2003 Acura NSX vs. 2005 Audi A8
To start off, 2005 Audi A8 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 32 more horse power than 2005 Audi A8. (217 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 2005 Audi A8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Audi A8 weights approximately 240 kg more than 2003 Acura NSX.
Because 2003 Acura NSX is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2003 Acura NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Audi A8, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2005 Audi A8 (300 Nm @ 8200 RPM) has 15 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura NSX. (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2005 Audi A8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura NSX. 2003 Acura NSX has automatic transmission and 2005 Audi A8 has manual transmission. 2005 Audi A8 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 | 2005 Audi A8 | |
| Make | Acura | Audi |
| Model | NSX | A8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2976 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 217 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1670 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 5060 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1900 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2950 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 90 L |
