The Temple of VTEC - Honda and Acura Enthusiasts Online - Articles - 2003 TOV Accord/TSX Road Test Introduction Video: Day 1 Wrapup

Day 1 Wrapup

Making our way through Atlanta traffic was a breeze in the Accord Coupe 6MT. We found 5th gear to be perfect passing up slower traffic even though the car was loaded with all of our gear. Though the TSX had a larger trunk and more rear passenger room, we figure the car with the V6 motor (and the most torque) gets the honors of carrying the extra 200 lbs of equipment, which it did with aplomb. The TSX also acquitted itself very well in traffic. The large 2.4 liter iVTEC motor and the slick shifting 6-speed allowed us to pass slower traffic with the flick of a wrist. Keeping up with the S2000 in Atlanta traffic was another matter, but these two car definitely held their own while the S2000 had to keep its revs way up.

It's good to get away from civilization once in a while and a drive through the beautiful Nantahala National Forest can freshen the soul. We shot our introduction video at this vista point.

Leaving the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, we come to the vast winding mountain roads of northern Georgia and North Carolina. Here we were better able to fully explore the handling traits of the Accord and TSX. Shawn's logbook notes on the TSX included: "Lots of feedback from the steering and chassis. The ride is comfortable, but firm and it tells you what's happening. No doubt the 50-series tires play a role."

Incredible scenic overlooks

On some of the tighter and narrow mountain roads approaching Bridal Veils Falls, where a cliff wall is on one side and you have armco on the other, the Accord Coupe suddenly feels a bit oversized. The seating position and the shape of the hood and body made it tough to tell exactly where the 4 corners of the car are. Good concentration was definitely called for in these narrow roads in the Accord Coupe, especially when trying to keep up with the TSX and S2000.

We drove under the Bridal Veils Falls for a quick photo shot and video update from Shawn. Tip: When the weather is hot like it was on the week we did our road test, the water at Bridal Veils falls can very quickly cool you off!

Through the Nantahala National Forest there are several scenic waterfalls to see. Of note is the Bridal Veils Falls which allows you to drive your car right under the waterfall. As you can see, it makes for a great photo op with the Accord and TSX.

Shawn forgets to put on the parking brakes and so he runs after the TSX as it starts to roll downhill........just kidding ;-)

Shawn summarizes our Day 1 activities as we find ourselves near Bryson City, NC. The cars have had a good workout so far. We've driven at 8/10th on most of the mountain roads we've encountered. The tires are a little more worn out and we've hit the redline many times, but's nothing that these cars can't handle. We're going to rest up in Knoxville, TN, where the next day we'll attack The Dragon. See Shawn's video summary of our Day1 activities below.

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Shawn Wraps up the end of Day 1
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