Test drive: 2005 Acura RSX Type-S

The Acura RSX Type-S is a high performance version of Acura's RSX coupe. It features a 210 hp 2-liter engine, 6-speed close-ratio manual transmission, modified suspension and brakes, quick-ratio variable rack & pinion steering, upgraded tires, leather interior. Air conditioning and 7-speaker Bose sound system standard. Price $23,570. Warranty: total vehicle 4 yr/50,000 mi. EPA fuel mileage: 23 city/31 highway.

First Glance

Ever seen a 75-year-old boy racer? Not a pretty sight, you say? Well, maybe not to a 25-year-old but I still have all my faculties and Paul Newman's older than me and he's racing in this year's Daytona 24 Hours. Normally I drive with dignity, as befits a person of my age. Unfortunately this copper-colored rocketship absolutely refused to be driven slowly. It begged to hit the 8000 rpm redline, snicked through its gears quicker than a train conductor can punch a ticket, cornered as though glued to the pavement. Yes, the Acura RSX S-Type may be a front-wheel-drive coupe derived from a Civic platform but on the road it is pure sports car and don't let a rear-drive fanatic tell you otherwise. Yet I was prepared not to like it, having experienced too many cars that demand the agility of a sloth to enter and exit. Indeed, this was all but confirmed on the BC Ferry when the attendant parked me against an inner wall. With less than 2-ft. clearance that barn-wide door wouldn't open enough to let me out. Luckily the seatbacks recline to near-horizontal so I managed to wiggle into the back seat and exit, albeit ungracefully. Once off the ship, however, I fell in love with the RSX, the nearest thing to the fountain of youth on four wheels.

In the Driver's Seat

In spite of my ferry experience, I soon adapted to the RSX, but refused to enter the rear seat area from a normal standing position. So you'll have to take my word that visual inspection shows it to be best-suited to small people and orangutans. Which, in the case of some kids, is the same thing. Up front, however, is what counts and there I was comfortable, cosseted, and eager to hit the road. The seats are superb, not racer-tight but with excellent grip. The steering wheel is perfectly placed, small, leather-wrapped. The gear lever, to use a phrase as old as this driver, falls right to hand. And it all looks great, with typical Acura ergonomics. If I had any complaints, they would be that the numbers on the instruments are too small and the indicators on the air controls are difficult to read. The round vents operate with little clamshell doors that leave them completely disguised when shut. Seats and mirrors are heated, while the set-and-forget climate control maintains a comfortable temperature. There's a subtle elegance here, with just a little faux titanium and chrome to dress things up. A sunroof is standard and causes no buffeting when opened; the powerful 7-speaker Bose sound system accepts cassettes and stacks 6 CD's.

On the Road

They say you can't go back. And yet, every time I drove it, the RSX Type-S made me feel like the road racer I once was, those many long years ago. It reminded me of a 60's sports car modified for the track: stiff ride, razor-sharp steering, engine eager to rev. And with 210 hp coming from a 2-liter engine at 7800 rpm, the S-Type needed to be revved hard to get the best performance, which made that 6-speed close-ratio gearbox a welcome addition. And what a lovely box it is, too, snicking from gear-to-gear with little effort and, I'm happy to report, none of the "omigawd... what gear am I in?" characteristic that plagues some 6-speeders. The clutch, too, has a short throw, with clutch and brake pedals having the best heel-and-toe positioning I've experienced in anything short of a Ferrari. Add that to quick, responsive steering, extra-large ventilated disc brakes, 17-inch Michelin MXM all-season tires on 5-spoke alloy wheels, and you've got a car that allowed this grandfather to blow off a couple of young guys who dared challenge in their modified sport compacts. No, I'm not into street racing but give me a few good curves in an RSX Type-S and watch my white hair turn black again. The opposite happened to my passenger.

Journey's End

By now you must surely have the impression that I'm an RSX Type-S enthusiast, terror of the neighborhood. Enthusiast, yes, but to be honest, I'm darn careful about where and when I let the horses out of the barn. Still, that didn't prevent me from enjoying this car wherever I drove it, because in spite of its racer instincts, it's a pretty civilized form of motoring. Even stuck in heavy traffic, with those comfortable seats and sunroof open to the stars I was at ease with the car and myself... or should I say, my memories. In practical terms, the RSX Type-S is a sports car that a young family can enjoy, especially benefiting from 50/50-split folding rear seatbacks and a voluminous trunk that is easily accessed through the hatchback door. It has all the comforts a family would demand, is reasonably easy on fuel, sells at an affordable price and... goes like stink. Okay, that last remark has nothing to do with family use but the point is, the driver can have his or her fun when the opportunity arises. By the way, I was much taken with the copper paint and multi-reflector halogen headlights; if you're going to knock off the years, may as well do it in style! Now if those elderly ladies would just leave me alone...