2013 Honda Accord
09-08-12, 03:07 PM
#361
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09-08-12, 05:29 PM
#362
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once again, it is due to the cylinder shut-off feature that reduces number of clynders in use to 3 from 6... Lets see what people get in real life, since previously these things didnt work so well.
BUT regardless of that, great job on V6.
However, the fact still is that Camry is 160lbs lighter even in its heaviest form (XLE), so whats there to brag about? Weight is going to suck real life mpg and performance out of any car.
BUT regardless of that, great job on V6.
However, the fact still is that Camry is 160lbs lighter even in its heaviest form (XLE), so whats there to brag about? Weight is going to suck real life mpg and performance out of any car.
A quick look at the specs shows that the new 9th gens top gear overall ratio is 20% taller than the 8th gen's top gear. Combine that with a possibly more aggressive cylinder shut-off map and that might explain the difference in mileage. Unfortunately these "cheater" super tall overdrive gears are nearly useless in my area going up and down +/- 100-200ft foothills, and I would never get anywhere close to the rated highway mileage with such an engine, especially with the dismal amount of low-end torque that Honda engines typically have. I'm doing much better lately with DI turbo engines, which can get all the torque they need and still stay in top gear.
09-08-12, 07:03 PM
#363
Lexus Fanatic
It's true.. for a car like an Accord, a McPherson strut setup makes more sense. A "great" McPherson design will outperform a "good-enough" double wishbone suspension (see M3, Porsche 911, etc). I'm glad Honda ditched the setup because it means more money will be put into places where it matters more, like standard features. The average driver will not care or know the difference between the two suspension.
Last edited by UDel; 09-08-12 at 07:08 PM.
09-08-12, 07:40 PM
#364
The outgoing 8th gen Accord V6 also used cylinder deactivation, so the difference in mileage is not due to VCM on the 9th gen. In Honda terminology, "i-VTEC" on a SOHC engine means cylinder deactivation. Same bore and stroke on the new V6 also, so it pretty much looks like a warmed over J-series to me.
A quick look at the specs shows that the new 9th gens top gear overall ratio is 20% taller than the 8th gen's top gear. Combine that with a possibly more aggressive cylinder shut-off map and that might explain the difference in mileage. Unfortunately these "cheater" super tall overdrive gears are nearly useless in my area going up and down +/- 100-200ft foothills, and I would never get anywhere close to the rated highway mileage with such an engine, especially with the dismal amount of low-end torque that Honda engines typically have. I'm doing much better lately with DI turbo engines, which can get all the torque they need and still stay in top gear.
A quick look at the specs shows that the new 9th gens top gear overall ratio is 20% taller than the 8th gen's top gear. Combine that with a possibly more aggressive cylinder shut-off map and that might explain the difference in mileage. Unfortunately these "cheater" super tall overdrive gears are nearly useless in my area going up and down +/- 100-200ft foothills, and I would never get anywhere close to the rated highway mileage with such an engine, especially with the dismal amount of low-end torque that Honda engines typically have. I'm doing much better lately with DI turbo engines, which can get all the torque they need and still stay in top gear.
But lower weight helps everything, from consumption to performance and since 6 year cycle is long, if you didnt do it now, you might regret it later...
09-08-12, 09:25 PM
#365
It is a much bigger deal and will be more noticeable for a front wheel drive car like the Accord to lose its Double Wishbone Suspension for struts compared to rear wheel drive cars like 911's and M3's having front struts. RWD cars can still be very good handlers with simpler McPherson strut setups up front where it will effect fwd cars much more. The new Accord looks like it will be a home run but it losing its Double Wishbone Suspension is a blow to what many come to expect from a Honda Accord and the way it handles and drives. I have serious doubts it will drive or handle better with struts, if they managed to pull it off good for them but it is doubtful.
Remember, the current Camry SE with its McPherson struts drives more sportier than the current Accord SE. When it comes to handling, the type of suspension you have is only a slice of a pie.
Last edited by GSteg; 09-09-12 at 03:50 PM.
09-09-12, 12:03 AM
#366
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new one is agressive with 3cly mode, old one had less agressive 4cly mode... I guess we will seen soon enough in the tests, regardless, it is still nice.
But lower weight helps everything, from consumption to performance and since 6 year cycle is long, if you didnt do it now, you might regret it later...
But lower weight helps everything, from consumption to performance and since 6 year cycle is long, if you didnt do it now, you might regret it later...
09-09-12, 08:55 AM
#367
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looks like honda did a good job with the new accord - a major step up. props for going with cvt on 4 cyl models as this is the best way to get fuel economy (vs. fixed cogs and without lugging batteries and electric motors around), better std equipment (rear view cam on all models, nice), and while the model front ends vary, the sport in particular looks really great to me, and it's nice they will keep a coupe in the line-up. back end is way too genesis-like, but buyers won't care. interior isn't a home run to me, but i really like the speedometer guage dead center. overall (in/out) it doesn't look cheap like the camry, and it's more stylish with more variation.
between camry, accord, and altima, it's going to be a wild shoot out.
sonata doesn't stand much of a chance, although the optima has 'em all beat on looks.
between camry, accord, and altima, it's going to be a wild shoot out.
sonata doesn't stand much of a chance, although the optima has 'em all beat on looks.
09-10-12, 09:08 AM
#370
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Its not like the Accord destroys the Sonata, it merely has caught up in some areas, joined it in some areas (suspension) and exceeded in some areas (V-6 MPG).
09-10-12, 09:26 AM
#371
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Doesn't matter. Sonatas will continue to sell and Accords will continue to sell. There is no "killer" out there, the people all want all the vehicles.
Its not like the Accord destroys the Sonata, it merely has caught up in some areas, joined it in some areas (suspension) and exceeded in some areas (V-6 MPG).
Its not like the Accord destroys the Sonata, it merely has caught up in some areas, joined it in some areas (suspension) and exceeded in some areas (V-6 MPG).
Regardless, competition is forcing a usually profit-minded/cheap Honda is always a great thing for consumers. Who would have thought back-up cameras would be standard for a base car in this segment?
Anyways, driving embargo is lifted today so we'll see if driving impressions are just as good.
09-10-12, 09:34 AM
#372
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Doesn't matter. Sonatas will continue to sell and Accords will continue to sell. There is no "killer" out there, the people all want all the vehicles.
Its not like the Accord destroys the Sonata, it merely has caught up in some areas, joined it in some areas (suspension) and exceeded in some areas (V-6 MPG).
Its not like the Accord destroys the Sonata, it merely has caught up in some areas, joined it in some areas (suspension) and exceeded in some areas (V-6 MPG).
Honda did, though, IMO, make one major error in the new Accord (the same error Subaru made, and one reason why I didn't buy a new Subaru)....restricting the automatic option in the four to a CVT instead of a conventional 6-speed auto or dual-clutch unit. Though I respect a CVT's efficiency, a 6AT, in general, is a lot more pleasant to drive.
09-10-12, 10:37 AM
#374
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watched that first autoguide vid above and to me the car is best looking in class. interior is a bit 'simple', but at least not funky. i think it is hands down better than the cheap and ugly toyota camry.
09-10-12, 10:47 AM
#375
Definitely diggin the new Accord and it's nice to see that Honda seems to have their mojo back.
In pictures, I thought the new Altima would be the best looking midsize car, but I have to be honest: Now that I've seen a few of them in person, it's rather busy and tad overstyled, IMO. The SE models look better with bigger wheels to balance out some of the proportions, but the standard models look a little "off".
The Accord also looks nice in pictures - conservative but with a hint of aggression. I look forward to seeing these on the street soon
It will be interesting to see when Toyota decides to refresh the Camry. They did sell 36,000 of them last month which was incredible, but the Fusion, Altima and Accord have really turned up the heat and on paper, the Camry is not a class leader in any respect.
In pictures, I thought the new Altima would be the best looking midsize car, but I have to be honest: Now that I've seen a few of them in person, it's rather busy and tad overstyled, IMO. The SE models look better with bigger wheels to balance out some of the proportions, but the standard models look a little "off".
The Accord also looks nice in pictures - conservative but with a hint of aggression. I look forward to seeing these on the street soon
It will be interesting to see when Toyota decides to refresh the Camry. They did sell 36,000 of them last month which was incredible, but the Fusion, Altima and Accord have really turned up the heat and on paper, the Camry is not a class leader in any respect.