Celica GT-S vs. RSX-S...now I know the truth

[NewRSXOwner]

Well...I owned a 2000 Celica GT-S until 2 months ago, don't ask me why I sold it...it pisses me off everytime I think about it. Anyway, I recently bought a 2002 RSX Type S, asnd here is my honest opinion.

From owning both cars I can say that they are both great cars. Toyota and Acura are probably the best out there, top fit ans finish, superior quality. Comparing the two cars is inevitable so I have divided my comparison into sections.

Quality-Fit and Finish - My Toyota never rattled or made noises, my brand new RSX-S makes plenty of them, engine is not that smooth or quiet.

Suspension-Handdling - The Celica sticks to the ground a lot better that the RSX-S...no joke the Celica's suspension is incredible.

Engine-Acceleration - The RSX-S is a little quicker off the line, but with an intake the Celica will be ahead.

Overall Opinion - Now that I have owned both cars I can tell you all the truth...My RSX-S is a great car but I honestly think that my Celica GT-S was a better car, although the aftermarket support for the RSX-S will soon be better. If you are thinking of trading your Celica for and RSX, I suggest you keep your precious Celica because I sure as hell miss mine.

[Fiero]

Hey I am in Tampa right now and have seen only a few RSXs over here. What area of town are you in and what color is yours?

[atehrani]

Why did you sell your Celica again?

[QWKsilvr808]

I had considered trading my GT-S in after test driving the Type-S myself, but I'm glad I didn't. It's a wonderful car really, but I just didn't like the stance of the it, or the look really. Since then it's grown on me quite a bit since I've seen a few slammed and kitted ones running around, but it's just too similar of a car to lose money on mine by trading it.

Sorry to hear you're disappointed man, that sucks. :(

[EuGeNiLe GTS]

that sucks man.. why didnt u get a wrx? isnt it the exact same price as an rsx type s.. 24k?

[ArchangelX]

But be bright about your new car.....your aftermarket will explode here in a bit(if it hasn't already) and you'll be able to take care of those things that are bugging you with a better suspension and one of those damn turbos we can't seem to get made.

But thanks for the honest opinion.... :D

[daSchtick]

Originally posted by NewRSXOwner
Quality-Fit and Finish - My Toyota never rattled or made noises, my brand new RSX-S makes plenty of them, engine is not that smooth or quiet.


This statement suprises me. I would have pinned the Acura to be more refined in this area, at least that is what I have read in most automotive press comparos.

As far as acceleraion goes, it seems to have a flatter power band than the Celica, hence better low RPM performance, but the Celica seems to outperform in the higher revs.

[DaileyDog]

I agree with the daSchtick on that point. I'm surprised, too. I had Teg GS-R that was incredibly noisy and made all kinds of strange noises, and much more than my Celica does now (despite all the TSBs on fixing rattles). All the reviews I read said Acura refined the RSX much better than any generation Teg.

Mike

[UntouchableRSX]

The only noise I have is a speaker that rattles...

[NewRSXOwner]

Dont get me wrong, im not saying these are loud or serious noises, the RSX is a solid car, it just seems like certain things rattle inside the car either at idle or when I am driving around. There is a rattling noise coming from the rear that I cannot figure out what it is and also there is a slight squeak coming from the engine compartment. I too have read the articles suggesting the RSX to be more refined but I have yet to prove them right. So hopefully I will have time to take it to the dealership this weekend.

[XcepTion]

I happen to own both cars (though my GTS is an auto). I gotta say that there's a lot I like about the celica, but I prefer my RSX-S. (Maybe it's that 6spd)

Originally posted by NewRSXOwner

Quality-Fit and Finish - My Toyota never rattled or made noises, my brand new RSX-S makes plenty of them
My RSX-S rattles in the rear also. Annoying as hell sometimes. The rest of the interior of the RSX looks better in quality.


engine is not that smooth or quiet.


I disagree. I think the RSX-S is quieter. Less wind and engine noise than the GTS.


Suspension-Handling - The Celica sticks to the ground a lot better that the RSX-S...no joke the Celica's suspension is incredible.

True. I blame the michelins.


Engine-Acceleration - The RSX-S is a little quicker off the line, but with an intake the Celica will be ahead.

I can't say... my gts is an auto.

Overall Opinion - Honestly... they're too similar to say which one's better. I personally don't think it would be worth a trade in either direction.

[racinjason]

Actually if you go by the figures thrown around by many many sources, the Acura is slightly quicker 0-60(maybe .2) but by the end of a 1/4 mile the GT-S and RSX are just about dead even. Many owners of the GT-S and RSX will agree on that. Both get 1/4 times from 14.8-15.2 stock.

Braking would go to the Celica without a doubt.

Interior finish I would probably give the nod to the RSX by a nose.

Rattles: I have heard some in my car once in a while. But I also have it lowered 3 inches and have 5g's in suspension mods. It's to be expected. But remember the moonroof rattle guys!!! It sounds like a close one there.

Tranny: Both are 6speeds. The RSX does have some problems with theirs. I'd give this to the GT-S. Remember Acura doesn't cover misshifts either!!! Doh!

Both engines are pretty close noise wise, when I first bought my Celica I couldn't even hear it idle it was so quiet and smooth. The RSX sounds very close. At full throttle the Celica sounds louder(GT-S) that the Type S. But that's what I want!

Handling is pretty close but I like the higher salom speed by the GT-S. That's important to me. And I hear alot of 3rd person test drivers that say they like the Celica a tad better. Could be a higher center of gravity etc. Tires will affect this but I don't think that changing them will change the outcome too much.

Looks: that's for you to decide. I personally like the more agressive stance and design of the Celica. Lower roofline is key! Definately more sporty looking. The RSX roofline makes it more Neon/utilitarian looking. Begging for 4 passengers.... No thanks.

Aftermarket: Don't expect the RSX market to EXPLODE!!! And it hasn't yet. I think your expecting too much. I don't want to sound negative or defensive about the RSX aftermarket. And there will be a decent parts selection but Acura is not making enough of these to warrent a huge aftermarket. Companies will loose thier butt if they do. Remember Toyota sells about 50k Celicas a year to Acuras 30k. Which market offers more of a chance to sell something!!! hmmmm. The only thing is Honda is more friendly with helping aftermarket companies. But that won't matter much if they know the market is smaller. Not to mention the entire market has much expanded past the Civics and RSX. As I said in prior posts. The many other car companies are gobbling up sport compact market share. Which leaves companies scrambling to make parts for other cars. Don't expect the market to drop every thing to make parts for the RSX. I hear many owners complaining that they only have a select couple parts to choose from already.

[BRAK]

Ty for starting this thread , AND TY EVERYONE FOR NOT BASHING ONE OR THE OTHERS VEHICLES! I myself have not drivin the RSX-S but i doo like the overall look. Oh by the way good commenting on the point of veiws everyone. When i bought my GT-S 3 weeks ago ... i looked at the Consumer Reports books (autos) , and i couldnt belive it that they rated the celica more durible and better resell value than the RSX. I have always looked at acura at top notch quality.

[Chui]

Tranny: Both are 6speeds. The RS-X does have some problems with theirs. I'd give this to the GT-S. Remember Acura doesn't cover misshifts either!!! Doh!

Why should they cover YOUR misshifts? And what "problems" are you speaking of? I recall Toyota making modifications to that transmission in the Celica...

[XcepTion]

Some people are having notchiness and grinding problems on the 1-2 shift.

[marcus_GTS]

And what "problems" are you speaking of? I recall Toyota making modifications to that transmission in the Celica...

Yup. Toyota did some work on the shifter, such that late 2001 and all 2002 6 speeds have wider spacing between 1-2 and 3-4. The problem with RSX's 6 speed is the synchros. Some people have complained about the synchros on Celica 6 speeds too, but it seems to be more chronic on the RSX, judging from the number of people talking about it on clubrsx.com

What seems to be emerging from various sources is that the RSX-s is a better car as a comfortable luxo-box with some spirited performance, whereas the Celica GT-S is a more hard edged, sporting machine (more in the vein of the Acura Integra type-R). The RSX is probably easier to live with for most people, but the GT-S is more at home on the track.

What's interesting to me is that a year ago, the roles were reversed: The type-R was the hard edged sport machine, the GT-S was the "I want to go fast but I still like sound insulation" machine.

[XcepTion]

I think that's what Acura was targeting with the RSX. Less rice, more luxury. The RSX Type R should fill that "hard edged sport machine role" as soon as it comes out.

[HilfigerCelica]

Originally posted by racinjason



Aftermarket: Don't expect the RSX market to EXPLODE!!! And it hasn't yet. I think your expecting too much. I don't want to sound negative or defensive about the RSX aftermarket. And there will be a decent parts selection but Acura is not making enough of these to warrent a huge aftermarket. Companies will loose thier butt if they do. Remember Toyota sells about 50k Celicas a year to Acuras 30k. Which market offers more of a chance to sell something!!! hmmmm. The only thing is Honda is more friendly with helping aftermarket companies. But that won't matter much if they know the market is smaller. Not to mention the entire market has much expanded past the Civics and RSX. As I said in prior posts. The many other car companies are gobbling up sport compact market share. Which leaves companies scrambling to make parts for other cars. Don't expect the market to drop every thing to make parts for the RSX. I hear many owners complaining that they only have a select couple parts to choose from already.

I agree with you on this one, Jason. The RSX is targeted towards people who want more luxury which means these people are probably not going to do much to their cars versus the Celica which is more of a boyracer. And just like in late '99 or early '00, we were teased about a Blitz supercharger and I read in a mag somewhere that TRD was going to build a blower for the MR2 which will also go on the Celica GT. Magazines everywhere was talking about how Toyota finally has listen to the import scene and that the Celica had parts that were made to be modified. Then they launch the "is this toyota" campaign hyping it up even further. So everyone was thinking the Celica will be an import icon like the Integra or Civic.

Now I'm not bashing on the RSX at all. I think it's a very nice car, but I think there aftermarket will be pretty much where we are except for the fact that they will probably get there forced induction before we do.

[racinjason]

The Type R should be here soon! What does it run?? I know its out in Japan.

Chui: I didn't say they should or shouldn't cover the misshift. But it's always nice to know they do. And I have NEVER mishifted. But it does happen to the best of us. We are all only human afterall.

[TRD Liquid Silver]

Originally posted by XcepTion
Some people are having notchiness and grinding problems on the 1-2 shift.

all i have to say is mobil synthetic tranny fluid. i drove my friends gts today and he's complaining about the notchiness of his tranny then he drove mine and he's like yours is completely different! after driving my car then i drove it fresh from driving his car and yes there is a difference. i've got 22k and and he's got 14k and i put the synthetic tranny fluid @10k along with synthetic mobil 15w50. haven't used anything since then. don't notice much unless you drive the same exact car and i'm so glad that my tranny didn't feel like his.

synthetic is not all in the mind, the damn thing does help..

[GTS LAID]

I agree with you mofos... i swear to god when its dry out there and I've had a cup of coffee and more than 5 hours of sleep the night before i always walk out of a celica after a drive with my legs trembling... I know... you say its the coffee... but I say its the mind numbing edginess of the car. you really cant get a more f*cked up curve when it comes to power delivery ( i love it) so it really feels like you're getting your ass kicked when driving it. It has its share of problems, most of them minor, but again, whenever any of my friends or I walk out of it after a 'spirited' drive, the contention is: get some crtuches cause my knees about to crumble.

If the RSX gives you that same feeling from being RAW (which i dont think it does or is from what i hear) then that'd be great. Unfortunately I think the RSX is just a fast car, maybe faster, but definately no where near as FUN.

god bless america, god bless the folks at toyota racing and yamaha for making our engines, and god bless newcelica.org

enjoy your weekend my children

[kabal57]

I think the rsx-s people are in the same boat we were in 00 , 01. The car is still very new and it will take a few years to iron out all the problems just like with any other new car. call them growing pains :) I have not driven a rsx, but I have been driven in one. Based on that I like my celi better, it just seems more fun. I love the celica engine, it's like its begging you to rev every time you drive it, I've never had a car with more of a rev eagerness than this one. I swear to god i can't seem to drive less than 80 on the freeways in it, and it still wants to go faster :) Anyone else have this little problem?

[Gaps]

Originally posted by GTS LAID
I agree with you mofos... i swear to god when its dry out there and I've had a cup of coffee and more than 5 hours of sleep the night before i always walk out of a celica after a drive with my legs trembling... I know... you say its the coffee... but I say its the mind numbing edginess of the car. you really cant get a more f*cked up curve when it comes to power delivery ( i love it) so it really feels like you're getting your ass kicked when driving it. It has its share of problems, most of them minor, but again, whenever any of my friends or I walk out of it after a 'spirited' drive, the contention is: get some crtuches cause my knees about to crumble.

If the RSX gives you that same feeling from being RAW (which i dont think it does or is from what i hear) then that'd be great. Unfortunately I think the RSX is just a fast car, maybe faster, but definately no where near as FUN.

god bless america, god bless the folks at toyota racing and yamaha for making our engines, and god bless newcelica.org

enjoy your weekend my children


GTS Laid, you are a kindred spirit....this post belongs in the NEWCELICA.ORG Hall of Fame as it best portrays the attitude of a proper Celica ride. I cant type anymore, must go for a drive!!

[tripnotic]

Originally posted by kabal57
I love the celica engine, it's like its begging you to rev every time you drive it, I've never had a car with more of a rev eagerness than this one. I swear to god i can't seem to drive less than 80 on the freeways in it, and it still wants to go faster :) Anyone else have this little problem?

This what had caused me to get a ticket. Going 86mph on a 60mph speed zone. Damn car is like a heorine going thru your body...

[ZeroGTS]

i am in love with both cars.
I, however, personally like the looks of the celica better. I got mine when both were out...I liked the celica more, hence why I am posting here and not on clubRSX.

I didnt sit in the RSX, i sat in every other honda...still liked the celica. I drove a lot of them...but for some reason...i ended up spending every weekend going to the dealer....and eventually started going on weekdays
just to sit in the celica....and make revving noises while i shifted.
something about the car...just seemed to fit me. It made me boil inside just sitting in there and feeling it. Every time i looked at the guages and out the window, i couldnt tell you what it was, besides that it was good.
Everyone says my car feels like sitting in a fighter jet. Ih appen to agree. I love every minute of it.
Its like A shot of ritalin for your entire body.
And on that note, im going for a drive.
You guys got me all worked up.

[tripnotic]

I really don't know how a RSX-S feels like but I will know soon this week because my friend just got a RSX-S. If it like or similar to the GSR then I wouldn't want one because it to comfortable and I can't feel the road as a celica does.

[FriedRice]

haha i remember that feeling too. i remember first time being in a celica. my friends white auto gts. i remember the first time being in lift, that sound. it just work me up. when i got home.... started a celica fund. and now i've got this. thankful im alive.

incidently, another friend of mine wanted to get an RSX really badly, but they didnt have the rite color, so he switched to a G20 (infiniti econoluxury starting off at like $22k) You can tell a lot by that. the rsx COULD be compared to a luxurious car that just happens to go fast. However, the celica, he said, looks fast, feels fast, sounds fast, even reverses fast.

[TRD Liquid Silver]

$hit i thought i was th only one, yeah right!

i still look foward to driving home the long way every night and it's been like that since the day i got here. i'll take the curvy roads the long straights, don't even mind the stop lights cause i get to practice launches=) it takes me an extra 20 minutes just to go that way home, but it's worth every minute

[siwell]

These GTS and RSX are near identical when compared to anything else. Try driving a WRX and see what I mean. For an extra 2k and get 227hp and amazing handling, available now. Who needs to wait for a turbo? I like the edginess of the GTS as much as anyone but the handling and added low-end power of the WRX... there just is no comparison. As a daily driver, the WRX is king. Consistent power band, turbo, and amazing handling. There is also are turbo upgrades available for 2-6k (larger intake, exhaust, etc) bumping it to 260+, near STi standards... but it's a different class of car. All this and no worries of blown valves. I personally wish I had waited for the WRX... by the time I have my celi paid off the Evo VII should be out... even better.

BTW, my engine was replaced at 20k, no misshifting... though I revved to 8300 more than a few times. It's been 9 weeks and the dealer hasn't received the engine from Japan yet. They are also going to be installing revised "transmission parts", whatever those may be.

[siwell]

These GTS and RSX are near identical when compared to anything else. Try driving a WRX and see what I mean. For an extra 2k and get 227hp and amazing handling, available now. Who needs to wait for a turbo? I like the edginess of the GTS as much as anyone but the handling and added low-end power of the WRX... there just is no comparison. As a daily driver, the WRX is king. Consistent power band, turbo, and amazing handling. There is also are turbo upgrades available for 2-6k (larger intake, exhaust, etc) bumping it to 260+, near STi standards... but it's a different class of car. All this and no worries of blown valves. I personally wish I had waited for the WRX... by the time I have my celi paid off the Evo VII should be out... even better.

BTW, my engine was replaced at 20k, no misshifting... though I revved to 8300 more than a few times. It's been 9 weeks and the dealer hasn't received the engine from Japan yet. They are also going to be installing revised "transmission parts", whatever those may be.

[FriedRice]

i heard that celica handling is better than WRX. u can take turns faster, but WRX's extra hp help it go out of turns faster. taking turns faster is suspension and handling. any WRX owners care to make their opinions known?

[MrGan78]

Yeah WRX is FAST and CHEAP for it's class

but wait a minute.... it's FUKING UGLY .........

rather drive a corolla

[UntouchableRSX]

I had notchiness from 1st - 2nd for about 1500- 2500 miles then it went away. The RSX is still the smoothest shifter I have ever used to this day. I personaly think the celica handles a little better then the WRX but looks 100 times better. I mean, come on, who buys a ugly car.(people who want speed??) :)

[Maelfyn]

I like how the WRX looks myself. :P

[Cronos]

Originally posted by Maelfyn
I like how the WRX looks myself. :P

I hate to admit it but the looks have grown on me. Maybe it's the performance achieved with mods that has made the cars looks a little more settling.

[SlickCar]

HEY HEY !
I haven't post in a long time !!
But I'm BACK !! Still have my Silver GTS with me... still luv it !!
Always looko back and admire it everytime I park my baby.
:-)


anyway..
ZeroGTS !! Are you my twin bro or something..
What you said abut thee celica is exactly how I feel about it..
It is just the "RIGHT" car for me..

Look,feel, everything !!
It might be slower than TypeR... I have have absolutely
no regret buying it !!

[Humza]

i was just thinking.... do you think the new rsx is a cross between the prelude and integra? Why would a car compay have 2 cars in the same price range, almost same performance, and same class? I think honda wanted to boost profits so they just combined two cars into one. just my $.02

[yakkosmurf]

In many ways, the Prelude was more of an Acura than the Integra was. It did make sense for Honda to quit having two cars so close together in class and price. Also, it made more sense for the new version to be more inline with the rest of the US Acura lineup.