
09 TL > ES (boat) too



apparently you didn't look very hard

hmm i dont really like ES .. es is kinda like an old persons car lol...

is350 > 09TL ,G35 coupe , G37 coupe , 350z

[Kamui712]

wow, I didn't know this topic would generate so much discussion! I was hoping there would be more unanimous votes but I guess I really do have to sit down and look at all the ups and downs, and i'll know for sure once i test drive them.

Originally Posted by kuri

I have both cars. A 2002 IS300 and a 2004 TSX. Well, technically the IS is my wife's car.

Btw, as far as I know, the 04-08 TSX did not come with MP3 CD playback capability. The 06+ came with a AUX/MP3 audio jack though if that's what you're referring to. Bluetooth was introduced in the 06 as well.

Seriously?? I just looked that up, that's ridiculous! Honda's starting in '06 have mp3 why wouldn't their luxury class follow suit...


damn, maybe I'll just save up for a 09 TSX... lol or get a IS250.. decisions, decisions

[thumper]

going off topic!

Originally Posted by roastpuff

I've not driven many Lexuses beyond the ES350 and a short stint with a friend's IS350, but they felt rather bloated (the IS much less, with a lot more power, but the ES definitely. There's just this "heavy" feeling to those cars).

please... no one base their lexus experience on the ES! to borrow your comments, it's a bloated camry... i still remember bursting into tears whenever i had to drive one for a courtesy car at the dealer

I wouldn't really call the SC430 sporty, it's more of a GT. And it's rather ugly.

agreed. made the solara convertible look like a deal, and that isn't saying much... they are cancelling it soon (if not already) and i'm not going to miss it.

The GS-F is sporty, the GS450h not really...

yeah i don't get that. i just watched footage of a lexus-sponsored gs450h racing at the 2008 newfoundland targa... i was like witnessing a whale going ballistic

RDX > MDX > RX.

The RDX is actually very nice to drive. And the SH-AWD + turbo powerplant is FUN.

has the RX ever been advertised for it's performance/handling? i thought it was strictly luxury sport-utility.

i don't know if it's just me but i don't see too many new RDX/MDX's around (or is it because i'm not in rmd?), and my only (passenger seat) experience in an RDX was not stellar, punctuated with a harsh ride and turbo lag

back on topic!

my vote is still for the lexus!

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

thats because RX is boring as hell to drive, hence only C-Lai mom drives those???

[kuri]

Originally Posted by marco712

Seriously?? I just looked that up, that's ridiculous! Honda's starting in '06 have mp3 why wouldn't their luxury class follow suit...

damn, maybe I'll just save up for a 09 TSX... lol or get a IS250.. decisions, decisions

I should clarify. Acura *OFFERS* a MP3 CD player for the car, but it is an extra option. It doesn't replace the 6-disc CD changer though. You install it just below the center console area:



If you're lucky you might find a used one with the option installed.

[L-S-D]

just save your money and get the is250 AWD , way beter than the tsx even the TL , as far as luxory/ beter looking... and ull get the same great interior as the 350 , and if u decide to modd ur car in the future the 250 has great potential and lots of different ways u can modd it


LEXUS ftw > acura anyday





acura

[Bender Unit]

^ after read most of your posts on RS
You are quite biased on Lexus
Your pictures are showing an old TSX interior compared to new IS interior

Nothing against it, Lexus build good quality car
I owned an Acura TSX. I love it, but as we all know it is under power for heavy car.
It can be fun if you go for a 6MT while the old IS300 is 5MT (hard to find)

If I was in the market for a used car, I will get a newer model lower mileage despite Lexus or Acura...

[bobyu]

hands down on modded is300. imo looks way better than modded tsx.
dont get offended since im driving one =D

[L-S-D]

Originally Posted by Bender Unit

^ after read most of your posts on RS
You are quite biased on Lexus
Your pictures are showing an old TSX interior compared to new IS interior

Nothing against it, Lexus build good quality car
I owned an Acura TSX. I love it, but as we all know it is under power for heavy car.
It can be fun if you go for a 6MT while the old IS300 is 5MT (hard to find)

If I was in the market for a used car, I will get a newer model lower mileage despite Lexus or Acura...

im jus a lexus lover

[!Yaminashi]

Having never driven both, I vote for the IS based on looks

[freakshow]

Although the IS does look a bit dated, let's face it: The TSX is not a head turner.

I would choose the IS on the basis of looks, performance and nameplate.
If you want a MT IS, I think you need to look at 2002+. I think 2001 only came in auto.

[icemiko]

I'd chose the TSX because the IS is a bit too small.

The 04-08 TSXs doesn't come with mp3, it's an option actually. The TSX will be better in the winter too since it's FWD.

[2damaxmr2]

2jz > hondu pos

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

Originally Posted by 2damaxmr2

2jz > hondu pos

quite a bold statement there

[PNF]

I am biased.. IS300 > TSX

I still thinks my car, after 8 years and 225K kms, still look better than TSX.




I agree that IS300 is pretty small (interior cabin wise), but it is definitely not any smaller than the TSX, for my ex GF had one..


If you want just luxury, newer car, TSX.. but anything else, IS300 > TSX.

[Honyoung]

acura tsx

[L-S-D]

Originally Posted by 2damaxmr2

2jz > hondu pos

word

2JZ

[saveth]

i have a tsx and would get an IS if i went back in time. I dont know many people that would do the opposite.

[svelt]

Originally Posted by PNF

I am biased.. IS300 > TSX

I still thinks my car, after 8 years and 225K kms, still look better than TSX.




I agree that IS300 is pretty small (interior cabin wise), but it is definitely not any smaller than the TSX, for my ex GF had one..


If you want just luxury, newer car, TSX.. but anything else, IS300 > TSX.

That is a nice ride. Stock? And wow, still going strong at 240kms... I'm going to look forward to my next few years! (I'm at 140,000km, nowhere near "old" for Lexus standards)

Since we're already hijacking this thread, this is mine



And a stock '04 for reference



So "dated" yes, it is a bit boxy looking, but I find it still has a lot of character.


I referred to the GS450h and SC430 as "sporty" only because the GS450h is faster than most of Acura's lineup and the SC430 is the 2-door car that Acura hasn't had since the demise of the RSX. Of course, in their own respect those cars are not exactly nimble pocket rockets.