2002 Acura NSX vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Acura NSX would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 151 more horse power than 2002 Acura NSX. (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 Acura NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 50 kg more than 2002 Acura NSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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 Ford Mustang (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 271 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura NSX. (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura NSX. 2002 Acura NSX has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Acura NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura NSX | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | NSX | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 4599 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 400 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5750 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 556 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.1 mm | 90.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 90 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1480 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 68 L |
