Is an Acura RSX considered a sports car?
The Acura RSX, produced by Honda under its luxury brand Acura, has long been a topic of debate among car enthusiasts. While some consider it a sports car, others see it as a sporty coupe. In this article, we’ll explore the characteristics of the Acura RSX and determine whether it fits the definition of a sports car.
What Defines a Sports Car?
Before diving into the specifics of the Acura RSX, it’s important to understand what generally defines a sports car. While there is no universally agreed-upon definition, sports cars typically share the following characteristics:
- Designed for performance, with a focus on speed, handling, and agility.
- Often feature a lightweight body to enhance performance.
- Equipped with a powerful engine relative to their size.
- Usually have a two-door configuration, though exceptions exist.
- Prioritize driver engagement and sporty aesthetics.
The Acura RSX: A Closer Look
The Acura RSX, produced from 2002 to 2006, was marketed as a replacement for the Acura Integra. It was available in two main trims: the base model and the high-performance Type-S. Here’s how the RSX stacks up against the typical sports car criteria:
- Performance: The RSX Type-S, in particular, was equipped with a 2.0-liter i-VTEC engine producing up to 210 horsepower, paired with a close-ratio 6-speed manual transmission. This made it a fun and engaging car to drive, especially for its time.
- Handling: The RSX featured a well-tuned suspension and responsive steering, offering excellent handling and agility, which are hallmarks of a sports car.
- Design: With its sleek, two-door coupe design, the RSX certainly looked the part of a sporty vehicle.
- Weight: The RSX was relatively lightweight, further enhancing its performance and handling capabilities.
Is the Acura RSX Truly a Sports Car?
While the Acura RSX, particularly the Type-S trim, exhibits many characteristics of a sports car, it is often categorized as a "sport compact" rather than a true sports car. This distinction arises because the RSX was designed to balance performance with practicality, offering features like a comfortable interior, decent cargo space, and front-wheel drive, which are not typical of traditional sports cars.
However, for many enthusiasts, the RSX Type-S delivers a driving experience that rivals that of entry-level sports cars, making it a popular choice for those seeking a sporty yet practical vehicle.
Conclusion
In summary, the Acura RSX can be considered a sports car in certain contexts, particularly when looking at the Type-S trim. However, its blend of performance and practicality places it more accurately in the "sport compact" category. Whether you view it as a sports car or not, the RSX remains a beloved vehicle among enthusiasts for its engaging driving dynamics and timeless design.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my car is a sports car?
Broader definitions of sports cars include cars "in which performance takes precedence over carrying capacity", or that emphasise the "thrill of driving" or are marketed "using the excitement of speed and the glamour of the (race)track" However, other people have more specific definitions, such as "must be a two-seater ...
What is the Acura RSX called in Japan?
Honda Integra
The Honda Integra (Japanese: ホンダ インテグラ, Hepburn: Honda Integura), sold in North America as the Acura Integra and later the Acura RSX, is an automobile produced by the Japanese company Honda from 1985 until 2006, and then since 2021. It succeeded the Quint as a more luxurious and sport-oriented derivative of the Civic.
What is the Acura sports car called?
Overview. Acura's flagship isn't a large sedan or even a decked-out full-size SUV; it's the 2022 NSX Type S sports car, which utilizes a hybrid powertrain.
Why is the RSX so popular?
One of the key traits that make the Acura RSX such a joy to drive is its lightweight construction. Weighing just under 2,600 pounds, the RSX is a genuine featherweight compared to the sports cars of today, and the Type-S version comes in weighing only about 100 lbs more.
What is the best muscle car?
The 10 best muscle cars of all time
- 1970 Plymouth Road Runner Superbird.
- 1967 Chevrolet Camaro Z/28.
- 1949 Oldsmobile Rocket 88.
- 1965 Shelby Mustang GT-350.
- 1968 Chevrolet Corvette L88.
- 1964 Ford Fairlane Thunderbolt.
- 2015 Dodge Challenger Hellcat.
- 1971 Plymouth Hemi 'Cuda.
Are Acura RSX rare?
All to say the RSX, which was never all that common to begin with—in its best year Acura sold just 30,117 of them—is only going to become more special as time goes on, and as contrasts are drawn with the new RSX EV.
Is Acura just a fancy Honda?
Acura, on the other hand, is Honda's luxury division. Launched in 1986, Acura was the first Japanese premium car brand. The vehicles under this marque are designed with a greater emphasis on performance, luxury features, and a higher level of craftsmanship.
What classifies a car as a sports car?
Common characteristics of sports cars include: Quick acceleration and speed: Sports cars and muscle cars are both known for their speed. Where muscle cars focus more on power, sports cars focus on quick acceleration. Small and compact design: Sports cars are smaller than muscle cars and usually look sleeker.
What type of car is the RSX?
compact electric SUV
The RSX name originally appeared on a rebadged Acura version of the Honda Integra sold in the United States from 2002 to 2006, but it will now adorn a compact electric SUV that Honda says will be smaller than the ZDX.
Is an Acura a sports car?
Acura Sports Cars
It gets even more fun with the addition of the 320-horsepower Type S this year.
