AccelerationIt isn't until we spin the Comptech supercharger to 5000 rpm that it makes an appreciable difference in grunt, as evidenced by the dyno chart. Despite an honest increase of 60-peak wheel-hp (to 236), quarter-mile acceleration improved by just half a second, to 15.6 seconds, although trap speed improved by 7 mph. According to the Comptech guys, the car was only given a base tune, and would make more power everywhere if it was properly tuned; we believe them.
Mugen's efforts helped the TSX lay down another 21 hp (peak), and torque improved by 8 lb-ft., compared to the stock car. The Mugen car is .6 seconds faster to 60 mph, and just a tenth of a second slower than the Comptech car; Mugen's products are efficacious as much for their weight savings as for their power gains. The Mugen TSX has a stock ECU, and King Motorsports techs contend it would also benefit from proper tuning and a higher rev limiter; we believe them too.
BrakingAs expected from the monstrous brakes fitted front and rear on the Mugen car, combined with sticky tires, 60-0 happens in just 113 feet. Combine this with excellent pedal feel and the result is confidence. The Comptech TSX stopped just two feet shorter than stock, which probably had much to do with its all-season tires.
HandlingWith an excellent chassis, the stock TSX snaked through the slalom at a very respectable 66.9 mph; the Mugen car added 3 mph to that number and the Comptech car four. With tires spec'ed for both California summers and Minnesota winters, the stock TSX only hit .81g on the skidpad. With better tires and firm suspensions, the Comptech car hit .90g and the Mugen car .91g.
SummaryMugen's offerings trim fat, literally and figuratively, from the TSX, making it an altogether more alert machine, offering a unified driving experience. In addition to providing actual aerodynamic benefit, Mugen's aero kit doubled the car's worth in street cred. Comptech offers a car that makes numbers, doesn't neglect its pedestrian roots, and offers lots of power potential.
Starting with an offering for which the greatest compliment would be "stylish," made to excel at commuting and navigating city streets, both Comptech and Mugen offer TSXs transformed-with nothing lost. There are no huge departures in performance figures, but driving pleasure isn't a necessary function of numbers. Both cars are commute-friendly, can still haul Grandma and a trunk full of groceries, and at the same time turn every on-ramp into Turn Two at Laguna Seca.
Mugen TSXEngineEngine Code: K24
Type: in-line four, aluminum block and head
External Modifications: Mugen carbon fiber airbox, Mugen stainless/titanium 54mm/60.5mm dual cat-back exhaust, Comptech stainless steel header, Mugen billet oil filler cap and high pressure radiator cap, Mugen resevoir cap covers
DrivetrainDrivetrain Modifications: Mugen short shift kit with billet shift knob
SuspensionFront: Mugen 5-Way Adjustable Shock/Spring Set with 280 lb-in springs
Rear: Mugen 5-Way Adjustable Shock/Spring Set with 151 lb-in springs, 22mm Comptech rear anti-roll bar
BrakesFront: Stoptech big brake kit w/ 12.9-in. two-piece rotors and four-piston calipers
Rear: Stoptech big brake kit with 12.9-in. two-piece rotors and two-piston calipers
ExternalWheels: 18x7.5-in. Mugen mirror finish NRs
Tires: 225/40R18 Bridgestone Potenza RE050
Body: Mugen front aero bumper, aero side skirts, rear bumper under-spoiler and rear wing
Comptech TSXEngineEngine Code: K24
Type: in-line four, aluminum block and head