2002 Acura NSX vs. 1999 Acura RL
To start off, 2002 Acura NSX is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1999 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 44 more horse power than 1999 Acura RL. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1999 Acura RL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Acura RL weights approximately 245 kg more than 2002 Acura NSX.
Because 2002 Acura NSX is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2002 Acura NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Acura RL, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1999 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura NSX. (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1999 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura NSX | 1999 Acura RL | |
| Make | Acura | Acura |
| Model | NSX | RL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1999 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
