1998 Acura NSX vs. 2003 Lexus SC
To start off, 2003 Lexus SC is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Acura NSX would be higher. At 4,294 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Lexus SC is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Acura NSX (291 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 2003 Lexus SC. (290 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus SC.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Lexus SC (447 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Acura NSX. (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus SC will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Acura NSX. 2003 Lexus SC has automatic transmission and 1998 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 1998 Acura NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Lexus SC will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Acura NSX | 2003 Lexus SC | |
| Make | Acura | Lexus |
| Model | NSX | SC |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 4294 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 291 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 447 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 82.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4520 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1830 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2630 mm |
