2003 Acura NSX vs. 1971 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Acura NSX is newer by 32 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 5,752 cc (8 cylinders), 1971 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1971 Ford Mustang (330 HP @ 5400 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2003 Acura NSX. (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1971 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1971 Ford Mustang weights approximately 185 kg more than 2003 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, 1971 Ford Mustang (503 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 218 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura NSX. (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 1971 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura NSX. 2003 Acura NSX has automatic transmission and 1971 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1971 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Acura NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura NSX | 1971 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | NSX | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1971 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 5752 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 503 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1280 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2780 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 75 L |
