Is an Acura TSX fast?
Yes. For a compact luxury sedan of its era, the TSX offers respectable acceleration, especially with the 6-speed manual—but it is not a high-performance car.
The TSX was produced in two generations (2004–2008 and 2009–2014). It pairs a refined inline-4 with front-wheel drive and a chassis tuned for balanced handling and everyday usability. This article reviews its quickness, how each generation compares, and how it stacks up against rivals.
Performance snapshot
Several core factors determine how quick the TSX feels on the road: engine output, weight, and transmission choice. The two generations offer slightly different numbers, which affect acceleration and overall punch.
- First-generation (2004–2008) TSX uses a 2.4-liter inline-4 producing about 200 horsepower and roughly 161–166 lb-ft of torque, depending on year and market.
- Second-generation (2009–2014) TSX uses a refined 2.4-liter i4 rated at about 201 horsepower and around 172 lb-ft of torque, with minor tweaks for responsiveness.
- Transmission options: a 6-speed manual is widely favored for quicker launches, while a 5-speed automatic is offered for daily driving comfort. In practice, manual models typically deliver faster 0–60 times.
- Vehicle weight: curb weight generally sits in the mid-3,200s pounds, varying by year and trim, which impacts acceleration and perceived urgency of the engine’s response.
The list above shows that the TSX’s pace comes from a strong, well-tuned engine for its class, good power-to-weight, and a gearbox choice that most buyers used to optimize performance. It’s competitive, but not class-leading in raw speed among modern sport sedans.
Generation differences
To understand how fast the TSX is, it helps to compare the two generations side by side: the earlier model offered strong torque for its day, while the later model refined the power curve for smoother, more linear acceleration.
- 2004–2008 TSX: 200 hp, about 161–166 lb-ft of torque; acceleration to 60 mph typically in the mid to high 6-second range with a manual transmission; automatic versions are a touch slower.
- 2009–2014 TSX: 201 hp, about 172 lb-ft of torque; 0–60 times generally fall in the mid-6-second range with the manual, slightly slower with the automatic, and updates aimed at improving throttle response and refinement.
Both generations retain the TSX’s emphasis on balanced handling, a stable ride, and fuel efficiency for a luxury-sporty sedan, with the later period delivering a modest bump in punch thanks to extra torque.
How it stacks up against rivals
When asked whether the TSX is fast, critics typically benchmark it against compact luxury rivals like the BMW 3 Series, Audi A4, and Infiniti G37. Those cars offer faster 0–60 figures in their sportier trims, but the TSX competes on steering feel, chassis balance, and everyday usability.
- 0–60 mph with a manual TSX: roughly 6.2–6.8 seconds, depending on year and condition; automatics generally run around 7.0–7.5 seconds. This places it behind high-performance trims but ahead of many mainstream sedans.
- Top speed: electronically limited; most versions are in the low 130 mph range, well short of hot-swap sport sedans but adequate for highway merging and overtakes.
- Handling and throttle response: the TSX is praised for its composed ride and precise steering, offering confident mid-corner grip and a balanced chassis, which can feel faster in real-world driving than raw numbers suggest.
In practical terms, the TSX can feel quick in everyday driving, especially on back roads or when revving near its power peak, but it isn’t a rival to more aggressive sport sedans, and its pace is best understood as confident rather than blistering.
Practical notes for buyers
Real-world performance depends on maintenance, transmission choice, and whether the car has any aftermarket or factory performance upgrades. Owners often favor the 6-speed manual for a more engaging experience and crisper launches, while automatics provide smoother drive with adequate acceleration for most daily tasks.
Summary
For its era, the Acura TSX offered credible speed for a compact luxury sedan, especially in the 6-speed manual configuration, with a capable 2.4-liter engine that delivered around 200–201 horsepower. It is quick enough to satisfy enthusiasts looking for brisk acceleration without sacrificing practicality, comfort, and fuel efficiency. It isn’t, however, a rival to more aggressive sport sedans, and its pace is best understood as confident rather than blistering.
