2002 Acura NSX vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 10 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 82 more horse power than 2012 Lexus IS. (204 HP @ 6400 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 2012 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Lexus IS weights approximately 115 kg more than 2002 Acura NSX.
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 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Lexus IS. (251 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Lexus IS.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura NSX | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Acura | Lexus |
| Model | NSX | IS |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 286 HP | 204 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7100 RPM | 6400 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 251 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1452 kg | 1567 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4585 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1801 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2731 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 65 L |
