2002 Acura RSX vs. 2003 Honda Z
To start off, 2003 Honda Z is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura RSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Acura RSX would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Acura RSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura RSX (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 107 more horse power than 2003 Honda Z. (51 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura RSX should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Z. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura RSX weights approximately 262 kg more than 2003 Honda Z. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 Honda Z is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Acura RSX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Honda Z will offer significantly more control. 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 RSX (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 130 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Z. (61 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Acura RSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Z. 2003 Honda Z has automatic transmission and 2002 Acura RSX has manual transmission. 2002 Acura RSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Honda Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura RSX | 2003 Honda Z | |
| Make | Acura | Honda |
| Model | RSX | Z |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 654 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 51 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 61 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 66 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 64 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 960 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 3410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1480 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1680 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2370 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 35 L |
