Comparo: 2012 Buick Regal GS vs. Acura TSX V6

Story and photos by John LeBlanc The idea of comparing any Acura against any Buick may seem laughable. Stereotypes would have you believe that Buicks are luxury-first floatmobiles, designed for your Great Aunt to get to church on Sunday with no fuss. Acura, on the other hand, is Honda's attempt at taking on more sporting rides from Europe. Yet in a surprising role-reversal, the Japanese TSX and American Regal sedans are more alike than you may think. In Europe — a continent this pair of midsize family sedans were designed for — the TSX is sold as a Honda Accord, while the Regal wears Opel Insignia branding. Here in Canada, though, both are sold in the ultra-competitive, entry-level luxury sport sedan segment, a class virtually invented by the BMW 3 Series in the 1980s. But unlike the BMW, the Buick and Acura are front-wheel-drive only, even in top-spec trim. Our Acura is powered by a Buick-sounding 3.5-litre V6, while the Buick gets a distinctively Japanese-sounding 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo. But can either cut it as a true driver's car?

Second place: 2012 Acura TSX V6 Tech

When it was introduced for 2004, the original TSX quickly gained a reputation among enthusiasts as a driver's car. Despite being front-wheel drive, the Americanized European Accord came with a free-revving four-cylinder, a slick-shifting six-speed manual that felt like it came directly from Honda's S2000 sports car, and a suspension setup that favoured nimble cornering over coddling passengers. Then Acura started chasing luxury-first buyers. In 2010, the car entered its second generation. It grew bigger, softer, and unfortunately, fatter. While that four-cylinder and manual combination is still available (at a completely agreeable $31,890, no less), it's the range-topping V6 Tech that shows the car's true colours. It packs the same V6 engine and five-speed automatic as the midsize TL. The TSX V6 Tech comes only one way: loaded. Where it would cost more to get the same level of equipment in the Buick, such luxuries as navigation and a power sunroof are standard kit in the Acura. (Note: a last-minute photoshoot meant a swap for a four-cylinder model.) The TSX is also more luxurious than the Regal inside, with richer-feeling materials and tighter fit and finish throughout. Occupants get a comfortable cockpit with an excellent driving position. The Acura's controls are also easier to operate than the Buick's, despite looking more complex. In another unexpected bit of role reversal, the Acura's exterior is more conservative than the Buick. Except for bigger wheels and tires, there's little to distinguish four- and six-cylinder TSXs. Despite offering two more cylinders and 1.5 additional litres of displacement, the TSX's six-cylinder offers only a little more horsepower: 280 compared to the Buick's 270. Both these sedans go from rest to 100 km/h just under seven seconds. But the numbers don't quite tell the story: the Acura doesn't feel as brisk off the line. With only 252 lb.-ft., the TSX V6 Tech doesn't get off the mark as quickly as the Regal GS with its 295 lb.-ft. And while the Regal GS can be had with a six-speed manual, the TSX V6 Tech comes solely with a five-speed automatic. At least there are steering wheel-mounted paddle shifters with the Acura. When it comes to ride and handling, once again, luxury sedan fans will be pleased with the TSX. It is very smooth and composed — especially over frost-heaved Canadian roads. But sports sedan fans will be disappointed. Compared to the original TSX's hydraulic system, the current car's electric setup is numb and less communicative. Add to that additional weight over the nose from the bigger engine (62 per cent front, 38 per cent rear), and the TSX understeers easily when pushed. Soft springs also make for more body roll in the corners. All you have to do is re-read that last sentence to see why we chose the Buick. Buy this car if ... you want plenty of luxury goodies at a reasonable price; like a well-designed interior; you desire conservative styling and driving characteristics. Don't buy this car if ... you feel the need to be connected to road; want to show your neighbours you're the sporty type.

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