Comparo: 2009 Acura TSX vs. Mazda GT-V6 vs. Volkswagen Passat

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Story and photos by John LeBlanc

At one time, all cars were driven by their rear wheels only. Demand in the past few decades for more space-efficient passenger cars, however, has shoved rear-drive vehicles to the fringes in the industry.

Today in almost every segment, front-wheel drive is the dominant way to get power to the tarmac. But that doesn't mean driving enthusiasts need to suffer. You can still have some fun behind the wheel after the kids have been dropped off at piano lessons.

For the price of a well-equipped (yet boring) Chevrolet Malibu, Honda Accord or Toyota Camry, Wheels offers up this trio of fun-to-drive FWD sedans.

THIRD PLACE:

2009 Acura TSX

It takes a double take, but the TSX really is a new model for 2009. It's bigger and quieter on the inside, with more standard electronic doodads, an Acura hallmark.

A new V6 option is on the way this fall. But for now, the European Honda Accord-based TSX is still powered by a four-banger. And with only 201 hp and only 172 lb.-ft. of torque, the TSX is the slowest sedan here, taking 8.0 seconds to get from naught to 100 km/h.

Note: that's with the standard six-speed manual gearbox in our tester. With the five-speed automatic gearbox with paddle shifters, it's even slower.

Thus equipped with ($1,300) autobox, at $34,200 the Acura is on par with the mainstream Mazda in pricing. But you do get that premium Acura badge. Whatever that's worth.

At least the fuel economy – 10.5 L/100 km (26.9 m.p.g.) in the city, 7.0 L (40.3 m.p.g.) on the highway – is right in line with the Volkswagen Passat 2.0T, the only other four-cylinder here.

The previous TSX gained a reputation for a composed chassis. This one carries over that tradition. Lateral body control is good, and the Acura stays relatively flat in a series of corners. But somehow it's lost some steering magic.

Compared to the '08 TSX (or today's Mazda GT-V6 and Passat), the new Acura's steering is a big step backwards. Relative to the old hydraulic system, the new electric setup is numb and not as communicative.

The '09 Acura TSX is a nice car. But so is a (cheaper four-cylinder) Accord.

WHY BUY: Quieter and roomier than before; relatively good fuel economy

WHY NOT: Novocain steering; welterweight performance

SECOND PLACE:

2009 Mazda6 GT-V6

Similar to the TSX's M.O., the 2009 Mazda6 is larger and less noisy on the inside than the previous version. No longer the spandex pants of the family-sedan class, it's now up there with the circus-tent Accord in terms of interior roominess.

Opt for the six in the Mazda, and you get the mandatory six-speed autobox. However, with the largest engine (3.7 L), two more cylinders and most juice (272 hp and 269 lb.-ft.), the Mazda GT-V6 should spank the Acura and VW with ease.

Too bad the Mazda6's 1,610-kg curb weight (the heaviest here) means at 6.6 seconds, it's only 0.2 quicker to 100 km/h than the supposedly weaker VW. And all that grunt produces prodigious amounts of torque steer – the most egregious of this trio.

Unlike the TSX, it actually feels like the steering wheel is bolted to the Mazda6's body. It's lighter in feel than in the Passat, yet really precise – a helpful aid in getting the big sedan around corners with aplomb.

If not as calm as the VW in the twisties, the Mazda can hold a steady line in a corner once its relatively soft suspension reins in all of its extra avoirdupois.

Bottom-line: The '09 Mazda6 is more athletic than the TSX, but not as nimble as its predecessor.

Are we seeing a trend here or what?

WHY BUY: Performance; precise steering; roomy interior

WHY NOT: Sucks gas; torque steer; no available manual gearbox

FIRST PLACE:

2009 Volkswagen Passat 2.0T Comfortline

Based on the sales charts, the Passat is a distant third in this group. But from the driver's seat, it's No. 1.

It also dispenses with the notion that German-made cars are pricey. Or that small displacement engines can't deliver the goods.

At $31,375, the mid-range Passat Comfortline with a 2.0 L turbo four and six-speed autobox is the least expensive FWD sedan here – almost as quick as the Mazda, yet measurably more fuel efficient at 10.8 L/100 km (26 m.p.g.) city and 7.1 L (39.7 m.p.g.) highway (vs. 12.1 L (23 m.p.g.) / 8.0 L (35 m.p.g.).

Solid, refined and comfortable at high speeds, the Passat can't hide its autobahn training regimen.

Even at urban speeds, the Passat's electric steering is a joy. Not too heavy, no kickback over potholes, plus excellent high-speed tracking. Then add a ride that never punishes, and the Passat is our clear winner.

Not perfect – what car is?

Stick with the Passat's standard six-speed manual gearbox and save your $1,400. The automatic is slow to drop down gears and too quick to upshift.

As the most austere of this group, the Passat plays Broom Hilda in the VW lineup to the Pamela Anderson four-passenger Passat CC that showed up last fall.

WHY BUY: Fast-yet-frugal turbo four-cylinder; solid chassis; telepathic steering

WHY NOT: Brown bag styling; lazy autobox

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