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Honda/Acura engines are just as similar for identical displacement as Toyota/Lexus are.
The Acura version always has a bit more power, higher compression, and requires premium fuel. The internals are not the same.
Same applies to many Toyota/Lexus siblings. Lexus has more unique powerplants. But Lexus hybrids are derived from Prius components. A Lexus V8 is related to Toyota's DOHC V8s used in the trucks and the Sequoia.
But the OP must just not read very well. Toyota and Lexus are compared all the time. Consumer Reports often says you can buy an Avalon for less than an ES350 for similar capability.
VW/Audi is compared.
Nissan/Infiniti is compared - though there are no RWD Nissan cars. The V6 engines are similar, but not the same (like Honda/Acura).
The main reason is because Honda tops out at the premium mid-size segment, so there is no halo car to compete with the full luxury brands of other manufacturers. Lexus has the LS and Infiniti attempts to compete with a flagship luxury car, even if it continually lags behind the competition. Acura's top model is comparable to a Mercedes E, Audi A6, etc., the beginning of the luxury ranges for those manufacturers. Since Acura does not have the cachet of a full-size luxury car, people tend to compare it more with the Honda-branded vehicles. However, I agree that other manufacturers that share components between premium and mass market vehicles do receive similar comparisons, but have a larger range of vehicles upon which to draw to enhance the perception of the brand, something that Honda lacks with Acura.
A lot of good points have been made in this thread. However, I'm still not sold on the OP's original premise.
It does appear that the Japanese lux brands in general may be subject to more scrutiny than their European counterparts, and for good reason. By nature (with a few exceptions) any Acura/Lexus/Infiniti really is nothing more than a dressed up Honda/Toyota/Nissan. For Example:
Almost every Acura/Lexus/Infiniti shares a platform, engine and just about an everything other than the badge with an almost identical mass-market car. The similarities make them competitors for the same buyers and natural targets for comparison. There may be some aesthetic difference between an ES350 and a Camry XLE V-6, but they don't really feel different.
On the other hand, VW Auto Group mixes and matches LOTS components throughout five or so their product lines ranging from Golf to Gallardo. Yet, they manage to maintain individual brand identity and feel. These cars may share a Chassis and much more, but you'd never confuse one with the other:
I just don't see where Acura/Honda are compared any more than Lexus/Toyota and Infiniti/Honda.
Duh, this is the spit we've been saying, and have established. acuras are hondas rebadged acura for our market, same for infiniti, and lexus. A low end audi might share underpinning with a vw whatever but they own them now- still not the same as a Honda Integra. Yeah the Bentley Arnage uses VW w12, and the R8 uses a lambo v10, and porsche... well... should've supplied that new retro beatle with a boxter drivetrain- at least for a superbeatle model.
Their flagship sedan, the RLX (formerly just RL) has been lagging in sales. Frankly I don't think I've ever seen one on the road. I see more Equus than RLX.
They need to develop a V8
I was born Dec. 25, 1992 and have ridden in an RLX that someone had
Acuras are VERY nice, but kind of off the beaten path. They really need to step up the advertising game. A full size SUV above the MDX with a Twin-Turbo V6 would do quite well.
^This. An Acura full size SUV would do quite well. What would they call it?
I'm a HUGE fan of Honda and Acura, but I think they need to offer a V8, especially if it's going to be in a full size SUV. Also a high end luxury sedan like the Mercedes S Class. The RLX is, to me, a bit above the E class (I've ridden in both, and both thoroughly wowed me)
But when they review the Lexus ES350 they never compare it to a Avalon. All car companies reuse parts, chassis etc. Like for like no Honda can even compare to an Acura.
The Honda and Acura have the same engine built in the same plant.
I think some of the new most expensive Acura TLXs are more than just a luxury Accord. The new super-handling-AWD 9 speed transmissions aren't available in the Accord which is still a 6 speed fwd. Both nice reliable cars though.
I have seen car critics in the auto magazines compare the Lexus ES 350 to the Avalon Limited and even argue than the avalon limited is a better buy.
Hondas and Acuras are much more interchangeable than other sister brands. I've owned Acura/Honda and they are closer in performance & cost than Lexus/Toyota, which I've also owned.
I also agree that Acura should have built a V8 along time ago, Maybe the Ridgeline would have been more successful. On the other hand, I owned a 6 cyl. Accord and sold it before the infamous transmission problems arose.
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