2003 Acura NSX vs. 2012 Lexus IS
To start off, 2012 Lexus IS is newer by 9 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 99 more horse power than 2012 Lexus IS. (150 HP @ 3600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 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 2003 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, 2012 Lexus IS (340 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 55 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura NSX. (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2012 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura NSX | 2012 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Acura | Lexus |
| Model | NSX | IS |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2231 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 150 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 3600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 340 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1545 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 | 70 L | 65 L |
