Also on the restricted side is rearward visibility, as the sleek shape of the rear side glass and the wide sloping B-pillar combine to exacerbate the
traditional blind spot. This can easily be overcome with a little more vigilance and the diligent use of side mirrors when reversing or lane changing.
And so it's off we go. The first observation I felt bound to comment on is the coupe's remarkable level of refinement. The eloquent commentary usually goes something like this; "Boy is this thing smooth," (more in reference to the car's buttery V6 than its ride). And that's why it ranks high on the Rotho-meter. Honda's 3.0-litre (183 cu in), 24-valve, SOHC, VTEC V6 whirls-out 240-horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 212 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. No, these aren't the most impressive V6 figures ever, but they are commendable when keeping in mind the Accord Coupe's svelte 1,496 kg (3,291 lb) curb weight. The resulting power-to-weight ratio allows the car to shine bright when pushed hard.
Power is initially a little slow to step up to the plate, but as the tachometer rounds 5,000 rpm Honda's VTEC variable valve timing technology delivers a noticeable kick, not to mention growl. This is an
engine that proves its worth at higher rpm levels, which is where it loves to live. Keeping it there is a short-throw 6-speed manual gearbox that clicks from one cog to the next with precision enough to make a watchmaker in Seiko's Sportura Kinetic Chronograph department smile.
Unfortunately there's a flaw in this well matched duo of mechanical wizardry, and that's the Accord's front-wheel-drive configuration. Drat! It's such an excellent drivetrain otherwise. Sure, Honda has eliminated much of the dreaded torque-steer that plagued earlier models, but it still requires a vice-like grip on the steering wheel with one hand while the other is mixing cogs during performance runs. Ruts in the road surface can play devil with front-wheel drive vehicles under heavy acceleration as well, and the Accord Coupe is no exception. But let me emphasize, normal and even fairly enthusiastic driving is generally free of such symptoms.
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| The sleek shape of the rear side glass and the wide sloping B-pillar combine to exacerbate the traditional blind spot. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
And so it's off we go. The first observation I felt bound to comment on is the coupe's remarkable level of refinement. The eloquent commentary usually goes something like this; "Boy is this thing smooth," (more in reference to the car's buttery V6 than its ride). And that's why it ranks high on the Rotho-meter. Honda's 3.0-litre (183 cu in), 24-valve, SOHC, VTEC V6 whirls-out 240-horsepower at 6,250 rpm and 212 pound-feet of torque at 5,000 rpm. No, these aren't the most impressive V6 figures ever, but they are commendable when keeping in mind the Accord Coupe's svelte 1,496 kg (3,291 lb) curb weight. The resulting power-to-weight ratio allows the car to shine bright when pushed hard.
Power is initially a little slow to step up to the plate, but as the tachometer rounds 5,000 rpm Honda's VTEC variable valve timing technology delivers a noticeable kick, not to mention growl. This is an
 |
| As the tachometer rounds 5,000 rpm Honda's VTEC variable valve timing technology delivers a noticeable kick, not to mention growl. (Photo: Rob Rothwell, Canadian Auto Press) |
Unfortunately there's a flaw in this well matched duo of mechanical wizardry, and that's the Accord's front-wheel-drive configuration. Drat! It's such an excellent drivetrain otherwise. Sure, Honda has eliminated much of the dreaded torque-steer that plagued earlier models, but it still requires a vice-like grip on the steering wheel with one hand while the other is mixing cogs during performance runs. Ruts in the road surface can play devil with front-wheel drive vehicles under heavy acceleration as well, and the Accord Coupe is no exception. But let me emphasize, normal and even fairly enthusiastic driving is generally free of such symptoms.