2010 Acura Tsx vs 2010 Audi A4
(Acura TSX Starts at $29,310): (2.4 liter 201 hp. 4 cylinder or 280 hp. V6)(Audi A4 2.0T Starts at $31,450): (2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder: 211 hp.)Not only do these two entry level luxury sedans come from manufacturers that start with the letter A their performance and pricing puts them on a near even playing field when equipped with their four cylinder engine options. While the A4 was available with a V6 for the 2009 model year, that engine has been dropped for 2010. The reason? The extra weight of the V6 couldn't overcome the modest power increase over the turbocharged four with its 250 plus pound feet of torque that is available practically from idle. Plus the 2.0T is just a heck of a lot more fun to drive and is available with a manual transmission.While the Acura TSX is now available with the same V6 from the TL this adds considerably to the base MSRP so much so that a basic TL (the next model up) is just a few hundred dollars more. This engine only makes sense as a purchase if your heart is set on an Acura and the TL's somewhat dorky styling is just too much for you (and if you have even a modicum of personal style it should be). The TSX is a far more cohesive design than big brother TL and doesn't have that lame platypus beak front grille.As is expected from Audi the A4 is utterly without peer when it comes to interior and exterior style. The use of leathers and plastics inside the A4 is tactile and done with perfect ergonomics. The seating position is comfortable, the seats hold you firmly in place and the steering wheel is a joy to hold.While an A4 can get pricey when optioned out fully with Quattro a basic version still has all of the same fun to drive virtues Audi is so well known for. If you do live in a snowy or rainy climate, however, you can't really go wrong with an A4 Quattro. Another bonus? The A4 is available with a gorgeously styled and highly utilitarian (in a good way) wagon variant.From a performance standpoint the TSX with the V6 blows away the four cylinder version of the TSX and even the 2.0T Audi. Unfortunately you cannot get a manual transmission with the V6 like you can with the fours in the other two cars. Thankfully the manual transmissions in both four cylinder models are true precision instruments that turn these into true luxury sports sedans making the four cylinder TSX the preferable powerplant for those who favor driving pleasure.This, however, does not top the extra-oomph on offer from the Audi A4 and its direct injection turbocharged engine which is a true gem. So if you are looking for a true all around entry level luxury sports sedan that will constantly keep you grinning you will probably want to make a trip to your local Audi dealer.
(Acura TSX Starts at $29,310): (2.4 liter 201 hp. 4 cylinder or 280 hp. V6)
(Audi A4 2.0T Starts at $31,450): (2.0 liter turbocharged 4 cylinder: 211 hp.)
Not only do these two entry level luxury sedans come from manufacturers that start with the letter A their performance and pricing puts them on a near even playing field when equipped with their four cylinder engine options. While the A4 was available with a V6 for the 2009 model year, that engine has been dropped for 2010. The reason? The extra weight of the V6 couldn't overcome the modest power increase over the turbocharged four with its 250 plus pound feet of torque that is available practically from idle. Plus the 2.0T is just a heck of a lot more fun to drive and is available with a manual transmission.
While the Acura TSX is now available with the same V6 from the TL this adds considerably to the base MSRP so much so that a basic TL (the next model up) is just a few hundred dollars more. This engine only makes sense as a purchase if your heart is set on an Acura and the TL's somewhat dorky styling is just too much for you (and if you have even a modicum of personal style it should be). The TSX is a far more cohesive design than big brother TL and doesn't have that lame platypus beak front grille.
As is expected from Audi the A4 is utterly without peer when it comes to interior and exterior style. The use of leathers and plastics inside the A4 is tactile and done with perfect ergonomics. The seating position is comfortable, the seats hold you firmly in place and the steering wheel is a joy to hold.
While an A4 can get pricey when optioned out fully with Quattro a basic version still has all of the same fun to drive virtues Audi is so well known for. If you do live in a snowy or rainy climate, however, you can't really go wrong with an A4 Quattro. Another bonus? The A4 is available with a gorgeously styled and highly utilitarian (in a good way) wagon variant.
From a performance standpoint the TSX with the V6 blows away the four cylinder version of the TSX and even the 2.0T Audi. Unfortunately you cannot get a manual transmission with the V6 like you can with the fours in the other two cars. Thankfully the manual transmissions in both four cylinder models are true precision instruments that turn these into true luxury sports sedans making the four cylinder TSX the preferable powerplant for those who favor driving pleasure.
This, however, does not top the extra-oomph on offer from the Audi A4 and its direct injection turbocharged engine which is a true gem. So if you are looking for a true all around entry level luxury sports sedan that will constantly keep you grinning you will probably want to make a trip to your local Audi dealer.
