Test car: 2005 Acura RSX Type-S
Base Price: $24,140
MPG: (city/hwy)
Type-S: Manual: 24/31 mpg
Engine: 210-horsepower, 2.0-liter DOHC i-VTEC inline four-cylinder
Transmission: 6-speed manual transmission
Wheelbase: 101.2 in.
Length: 172.4
Width: 67.9
Height: 54.9
Front head/hip/legroom: 37.8/51.1/43.1
Weight: 2,840 lbs
Competitors: Chevrolet Cobalt SS Supercharged, Chrysler Sebring Coupe, Dodge Stratus Coupe, Ford Mustang, Honda Accord Coupe, Honda Civic Si, Mazda RX-8, Mercedes-Benz C230 K Sport Coupe, Mini Cooper, Mitsubishi Eclipse, Saturn Ion Red Line, Scion tC, Toyota Camry Solara, Toyota Celica, Volkswagen GTI, Volkswagen New Beetle

Model: 2005 Acura RSX
Price: $20,175 (m/t): $21,075 (a/t)
Std Features: 160 horsepower engine, 16-inch alloy wheels, power mirrors/locks/windows, power moonroof, CD player, cloth upholstery, climate control, keyless entry, cruise control, tilt steering wheel, rear window wiper and defroster

Model: 2005 Acura RSX with Leather
Price: $21,250 (m/t): $22,150 (a/t)
Std Features: Leather upholstery replaces cloth

Model: 2005 Acura RSX Type-S
Price: $23,570
Std Features: 210-horsepower engine, six-speed manual transmission, sport suspension, leather upholstery, Bose sound system with six-disc CD changer and subwoofer, rear spoiler and lower body accents

Photos by Erik Hanson