Honda Accord vs. Scion tC

Toyota Motors, the world’s largest carmaker, is taking on all competitors that are vying for its lofty spot. They even made yet another automotive division aimed at attracting more youthful buyers, and to pre-empt the competition. So besides its luxury brand Lexus , Toyota has created the Scion brand to focus mainly on the North American market.

One of the bestsellers from the Scion brand is called the tC (touring coupe), a compact 2-door sports coupe based on the Toyota Avensis platform. It is the focus of this comparison, together with the world-famous mainstream sedan benchmark, the Honda Accord. In all matters of fairness, we start with the newbie, and see what it has to offer.

The Scion tC starts off at a base price of just $17,000, and for this you get a 2.4L inline-4 engine paired with a 5-speed manual gearbox, which can achieve a maximum of 161hp at just 6000 rpm, delivered to the front wheels. Weighing in at just 2932lbs., and wearing low profile 215/45 rubbers on 17-inch rims, the Scion tC is really sporty and fun to drive, but you’ll have to watch your driving method with this car, for it can only go for 23 miles per gallon.

Some standard features on this car include four-wheel antilock disc brakes, airbags and brake assist. Since the Scion’s parent company has a reputation for building reliable and durable cars, the same holds true for this car.

Next up is the base Honda Accord LX, with a 2.4L inline-4 powerplant that produces 177 horsepower at 6,500rpm, and is mated to a 5-speed manual transmission gearbox. This thrifty engine has a fuel economy of 25 miles per gallon for city and highway driving. Among its standard safety features it includes 4-wheel ABS power brake assist on ventilated disc brakes, loads of airbags and an excellent crash test rating.

In terms of curb weight, the Accord LX comes out slightly heavier compared to the tC coupe, at 3230 lbs., and is supported by 16-inch alloy wheels wrapped in 215/60 All-Season tires. Honda’s suggested retail price for this entry level model starts at $21,765.

One must remember though, that all these numbers are for the entry-level models only, for both car manufacturers. Things get a bit more upscale, more competitive and pricier as you go up the different trim levels. The Accord offers three different trim levels, namely, the base LX, the upgraded EX, and the top of the line EX-L, which offers premium features such as leather upholstery and an optional navigation system.

However, the Scion tC is not to be outdone, even if it is available in just two trims, namely the Sports Coupe 5-Spd MT and the Sports Coupe 4-Spd AT. It hosts a range of standard features and some affordable options that would make Honda run for their money. This zippy sports coupe has a rather long list of standard features, such as air-conditioning, split-folding-and-reclining rear seats, keyless entry, full power accessories with one-touch power windows, a dual-pane sunroof, cruise control, steering-wheel-mounted audio controls, and a premium sound system with both a standard auxiliary audio jack and a dedicated iPod interface.

Now, all these goodies from the Scion tC for thousands less than the Accord? Well then, consider us sold!

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