2003 Acura RSX vs. 2004 Mazda 3
To start off, 2004 Mazda 3 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura RSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura RSX would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Acura RSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura RSX (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 52 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura RSX should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 3 weights approximately 198 kg more than 2003 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, 2004 Mazda 3 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 49 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura RSX. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura RSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura RSX | 2004 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | RSX | 3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 8.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
