6, 3 ... & 4

Under the hood there are four choices. There are two fours and two sixes. There is a 180-hp four available only in the Sedan. There is a 200-hp four available in either the Sedan or the Coupe. A 3.5-liter 268-hp V6 is available in either model. And there is a 3.5-liter 268-hp V6 available only in the Coupe. That's not a typo. 3.5 and 3.5; 268 and 268. However, the V6 available only in the Coupe is mated to a six-speed manual transmission and is meant to be a performance version. The V6 in the Sedan is mated to a five-speed automatic and it offers Honda's Variable Cylinder Management system, a system that Honda has taken to a new level for the Accord. It can operate on all six cylinders, on three cylinders, and even on four cylinders, which is new. In the case of three-cylinder operation, one bank is shut off; the intake and exhaust valves are automatically closed, thereby minimizing pumping losses. For the four-cylinder operation, the #3 cylinder in the rear bank and the #4 cylinder in the front bank are turned off. In order to ameliorate the associated noise and vibrations associated with the switch over, an active control engine mount and active noise control technology are deployed.

Here's something to consider: the Accord Coupe makes up less than 5% of Honda's sales, but nearly 10% of sales to buyers under 30. With vehicles like the Civic Coupe--and the Fit and the Element--Honda is positioned for the younger buyer, despite not having a Scion-like brand. The point is that Honda recognizes the importance of younger buyers to the franchise. But given the comparatively small number of units sold, it might seem better in the short term if they simply sold sedans. However, given that they have the flexible manufacturing system in place at MAP, they are able to accommodate the build of the coupes, which provides a long-term advantage so far as the building of the customer base is concerned. Companies without this flexibility need to opt for the lowest common denominator.

If there's one thing that Honda doesn't do, it's compromise.

* Accord Sedan Dimensions

          2007    2008

Wheelbase  107.9"  110.2"
Length     191.1"  194.1"
Height      57.2"   58.1"
Width       71.6"   72.7"

Accord Coupe Dimensions

          2007    2008

Wheelbase  105.1"  107.9"
Length     187.8"  190.9"
Height      55.7"   56.4"
Width       71.3"   72.7"