2008 Acura TSX vs. Its Competition

Meta Rating 8.2 out of 10

Browse Used Listings
What’s this?

What’s this? X

Our expert editors build comparisons like this one to make it easy for you to understand the small handful of cars you should compare to whatever car you are already looking at. You get general thoughts on each car you should consider plus an easy way to compare basic information for yourself.

Marty Padgett

Editorial Director BIO

Marty Padgett is High Gear Media's Editorial Director, overseeing the words that skim across High Gear Media's portfolio of automotive destinations... More

LATEST ARTICLE
30 Days Of 2013 Ram 1500: Gas Mileage, So Far
As we roll through our 30-day road test of the 2013 Ram 1500, we're ready to file our first report... Read More

#5LEADERBOARD RANK
5170ARTICLES CONTRIBUTED
111COMMENTS POSTED

Jun 27, 2008

The 2008 Acura TSX is in a tight size and price bracket, in which people are looking for front-wheel-drive models--possibly with all-wheel drive--and probably rule out the more expensive yet less practical rear-wheel-drive sport sedans like the BMW 3-Series and Infiniti G35.

The Audi A4 2.0T is a close rival to the TSX; its 200-horsepower, 2.0-liter turbocharged engine is close in output to the TSX's engine, but the Audi's advantage in torque makes it feel faster in most real-world driving.

The Audi gets better fuel economy, too, of up to 31 mpg, but it doesn't have handling that's as light and nimble as the TSX.

The Saab 9-3 is another close rival, with the base model priced closely to the TSX, with similar power from its 210-horsepower engine, a standard manual transmission, and a similar cabin: spacious in front, with great seats, but rather small in back.

The Subaru Legacy GT has the all-weather advantage of all-wheel drive, and a bit more power from a 250-horsepower, turbocharged flat-four engine; it doesn't get the gas mileage of the TSX, 9-3, or A4, though.

The Maxima is another alternative; it's larger and roomier--the choice for those who want more backseat space--and it has a smooth and powerful 255-horsepower V-6 engine.

Acura dealership service is another selling point in itself.

2008 Acura TSX Browse Used Listings	2009 Audi A4 Browse Used Listings	2009 Saab 9-3 Browse Used Listings	2009 Subaru Legacy Browse Used Listings	2008 Nissan Maxima Browse Used Listings
Quick Specs
Meta Rating
8.2 The 2008 Acura TSX is far from the freshest sport sedan design, but it remains one of the most sensible and fun-to-drive.	8.4 The 2009 Audi A4 has grown into a more useful luxury sedan, though it goes overboard with optional, programmable handling.	7.6 Despite rather conservative styling, the 2009 Saab 9-3 is one of the boldest performers in its class.	7.4 The 2009 Subaru Legacy appeals to rugged, sporty, and practical types, but not those who expect top refinement.	7.8 The 2008 Nissan Maxima is a bit more aesthetically appealing than a top-of-the-line Altima or Accord, but it doesn’t perform any better.
MSRP From
$28,190	$30,700	$30,360	$20,795	$28,630
Gas Mileage
19 MPG City / 28 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 30 MPG Hwy	15 MPG City / 29 MPG Hwy	17 MPG City / 26 MPG Hwy	19 MPG City / 25 MPG Hwy
Engine
Gas I4	Gas I4	Turbocharged I4	Gas Flat 4-Cyl	Gas V6
EPA Class
Compact	Compact	Compact	Compact	Mid-Size
Style Name
4-Door Sedan Man	4-Door Sedan CVT 2.0T FrontTrak Prestige Ltd Avail	4-Door Sedan 2.0T Touring	4-Door H4 Man	4-Door Sedan CVT 3.5 SE
Drivetrain
Front-Wheel Drive	All-Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive	All Wheel Drive	Front Wheel Drive
Passenger Capacity
5	5	5	5	5
Passenger Doors
N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A	N/A
Body Style
4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan	4 Door Sedan
Transmission
Manual w/OD	CVT	Manual	Manual	Continously Variable