My RSX and SI comparison (long)

[kngo28]

Before I get started I want to make sure that everyone reading this knows that my comparison is purely subjective and based more on how I feel, rather than facts.
I owned a 2003 RSX-S. I bought it brand new and had it for five years. I racked up 95539 miles on the car and had only minor problems. I replaced a few things, the headlight bulbs, the oxygen sensor, and a dash light (same one twice). I did have a small problem with 3rd gear grind, but I think it was due to my bad driving habits; going through gears while at a stop, slam shifting, and resting my hand on the shifter. I know better now lol. Other than that, the RSX was very reliable.
I bought my ASM FA5 in November of 2007; it’s the 2008 model. Right now, I have 3770 miles on it. So far, I have had no problems.
Mods on the RSX: tinted windows.
Mods on the SI: tinted windows, Clearshield bra, Skunk2 shift knob, Strutking dead petal.

Exterior:
Headlights: The OEM bulbs on the RSX seem to burn out fast; I replaced both of them before hitting the 60000 mark. The RSX doesn’t have daytime running lights, but the SI does.

Tires and Wheels: The five spoke star design on the RSX looks classy, but the all-season tires and 16” wheels made the car’s handling suffer. The SI comes with 17” wheels and summer tires, but the flower looking design on the wheels do not look cool. TPMS is now required for all 2008 models. To me, it’s a really big hassle. I have two sets of wheels for my SI and had to buy a second set of sensors, which are very expensive. After buying the sensors, I found out that you had to reset the sensors each time you switch wheels, this could cost $50-$100, depending on how nice your dealership is, per reset. I could do without the whole TPMS.

Trunk: I love the SI’s trunk release on the key. It’s very helpful if you have your hands full with groceries. The RSX only has a manual release, like an SUV. It was ok until other people tried to open the trunk tugging at it saying, “How do you open the trunk?”

4-door vs. 2-door: A 2-door sporty car was the epitome of a single-man, no kids, no excess baggage, free as a bird. While a 2-door has its good looks, 4-doors has utility. Parking between cars I can open a 4-door much easier. 2-door I had to be careful not to ding the car next to me. For gym and school, having a backseat and a door with access to it is ultra convenient. Sober cab; imagine a bunch of drunks trying to get in the backseat of a 2-door, very comical. The first couple of years I had the RSX, it seemed like everyone wanted to race me; SUVs, trunks, grandmas, all of them would rev their engines at me. FA5 has the sleeper look minus the spoiler.

Spoiler: I can’t stand them. To me, spoilers are really tacky. RSX didn’t have one, the SI does.

Taillights: I loved the 02-04 RSX taillights. The four circle brake lights are super sexy. SI taillights are nothing to really get excited about.

Body integrity: Throughout my ownership of the RSX, it seemed like every week I would get a new rock-chip, scratch, or door-ding. With the SI I decided to be semi-proactive. I bought a clearshield bra to cover 80% of the hood. The hood slopes down pretty steep so it makes for a big rock-chip target. I’m anticipating not-so-great body integrity for the SI.

Interior:
Plastics: The materials used for the interior in both cars are very prone to scratches. The only thing I find very durable is the rubber-like molding Honda used on the driver side dash, but even this durability comes at a cost: hard to clean!!

Dash: I love both cars’ driver-oriented layout. The slightly raised silver face gauges with both the tachometer and speedometer set at 6 o’ clock is very cool. The layout of the RSX is very ergonomic; my eyes never left the road. The SI also has a nice dash layout, however, the SI has many more toys I tinker with, such as an iPhone connected to the AUX.
Majority of the time I steer with only one hand. On the RSX, my arm often covers up the speedometer so I may sometimes go over my intended speed. On the SI that problem disappears with its two-tier dash. In fact, I find myself driving slower because I can see my actual speed no matter where my hand is on the steering wheel. Also, if I ever got pulled over I couldn’t plead ignorance lol. So far, the RSX has the looks and the SI has functionality. Continuing that functionality is an outside temp gauge and oil life, very useful. The RSX only has a trip meter.

Climate control: RSX beats the SI in this one, its automatic. I rarely had to mess with it even in the winter. I am a big fan of the RSX’s three dials to control the cabin temperature, very simple. Because the SI doesn’t have automatic climate control, I’m constantly messing with the climate controls.

Seats: Both cars’ seats are very comfortable for long trips. The RSX has leather seats, which were easy to clean and maintain. The downfall of leather seats: cornering, you slide everywhere. On top of sliding around, in the RSX, there are no grab bars. The SI seats (love the SI logo on the seats BTW) keep you in place and has grab bars, yay! There is a downside, however, everything clings to the cloth/suede seats!
Another good thing about a 4-door is more legroom in the back seat. The SI’s backseats are comfortable and easy to access. I like that it has a center armrest with cup holders. What I don’t like is that if I want to use those cup holders the armrest has to be down. I’m the type of person who seems to have 2-3 bottles of water at any given time so cup holders are a must for me. The RSX is a 2-door. 2-doors and backseat do not go hand in hand. Its hard to access and does not have much legroom. I hate constantly adjusting my seat every time people needed to get in or out (I tried to make people go out the passenger side as much as possible). There isn’t an armrest in the back seat; instead you get this plastic thing right in the middle. I have yet to figure out what its uses are except to torture the person sitting on it. I mentioned earlier about my necessity for cup holders, the RSX has plenty and easy to access.

Center Console: The SI has a great design. Cup holders hold big cups and even oddly shaped bottles. Adjustable armrest, this is what helped me get over resting my hand on the shifter. The hand brake is also in a great place, making room for storage compartments. The SI has two power outlets, one in the dash and one in the center console. The one in the console is kind of a hassle, if you are charging something and need to access it the armrest has to stay open. The RSX doesn’t have an armrest. Cup holders are located below the radio, pretty standard. The hand brake is located right behind the shifter. The RSX is pretty skimpy when it comes to storage. The second power outlet is located in the rear of the console. I think its more convenient this way since I could easily access what ever it is I am charging, but if there are passengers in the backseat they may kick the charger out of the outlet.

Storage: Aside from the glove box, the RSX has very little storage. The SI on the other hand has many places you can stick your gadgets and other items. One thing I did find a little annoying is that the SI’s glove box doesn’t have a light!!! What’s up with that? Another difference is the lack of a lock on the glove box (Honda instead made the trunk lockable) in the SI.
The RSX was great for handling big items. The trunk is so big it even has enough room for two people to sleep in when the back seats are folded down. The beauty of a hatchback is it’s big trunk opening. The SI is not a hatchback so it is limited in what it can haul.

Driver feel: RSX Petals are slightly farther apart so heel/toe is harder to do. The SI petals are in almost perfect position. Heel/toe is easily done without twisting your foot. Steering was great in the RSX. It was pretty much point and shoot, very responsive and gives ample feedback. The SI’s steering is very responsive also, but doesn’t give a lot of feedback almost feeling like the road isn’t there. Shifting in the RSX was great. Each shift has a satisfying 2-click. Third gear did grind, but not very often; when it did I think it was due to my own error or it was really cold outside. The SI’s shifting is smooth, but doesn’t have that click that the RSX has. I don’t have problems with third gear. Both cars are very rev happy. There are a couple of differences though. The RSX has a more responsive throttle. The SI’s engine seems a lot more refined and silky smooth throughout acceleration. VSA seems to inhibit acceleration, when I get to redline and shift the engine feels bogged down (guessing fuel is cut off) and it takes a second for the engine to get back power. With VSA off, it doesn’t bog down. The RSX’s engine is very high strung in comparison and at times very loud. Another difference is noise during acceleration. The noise in the RSX is all engine and the SI is a sweet exhaust note. One thing I noticed right away is cabin noise while on the freeway. The RSX seems to transfer road noise to the cabin very well making phone calls very hard to hear. The SI must be made with more sound-deadening material. The sound system is crystal clear and I don’t have to yell while I’m talking on the phone. Due to four disc brakes, braking in both cars was an easy operation. Both the cars’ clutch operation are very smooth and light.

Gas Mileage: My RSX got much better gas mileage. I could get 29-31 mpg redlining it any chance I got. My SI is getting about 25-26 mpg. I don’t Vtec as much as my RSX. I’m guessing the winter has something to do with the poorer fuel economy.

While both cars are similar and could be considered on equal level, I do feel like the SI is an upgrade. I love the RSX and its seductive looks, but it is missing several features that my SI has. If you have something to add, please feel free :)

[DTNguyen107]

Nice review. I love both RSX-S and Si.

It is funny, one of my good friend has an '06 RSX-S. He loves my '08 SI coupe and I love his DC5. We often find each other pointing out what we like about each other's car.

Both cars are FTW!

[chugiboi]

i like both integra and civic

[kngo28]

Originally Posted by DTNguyen107

Nice review. I love both RSX-S and Si.

It is funny, one of my good friend has an '06 RSX-S. He loves my '08 SI coupe and I love his DC5. We often find each other pointing out what we like about each other's car.

Both cars are FTW!

Couldn't agree with you more. I really love the 05-06 body style, really makes the RSX sharper

[strutking]

cool review

[tite681]

Great review.

[PWP_6MT]

Awesome review.

We drive the exact same car, right down to the colour and body style.

[NATOroboto]

nice... i love both cars

[2000civic]

Cool! +1 for your time writing the review. The RSX was a great car. For the longest time I was on the edge on witch car I wanted. An 05/06 type-s, or an FG2. In the end I decided to go with the FG2. I enjoyed my test drive in the Si much more than the RSX. Although somtimes I reall wish I had a hatch, and I really like the way that the sunroof works on the RSX, how it comes out of the roof.

[Guei38]

Here's a tip! If you're charging something in the center console, you actually can close it. I have a Garmin GPS that i keep plugged and hidden in the console, but when i want to use it, I take it out, throw it in the front bin thing, and then put the charging cable between the plastic bit you pull to open the console and the lid itself. If you hold the cable there, you can close the console. If what I'm talking is crazytalk, I can take pics.

[FusionSi11]

my first choice was actually a 2005 White RSX-S with 210hp...but it was too expensive. I was about to get a tC until i learned about the new Si coming out at the end of 05. I felt that i got a lot more in the whole package with the Si than the RSX-S, esp. with LSD. I didnt want leather. Plus i love the two-tier dash a lot better with the speedometer display. Nice write up. I would have loved to have a 4dr but it wasnt produced when it first came out in 05.

[FusionSi11]

Originally Posted by Guei38

Here's a tip! If you're charging something in the center console, you actually can close it. I have a Garmin GPS that i keep plugged and hidden in the console, but when i want to use it, I take it out, throw it in the front bin thing, and then put the charging cable between the plastic bit you pull to open the console and the lid itself. If you hold the cable there, you can close the console. If what I'm talking is crazytalk, I can take pics.

i keep it closed too.

[remz857]

I LOVE BOTH!!!! good review

[Leonard1818]

good review!

I just sold my 2002 RSX-S and I'm awaiting my 2008 Si.

While I will agree with you on most points, there are some that are different opinions. I too feel the Si to be a step up. Not a huge step, but a step up none the less!

[simplicated1979]

very nice review

[KingMarineM16a4]

Here you go...

Official RSX-S vs Si Thread

Originally Posted by KingMarineM16a4

Well, we've all witnessed the RSX-S vs Si threads so here is one to end all Si vs RSX-S threads. This post will only state facts that will help you if you are in a bind to decide which car would be best for you and your interests. I will attempt to get all the active threads that are related to this one merged together but since I am not a moderator I can make no promises.

Civic Si

• Comes with LSD stock, not the greatest LSD from the factory but an LSD non the less.
• Has a newer, "updated" engine, the K20z3 over the K20z1 or K20a2.
• Has a newer, "updated" transaxle(transmission), the PNN4 over the NSN4 or X2M5.
• Most likely be purchased new for the same, less or more price than the competitor.
• Is only offered in cloth, sorry no leather, leather lovers.
• Unique interior gauge cluster and dash.
• Drive by wire.
• Has rev-hang, negative or positive attribute depending on your personal taste.
• Is offered in a four door sedan or two door coupe.
• Will still have manufacture warranty.
• Better stock suspension.
• More noticeable V-tec crossover.
• Sounds more aggressive.
• More "buttery" shifter.

RSX Type S

• More luxury
• Only offered in leather, no cloth sorry guys.
• Way more aftermarket support(K-pro FTW).
• Drive by throttle.
• No LSD stock, but great LSD's are available for the money.
• Still expensive depending on mileage.
• "Traditional" gauge cluster.
• More "simple" dash.
• Can still be in manufacture warranty based on year and mileage.
• Has to be bought used, not cool.
• Only offered in a two door hatch.
• More "crisp" shifter.
• Has climate control

Both

• High reving, FUN cars.
• Both are very reliable if taken care of.
• Both have very very good resale value.
• Both are pretty rare.
• Both are stylish.

Opinions

• Both cars seems to have some sort of scratchy exterior paint. I've seen it on both cars some complain more than others. The Si does have very easy-to-scratch paint, the RSX may be more scratch resistant than the Si.
• Both cars seem to have a gear grinding issue some Si's have it more than RSX's and some RSX's have it more than Si's.
• Si seems to have more complaints of a "scuff prone interior" however some swear up and down that it is solid as a rock, therefore it belongs here in the opinions menu.
• These vehicles are faster than one another based on the driver and dyno more than another based on various wheel horsepower.
• Each car inside and out is going to look better than one another with or without modifications based on the persons eye looking at this decision.

My opinion and final thought
Even though some of you are looking at this list and are thinking that the Si is a much greater car than the RSX-S you might want to take a look at what people are looking at when they are purchasing these sport compacts. Modifications. The RSX-S without a doubt has a much more stronger place in the aftermarket world, K-pro for some people is a major decision and while there is no doubt in my mind that Hondata is making K-pro for the Si it simply has not been released with any evidence of it being produced or not being produced and for most of us that is frustrating. Also, some people are simply looking for a car to modify and have as a weekend car, or just a daily driver or both and both of these cars will do a great job at any of those functions but simply stating that a new car is not needed, neither is warranty in this situation.


A chart stating gear ratios, engine codes, and transmission codes.

[kngo28]

Originally Posted by KingMarineM16a4

Here you go...

Official RSX-S vs Si Thread

thanks for posting the info :). The facts really reinforce my opinion. Since I got my si ive been itching to share how I feel about each car.

[prrnrngr]

I will Give my Psuedo review as well. Since I have an 04 Type-s with some bolt ons :) and the Gf has an 07 SI with an Injen CAI.

The RSX of course I like better so I will give you guys that much info on my bias.
RSX is better than SI in....
Steering is so responsive and you always feel like you are one with the car.
Dash layout is a little less intrusive in the driving experience.
Engine noise....ie makes me feel fast because the RSX for one has less sound proofing and 2 it is just louder in general because it is an older gen K20.
Shifter postion...I think this is mostly driver preference though.
Steering wheel....nothing to slice your hand open when letting the steering wheel come back to 0 after a turn.
Looks...The RSX although stubby is not as much of a bubble or girl car (no offense but the civic is taking on TC in terms of girlyness)

Si is better than the RSX in....
Interior comfort....The SI is a car that can easily be driven across country. The seats are more comfortable and there is actual sound proofing!!!!
Sound system.... The new honda sound system is pretty damn good!
Handling.... LSD gives a stock SI pretty good handles!
Top end....The SI when vtec does kick in is very smooth to do it but you get going faster than my rsx stock.
Exhaust note...as I am typing this I heard my GF pull up to the garage....stock!! I really do like the stock SI exhaust note.
Wheels...17 to 16' even the 17 rsx wheels I dont like as much

[blacksi2007]

good posts all, made for good bathroom reading!

[TonyFG2]

+1 for the awesome review.