2002 Acura NSX vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 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 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura NSX (286 HP @ 7100 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (197 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura NSX weights approximately 67 kg more than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 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, 2002 Acura NSX (304 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 82 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda RX-8. (222 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda RX-8. 2005 Mazda RX-8 has automatic transmission and 2002 Acura NSX has manual transmission. 2002 Acura NSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda RX-8 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura NSX | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | NSX | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1311 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 197 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
