Acura TSX vs Mazda6
 

Hey gentlemen. Would like to hear your thoughts on the above 2 vehicles. It's time for me to get a new car and these two vehicles look promising.

Acura TSX
http://www.acura.com/models/model_index.asp?module=tsx

Mazda 6
http://www.mazdausa.com/MusaWeb/hand...modelYear=2003

I'm leading towards the Mazda6, but I'm thinking of waiting until the hatchback version is available. But with the TSX coming out, it really has me thinking. It looks pretty sweet as well.

my vote is with the TSX. the 6 looks nice but i'm not liking the back end. the taillight arrangement looks a bit like the corollas. also the TSX comes with HID projectors standard. the V6 engine on the 6 is essentially the ford taurus engine that mazda tuned slightly.

I've never driven a Mazda before, but I have many an Acura.
Go test drive them and see which one you like! Don't rely on other people's opinions...

TSX for me

TSX.

I think the TSX is much better hands down. The only fact that the Mazda has is a little more HP. But everything else Acura all the way. That's my opinion at least.

I think in terms of performance, they will probably equal out, especially if you are comparing the Mazda 6s (w/ the V6 and sport packages) to the TSX, but if you can afford the extra what 2-3 grand, the TSX has more standard creature comforts, like dual climate control, 6 disc changer, and a better interior quality. My vote would go with the TSX if you got the cash to blow, but if you don't want to pony money up the Mazda is still pretty damn good

have you seen the interior of the TSX? it's really luxurious.. and have you read the standard options list? it's jam packed.. with the navigation system being the only option (like the TL and i don't know what else)

Thanks for the replies folks. I have test driven the Mazda6 in January, and now that the TSX is out, as suggested by a1t3r3g0 I should go out and test drive it as well.

I'll let you know how it goes.

I havent driven the TSX but I must say that I do like the 6, plus you can get a more powerful engine if you have the money. The sound sytem are gauge panels are very cool in the 6. also teh fold down rear seat is a nice feature. The 6 with the body package reminds me of the ford mustang but with 4 doors.

correction - sound sytem and gauges

i'd spend the extra couple grand and get the acura, their build quality is so much better. i drive a 2000 accord, but before that a 93 acura vigor, and i notice that the acura is so much better. hardly and rattles, squeaks or anything.

i used to sell mazda's. if you're most concerned about "creature comforts" and navigation and stuff like that, then the TSX is for you. if you want a "spirited" driving experience, then the 6s 5 spd is for you. i got my paws on one before i left the job and loved it. it handles like a slot car. one thing you have to remember is that mazda's are designed as sports cars from the gound up (yes even their minivan handles nicely), whereas the acura is designed more for luxury.

I like the 6. Wait for the hatch version though.

acura is one day going to be on par with lexus bmw and mercedes, go with acura

brandon11983: i tend to agree with you regarding the 6 and they way it is a more sporty car. I drove my uncle's 626, 91 hatchback and it was always nice to drive.

madsenj37: i like the fold down seat feature as well.

Maybe I'll get a 6 hatch when it comes out and it is more in my budget and down the road pick up an Acura when I can afford a second car.

I'd prefer the 6. sporty > luxury for me. with these two cars its a matter of preference.

I like the 6. The TSX looks like an Accord with bastardized pseudo-RSX taillights stuck on. Also, everyone and his dog is probably going to own one in the next couple years. +1 for the sport factor as well, unless it says "Type R" on it.

but right now they aren't, and right now is when the guy will be buying his car (or soon enough :D )

I'd go for TSX because i like honda's :D Their extremely reliable, but that's our personal thoughts because we've never had a mazda before.

value + hp = 6

steadfast quality + $$$ = TSX/uglier

In Japan there is no Acura name, it's just plain Honda. While the TSX isn't a bad car, it's not worth the price. I think the Mazda6 looks cleaner and is a lot cheaper too. Vapusforever; Acura will never be on pair with Mercedies and BMW, have you seen there new 4-door that has a supercharged v8? Runs the quartermile in 12.4 seconds from the factory.

Isn't the TSX the Euro/Japan Spec Accord? I was hoping acura would bring over the awd option.

tsx will be better all around. make sure you take em on the highway, then youll see which one is more refined

Either one is a nice car it just depends on what you want. Sporty, not so sporty, etc>

im a huge Acura fan, a i have to definitely say go with the TSX..

honda engineering is some of the best in the world, and just wait and see what this thing can do. i can almost guarantee its performance will be better than the mazda 6.

the TSX will own performance-wise, and already wins in the options & features department. it looks like the euro sport sedan styling is coming hard to the US, and i think the TSX will be at the head

hard to compare the two....mazda 6s is more a match for the honda accord or the toyota camray...it beats them hands down!!
.....the 6s is great,bought my old lady one,couldn't wait for the hatchback...it's swell...........pm me if you want more info

.bobby............

TSX gets my vote, although I have nothing against the 6 it's a fine looking car, and the specs seem great, I just like the Honda reliability, and I think the TSX looks better.

I'm a Honda/Acura guy so I'm gonna say TSX. I just don't have the faith in Mazda build quality to recommend them over a Japanese car.

After the test drive, I'm pretty sure you'll want to go with the TSX.

Aren't Mazda Japanese?

Yeah, they are. I like the 6. It's a nice car, with a good ride, nice handling, and with the V6, plenty of go. Mazda built quality is fine...I owned a 626 some time ago...put about 35,000 miles on it (hard miles, mind you) in six months...only thing I did to it was replace a wheel bearing. I started driving it with 150,000 miles on it...wrecked it at 185,000 or so. I'd highly recommend a Mazda.

Acura's are mostly overpriced Honda's...which are overpriced to begin with...jmho.

Are they not owned by Ford? Is Ford not an American company? Acura's mostly overpriced Honda's? I don't know about that. Honda's being overpriced already, now that I totally disagree with. Look at the reliability you get from a Honda, you pay a little more for a better quality automobile, sounds like a good idea to me. But hey that's just my opinion, and what do I know.

Ford has a 30% shareholding in Mazda, enough to make some weight in stakeholder decisions, but not enough for controlling. (I'm sure of that, not so much of % held). In any case, both cars could be nice, but you really need to say what you want in terms of handling, speed, etc...

Mazda is a ford motor company... that's enough for me to fear their build quality.

Acuras are not overpriced Hondas. Their prices are the most competetive in the market considering their reliability. For instance, they could get away with selling the TL for $15k more than they are.

The TSX is a more refined Accord. They squeeze a lot of power out of a 4-cyl, add all of the creature comforts from the Accord's EX package and then some, upgrade the interior quality, give it a much more appealing exterior design, and they don't even sell it for more than the Accord EX.

I'm a Mazda fan, and If i had the cash I would be driving a Mazda 6 Sport right now...but I'm a poor bastard.


If your gong to get the Mazda 6 go for the V6 Sport...they are fast! I took one for a test drive damn fine car!

wait for the Mazdaspeed 6 to hit the showroom.

2.3 litre twin turbo pushing about 270 hp with full retooled suspension and more aggressive styling via wide body kit. should bring it in line price-wise with TSX, but will blow the doors off of the TSX in performance.

WOW! if that comes out I'm going to rob a bank to buy one of them:D

6 for sure.... the tsx has a shaky dash. if you drive it for more than 2 months, the dash starts shaking and making noise.

I would rather walk everywhere, for the rest of my life, then spend one penny that I've earned in my life on a Honda. If someone gave me one as a gift, I'd surely stop talking to them.

Go with the 6s. You won't be dissappointed.

I would recomend the Mazda. Can't beat them for the quality to value. I have a P5, which is admittedly lower end. But it handles like a dream and haven't had one problem with it.

Wow, I haven't been in here in a little while and it seems like the thread has kept on going.

Just to let you guys know. I did finally pick up TSX in November 2003 and I am totally enjoying the car. Extremely smooth high-rev engine and the finish is very nice. I picked up a silver one and its been great to drive. It has the power when I need it and the gas economy is still very decent.

Thanks for all your input folks, and its been great hearing from you.

P.S. When I bought the TSX, the Mazda 6 Sport hadn't come out yet, but at the time I need a car (moved to suburbia). If I had the money for a larger 2nd car, the Mazda 6 Sport would definitely be under my consideration list.

You feel the same way I do about Honda's :D TGhe RSX looks nice but its still a Honda deep down!

http://www.autotudos.hu/kep_02_04_Mazda_6_1_nagy.jpg

Just curious, and I am NOT looking for a freakin' flame war here, but why don't you like Hondas?

De-tuning is one of my biggest pet peeves in the automotive world. I can see putting extra ports in an RX-8 engine for the sportiest model (wiht manual transmission,) but to "squueze a lot more power out of a 4-cyl" shows me that the originl model is characterized by a lack of effort.

Don't get me started on detuning cars for the US market.

I was just thinking the same thing.

I grew up a Chevy boy. And well I always hated japan cars...just started in the last year looking at Nissan and Mazda...its just I have always said to friends and family I would Never own a honda in my life, well I would like to stick to that....still don't like there looks plus my dad hates them also and if I ever brought one home he would never let it go..he would bug me every day.

The Acura's are nice but still Honda power.....Another thing is everyone owns a damn CIVIC and that also piss me off, I can go a day with out seeing 20 or the damn things around town! But Nissan and Mazda are limited around town if I own one of them you get noticed:thumbsup:

It's like car-racism.

That's ok.. I can't stand American cars.

Well GM still has to pull there head all the way out of there ass, until that I will never own a new Chevy, Pontiac are alright, but I have found a new favorite car and that the Nissan 240SX 89-94

I have owned 4 Acuras and 2 mazdas. I put well over 100K on all of them. All were good cars. Acura wins out on dealer support and parts availability. When you get ready to sell or trade there is no comparison. The Acura will hold a lot more of its value.

I like the new Mazda6 and also the Mazda3, both nice cars. But for me it's a no brainer.

I would have preferred the TL but my wife liked the TSX better so we just got a brand new one last week; no navigation, I'm my own navigator and I never get lost ;) I really really like the car so far even more than I thought I would. Of course it only has a couple hundred miles on it. Both of us preferred the TSX over the Accord, but that's pretty nice too. We also still have an '89 Acura Legend since new which is my daily beater (so I don't have to wear out my '95 Supra turbo ;) ) the Old Legend has over 105k miles, feels and acts like it will go another 100k at least without any problems.

Being a motorhead who enjoys driving on a road race course a few times a year and spirited driving most of the time, I'm already looking at how I can sneak a Comptech supercharger, lowering springs, low restriction exhaust, tweeked ECU, etc on the TSX without wifey noticing it - she never looks under the hood ;)

As a related aside, a major national race team just switched their main race car from a Integra Type-R to the TSX since it has 2.4L vs the R's 2.0 and with some "minor" massaging, they think it will be much more competitive than the Integra ...even though they already kicked butt with the 'teg and are continuing to race it too from what I read. Based on a couple races already, it looks like their right about the TSX.

Fantasy aside, even if it stays all stock, this looks and feels like it will be a very enjoyable car to own.

I supercharger, Low restriction exhaust and a ECU she wouldn't know, but if she came out one day and the car was setting an inch or more lower I think she might notice that! But she might like the handling better, just tell her about that. For she safety you might want to run te supercharger by her 2.

Aww BadNick, you're really missing out on the TL.. it's a wonderful car.

you're right Halx, I loved the look and feel of the new TL a lot more than the TSX. Fortunately, my ...ahhhem... very sensible wife already said maybe we should trade or sell the Old Legend for something more reliable for my daily transportation so I see a possible TL in my future :) ...EXCEPT did you hear/see that new RL with like 300hp and all wheel drive???? Man, I'm going to drive that asap!

oh yeah ..Pain Train, your sig pic or whatever that nice little pic is called reminds me ...the TSX has HID headlights too ...two! :)

Yeah... I've been keeping up with the new RL.. looks like an awesome car. Alas, I aint gonna pitch for one seeing as my new TL *just* fits into my budget.

By that logic, dont buy a Jag, because OMG its a Ford. :crazy: :lol:

Jag's do stink my Aunt had a 01' and it had a lot of problems, so she sold it back to the dealer and bought a 99' Audi A8, now thats a nice car!

exactly.. nor volvos

You can see the difference in the cars. Mazda is not wholly owned, iirc, Volvo and Jaguar are. For all your irony, I seriously wouldn't drive something so obviously badge-engineered as the models the latter two marques are beginning to churn out.

BTW, TVR have recently been taken over, and not by a major manufacturer. This means an injection of capital, and no downside in terms of platform sharing or navel searching for brand identity.

TSX...........Acura you know will run forever, Mazda has never had a good name, but they said with these new models that all that has changed.

Good Luck!!

Don't believe everything you read


Like my dad always says believe half of everything you hear and nothing you read;)

Sorry, don't mean to venture off topic, but as a big fan of Volvo (and perhaps the only on this board), I have to say that Ford's acquisition of Volvo has gone over really well in that, by and large, Ford pretty much leaves the Swedes alone. In fact, in as much as badge engineering goes, there has been a reverse effect. The upcoming Ford 500 and Freestyle vehicles as well as the Mercury Montego are all based on Volvo's P2 platform (which Volvo uses for all their cars except the new S40/V50) which was developed prior to the Ford acquisition. The S40/V50 are the first cars to actually come out having been designed after the acquisition, and they've had excellent reviews. They share the platform with the upcoming Ford Focus as well as the... MAZDA 3.

And why should Ford start messing with Volvo? IIRC Volvo is the only member of the Ford PAG that's really turning a profit.

Not sure about Jaguar. Not a fan of the X-Type's styling, but my grandfather/mother just got an S-Type and it's pretty slick (that set of grandparents are big fans of Jaguar, and have owned several in the past). Other than a couple of minor ergonomic issues for the driver, the interior is incredibly comfortable. Just like the older models, but scaled down to fit the smaller car.

And to be slightly on topic, a friend has the Mazda 6s and it is a pretty nice car. The styling all-around seemed nice and clean to me, and he's been very happy with the performance of the car. I have no experience with the TSX.

okeef19, glad to hear that you've been happy with the purchase. Here's to it staying that way for many many miles to come. Cheers!

The Jag S-types are built on the for taurus platform, need I say more?
Ever since Jag sold out, a jag is no longer a JAG.

Good choice on the TSX, I love acura's new styling in that car and the TL and their build quality is excellent.

And that chevy guy from Ontario,
Always hated japan cars? Did you fight in WWII or something? I guess you will never know what its like to drive a vehicle you dont have to fix every weekend. Do you hate fuel injection too?

I have always hated american cars. They are poorly designed, inferior materials (check out the dash in a new dodge ram), and the styling is blah. I have never owned an american car (but driven plenty of them) and hopefully never will.
p.s. I am a US resident.

Nissan owns you all!!!!!

My G35 Coupe will be fitted with a stillen twin turbo in 6 weeks and (combined with my other mods) i will be putting down 413 hp to the rear wheels.

the 2005 350Z will have a limited edition cobra crushing NISMO PACER that will come with 354hp.

and in 2007, watch out for the 4.5 litre twin-turbo GTR!!!! BITCHES!!!

just kidding...i love all cars...that's what being a car enthusiast is all about...but i have a particular affinity for nissan. dont sleep on 'em.

I guess you mean me!

I didn't say i hate all jap cars just hate Honda, I'm right now looking at buying a Nissan 240SX(don't know year yet)

Ya 07' looks liek they got a replacment for the Skyline R34 GTR finally!

well the 99' R34 GTR put out 505 hp with a top speed od 190+ mph:eek: now that is badass!