Is the Honda Accord 3.5 engine the same as the Acura?
2 Answers
The Honda Accord 3.5 engine is the same as the Acura 3.5 engine, and this engine is very advanced. The Honda VCM engine technology and principles are as follows: Honda VCM Engine Technology: Simply put, it can operate as a V6 engine or, depending on the engine's operating conditions, "transform" into an inline 3-cylinder or V4 engine. The VCM system can precisely adjust the engine's displacement according to the driving conditions, ensuring it always matches the power requirements, significantly improving fuel efficiency. Honda VCM Engine Principle: When the engine starts, accelerates, or climbs hills in lower gears, all six cylinders are activated. This ensures uniform heating of the engine block during the initial startup or meets the power output demands. In this mode, the engine can quickly deliver maximum power or torque as needed.
I'm a huge Honda enthusiast and have driven many Honda and Acura models, like the old Accord 3.5 and Acura MDX. To be honest, their engines are essentially the same thing. The Honda Group shares a lot of technology internally—that 3.5L V6 engine, codenamed the J35 series, is used in the Accord and some Acura models, with identical core designs including cylinder count, displacement, and basic architecture. The driving experience is similar in daily use, with quick and smooth acceleration, and fuel consumption stays at roughly the same level. However, Acura might tune it slightly more aggressively or add extra soundproofing to enhance the luxury feel, but that doesn’t change the essence. I remember once comparing the under-hood structures of both cars with a friend and finding a high parts interchangeability rate. Honda’s strategy is pretty smart—saving costs while ensuring reliability.