I sold my RSX 5-speed two weeks ago to buy an FR-S. The FR-S is an incredible machine, but it also reminds me daily of how good my RSX was. I sold the RSX with 155K on the odometer, with almost all the original parts - so reliability was outstanding.
Here is a comparison of the two cars:
Braking: Always a weak point in my RSX. Too much slack in the pedal. FR-S is direct and a dream to modulate.
Steering Feel: Pretty equal. The RSX had great steering and tracked beautifully. Very slight edge over the FR-S. Quicker steering ratio in the FR-S should have been standard in the RSX.
Ride: The RSX was softer over small imperfections, with less jiggling, but the FR-S handles big bumps without any harshness. Edge to the FR-S. The FR-S does pick up the road surface and translate it back to the cabin. The RSX is more isolated from that on the highway.
Handling: The FR-S is better around curves and more confident on the highway. But the RSX was remarkably good and not far behind. The RSX was a little better in maintaining traction when turning on bumpy pavement. The FR-S has much better balance, but the difference doesn't really show up in normal driving.
Ergonomics: The RSX had better ergonomics in the controls and the angle of the radio face. The FR-S' controls are closer to hand. The RSX is way better for storage spaces and trunk room. I prefer the fairly upright windshield in the FR-S, and like it much better than the super low angle one in the new Civic SI. Upright windshields are cool in my book.
Visibility: Both cars have good visibility, but the FR-S has the edge in being able to see the hood (wheel bumps on either side), a thinner A column and better side mirror positioning. But the RSX had much better left rear visibility. Rearward gives a slight edge to the RSX.
Quality of Interior: The RSX was a mixed bag. I loved the dash and liked the controls and the steering wheel was the best I have used. But the top door panels and the rubbery armrests were bad. Leather seats in the RSX were outstanding. FR-S seats are confining but extremely comfortable. Climate control better in the RSX. Interior materials are no-frills, but uniformly good quality in the FR-S, except for the climate controls. I like the design in both cars.
Transmission: The RSX is the clear winner, as the FR-S is much more notchy. However, I prefer the clutch in the FR-S since takeup is shorter and more precise.
Noise: The FR-S is quiet at low speeds, and fairly loud on the highway due to road noise. The RSX had both wind and road noise. Edge to the FR-S.
Driving Experience: I give the edge to the RSX at low speed and in congested conditions. Driving normally on empty roads they are equal. At higher speeds the FR-S shows tremendous confidence and surety that my base RSX couldn't match.
One other area where the RSX is better is in ease of entry and exit. I still haven't found a graceful way to get into and out of the FR-S. Its long doors and high threshold means that the doors have to be open wide to get in and out. The RSX has a clear edge in tight parking spaces.
I'm not going to talk about the engine, since I didn't own a type S that would be a more direct comparison. But I will say that the engine sound in the FR-S is more throaty and coarse - but very likeable.
If anyone has questions, I'd be glad to answer them. Also, I am not about to start drifting the FR-S until I get access to a track and money to burn.
If you own an RSX I suggest that money spent on increasing its longevity is well spent. Almost every car I test drove over the past year, including Honda, Acura, Mini, Mustang, Subaru, Nissan, Volvo, Mazda and Ford, did not offer road feel and steering comparable to the RSX.
Here is a comparison of the two cars:
Braking: Always a weak point in my RSX. Too much slack in the pedal. FR-S is direct and a dream to modulate.
Steering Feel: Pretty equal. The RSX had great steering and tracked beautifully. Very slight edge over the FR-S. Quicker steering ratio in the FR-S should have been standard in the RSX.
Ride: The RSX was softer over small imperfections, with less jiggling, but the FR-S handles big bumps without any harshness. Edge to the FR-S. The FR-S does pick up the road surface and translate it back to the cabin. The RSX is more isolated from that on the highway.
Handling: The FR-S is better around curves and more confident on the highway. But the RSX was remarkably good and not far behind. The RSX was a little better in maintaining traction when turning on bumpy pavement. The FR-S has much better balance, but the difference doesn't really show up in normal driving.
Ergonomics: The RSX had better ergonomics in the controls and the angle of the radio face. The FR-S' controls are closer to hand. The RSX is way better for storage spaces and trunk room. I prefer the fairly upright windshield in the FR-S, and like it much better than the super low angle one in the new Civic SI. Upright windshields are cool in my book.
Visibility: Both cars have good visibility, but the FR-S has the edge in being able to see the hood (wheel bumps on either side), a thinner A column and better side mirror positioning. But the RSX had much better left rear visibility. Rearward gives a slight edge to the RSX.
Quality of Interior: The RSX was a mixed bag. I loved the dash and liked the controls and the steering wheel was the best I have used. But the top door panels and the rubbery armrests were bad. Leather seats in the RSX were outstanding. FR-S seats are confining but extremely comfortable. Climate control better in the RSX. Interior materials are no-frills, but uniformly good quality in the FR-S, except for the climate controls. I like the design in both cars.
Transmission: The RSX is the clear winner, as the FR-S is much more notchy. However, I prefer the clutch in the FR-S since takeup is shorter and more precise.
Noise: The FR-S is quiet at low speeds, and fairly loud on the highway due to road noise. The RSX had both wind and road noise. Edge to the FR-S.
Driving Experience: I give the edge to the RSX at low speed and in congested conditions. Driving normally on empty roads they are equal. At higher speeds the FR-S shows tremendous confidence and surety that my base RSX couldn't match.
One other area where the RSX is better is in ease of entry and exit. I still haven't found a graceful way to get into and out of the FR-S. Its long doors and high threshold means that the doors have to be open wide to get in and out. The RSX has a clear edge in tight parking spaces.
I'm not going to talk about the engine, since I didn't own a type S that would be a more direct comparison. But I will say that the engine sound in the FR-S is more throaty and coarse - but very likeable.
If anyone has questions, I'd be glad to answer them. Also, I am not about to start drifting the FR-S until I get access to a track and money to burn.
If you own an RSX I suggest that money spent on increasing its longevity is well spent. Almost every car I test drove over the past year, including Honda, Acura, Mini, Mustang, Subaru, Nissan, Volvo, Mazda and Ford, did not offer road feel and steering comparable to the RSX.