Which is better?
Which is better?
01-04-2004 | 03:20 AM
#2
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 237
Likes: 0
From: Pullman, WA
If I remember correctly from the comparos I've read, the RSX just edges out the Celica in performance and is easier to drive. The Celica's 1.8L is supposedly much more peaky than the RSX's 2.0L. But this is someone else's opinion. I've never driven them.
The RSX is better looking. The Cilica has too much of a teen age boy racer look for my taste. Some would call the RSX bland. I'd say it's understatedly handsome. Or as much as a compact car can be, anyway. I actually like Honda's "bland" styling. Maybe my brain is older than my 28-year-old body.
In reliability, I'd assume they're about equal, as Toyotas and Hondas usually are.
The RSX is better looking. The Cilica has too much of a teen age boy racer look for my taste. Some would call the RSX bland. I'd say it's understatedly handsome. Or as much as a compact car can be, anyway. I actually like Honda's "bland" styling. Maybe my brain is older than my 28-year-old body.
In reliability, I'd assume they're about equal, as Toyotas and Hondas usually are.
That was my first impression the first time I saw a Celica with the hood and trunk popped.
01-04-2004 | 07:36 PM
#8
<p><
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 693
Likes: 0
I test drove both (GTs 6MT and Type-S) and occassionally dropped by both forums (clubrsx.com and newcelica.org). Both cars are very close in most categories.
Performance:
-----------------
Celica has slightly better handling and feels light. I feel the suspension in the Celica is better tuned (in terms of siffness but yet well damped) than the RSX. The RSX has slightly less grip mostly due to the crappy tires.
RSX has slight advantage in acceleration. The Celica can match its acceleration but you need to shift very quickly at fuel cut so it will land in the 2nd cam on 2nd gear. Most magazines shift at redline and will land below 6k rpm, which slows down the acceleration times.
Celica has better brakes and stops really well. RSX has a slight disadvantage due to more weight and less grippy tires.
Looks:
--------
This is very subjective. I personally liked the Action Package on the Celica but people will call it rice. RSX does look bland and reminds me of a Honda Insight or Chevy Cavalier from the side. However, if you add some factory body kits (pretty much close to the JDM Type-R), it looks pretty good.
Interior wise, the RSX has better materials but I preferred the Celica due to the cockpit-like feel of the design. You sit low and everything is within easy reach. The metallic pedals are a nice touch too.
Celica now also have HID's as an option. So, if you're into that the Celica has another edge in looks.
Reliability:
-------------
I didn't research too much into this but the most common problem with the RSX is the 1-2 shift grind. Other than that, the RSX seems to be more reliable. I think it was JD Powers or some org that rated the RSX to be the most reliable coupe in its class.
Celica is in its 4th year now and a lot of the bugs have already been worked out. One weakness is the lift bolt. This bolt is engaged when the engine hits the second cam (called lift, similar to VTEC). A couple of people already have worn bolts and the 2nd cam would not engage. Toyota has a TSB on this but it's a pain in the *** to get them to fix it.
When it comes to servicing, Acura gets the upperhand here.
Cost:
-------
Both costs about the same. The Celica will be slightly more expensive than the RSX if you add options that will match what the RSX has as standard equipment (leather, side air bags, ABS). Although the MSRP on the Celica with options is ridiculous, the actual price that dealers are willing to sell at is reasonable (check edmunds.com). The problem is that it's quite difficult to get the exact configuration you want so you might have to compromise or wait for them to source one from the factory.
Insurance on the Celica is slightly higher than the RSX too. I guess it's due to the younger demographic that this car endears to compared to the Acura.
Etc:
-----
The Celica's design is about to be refreshed soon. So, its value will drop in a year or so. The RSX is going to have another 2 years or so before a redesign.
Also, if image is in your consideration, the Celica rarely gets any mentioning in the magazines these days. Most of the recent comparos rate RSX as the best in the class and the Celica is no where in that list.
If you're into modding, the RSX gets more stuff. The Hondata ECU alone will give you a nice boost in HP (can't remember how much) for cheap. Both cars have their I/H/E mods. Generally, Celica is harder to mod and parts are not as many and are expensive. The Celica also seems to be the forgotten stepchild of Toyota. Case in point, TRD offers supercharger and engine mods to the Matrix and Corolla but nothing for their supposedly sportiest car in their line up.
Fun to drive factor:
------------------------
My vote goes to the Celica. The driving position is perfect. Pedals feel good, the shifter is crisp and the steering is very direct. The engine feels smoother, sounds better and is less boomy than the RSX. However that is more subjective. The lift on the Celica comes stronger compared to the RSX (like the older VTECs) and that is more fun for some people.
On the RSX, you get Honda's silky smooth shifter and a nice well bolstered seat. You get more luxury stuff like in-dash 6-CD changer and auto-climate control. The gauges looks cool.
I think that's all. I had a hard time deciding between these two cars. But in the end I decided to spend a couple more thousand and get the RX-8 instead. Like I said earlier, both cars are so similar that you're not losing out getting one over the other. The decision is based more on your driving preference.
Performance:
-----------------
Celica has slightly better handling and feels light. I feel the suspension in the Celica is better tuned (in terms of siffness but yet well damped) than the RSX. The RSX has slightly less grip mostly due to the crappy tires.
RSX has slight advantage in acceleration. The Celica can match its acceleration but you need to shift very quickly at fuel cut so it will land in the 2nd cam on 2nd gear. Most magazines shift at redline and will land below 6k rpm, which slows down the acceleration times.
Celica has better brakes and stops really well. RSX has a slight disadvantage due to more weight and less grippy tires.
Looks:
--------
This is very subjective. I personally liked the Action Package on the Celica but people will call it rice. RSX does look bland and reminds me of a Honda Insight or Chevy Cavalier from the side. However, if you add some factory body kits (pretty much close to the JDM Type-R), it looks pretty good.
Interior wise, the RSX has better materials but I preferred the Celica due to the cockpit-like feel of the design. You sit low and everything is within easy reach. The metallic pedals are a nice touch too.
Celica now also have HID's as an option. So, if you're into that the Celica has another edge in looks.
Reliability:
-------------
I didn't research too much into this but the most common problem with the RSX is the 1-2 shift grind. Other than that, the RSX seems to be more reliable. I think it was JD Powers or some org that rated the RSX to be the most reliable coupe in its class.
Celica is in its 4th year now and a lot of the bugs have already been worked out. One weakness is the lift bolt. This bolt is engaged when the engine hits the second cam (called lift, similar to VTEC). A couple of people already have worn bolts and the 2nd cam would not engage. Toyota has a TSB on this but it's a pain in the *** to get them to fix it.
When it comes to servicing, Acura gets the upperhand here.
Cost:
-------
Both costs about the same. The Celica will be slightly more expensive than the RSX if you add options that will match what the RSX has as standard equipment (leather, side air bags, ABS). Although the MSRP on the Celica with options is ridiculous, the actual price that dealers are willing to sell at is reasonable (check edmunds.com). The problem is that it's quite difficult to get the exact configuration you want so you might have to compromise or wait for them to source one from the factory.
Insurance on the Celica is slightly higher than the RSX too. I guess it's due to the younger demographic that this car endears to compared to the Acura.
Etc:
-----
The Celica's design is about to be refreshed soon. So, its value will drop in a year or so. The RSX is going to have another 2 years or so before a redesign.
Also, if image is in your consideration, the Celica rarely gets any mentioning in the magazines these days. Most of the recent comparos rate RSX as the best in the class and the Celica is no where in that list.
If you're into modding, the RSX gets more stuff. The Hondata ECU alone will give you a nice boost in HP (can't remember how much) for cheap. Both cars have their I/H/E mods. Generally, Celica is harder to mod and parts are not as many and are expensive. The Celica also seems to be the forgotten stepchild of Toyota. Case in point, TRD offers supercharger and engine mods to the Matrix and Corolla but nothing for their supposedly sportiest car in their line up.
Fun to drive factor:
------------------------
My vote goes to the Celica. The driving position is perfect. Pedals feel good, the shifter is crisp and the steering is very direct. The engine feels smoother, sounds better and is less boomy than the RSX. However that is more subjective. The lift on the Celica comes stronger compared to the RSX (like the older VTECs) and that is more fun for some people.
On the RSX, you get Honda's silky smooth shifter and a nice well bolstered seat. You get more luxury stuff like in-dash 6-CD changer and auto-climate control. The gauges looks cool.
I think that's all. I had a hard time deciding between these two cars. But in the end I decided to spend a couple more thousand and get the RX-8 instead. Like I said earlier, both cars are so similar that you're not losing out getting one over the other. The decision is based more on your driving preference.
01-05-2004 | 04:44 PM
#10
Pure Gold
Joined: Sep 2002
Posts: 763
Likes: 0
From: Bucks County, PA
Acura 4 year 50k warranty vs Toyota 3 year and 36k.
Acura service (free loaner cars etc) vs very busy Toyota shops.
Acura resale better than Toyota resale (in this case).
If you can't decide on the product then let that help you.
Acura service (free loaner cars etc) vs very busy Toyota shops.
Acura resale better than Toyota resale (in this case).
If you can't decide on the product then let that help you.
01-05-2004 | 07:39 PM
#12
Junior in High School
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 298
Likes: 0
From: Dallas, Texas
RSX... i drove one... IT IS FUN FUN FUN... fun factor.... RSX is better in all areas. Better looking, faster, and it also can take one hell of a beating. The regular one is fast enough.
01-14-2004 | 09:09 PM
#13
Registered User
Joined: Jan 2004
Posts: 130
Likes: 0
From: Alexandria, VA
RSX is the better car in every catagory. The new celica is the first mistake I have seen out of toyota. I thought the new celica should have looked like the new tiberons instead. Hopefully they will redesign it soon. However Toyota did well with marketing the ugly celica. Man I wish people would wreck them I hate seeing them on the streets.
01-15-2004 | 06:02 PM
#16
Registered
Joined: Apr 2002
Posts: 1,022
Likes: 0
From: North Kingstown, RI
Intorducing the Celica's new replacement.
The Scion tC.
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=18710
The Scion tC.
https://www.rx8club.com/showthread.p...threadid=18710
01-15-2004 | 08:56 PM
#18
Registered User
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 169
Likes: 0
From: San Diego, Ca
Originally posted by th1rd3y3
performance they are damn close. a gt-s will probably out handle an rsx and can be made to easily outhandle a z06. the rsx has a MUCH bigger aftermarket tho.
performance they are damn close. a gt-s will probably out handle an rsx and can be made to easily outhandle a z06. the rsx has a MUCH bigger aftermarket tho.
RSX!
