2002 Acura RSX vs. 2003 Mazda 3
To start off, 2003 Mazda 3 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 15 more horse power than 2003 Mazda 3. (143 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura RSX should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 3 weights approximately 88 kg more than 2002 Acura RSX.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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 RSX (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 4 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda 3. (187 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2002 Acura RSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura RSX | 2003 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | RSX | 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 187 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 1310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
