2003 Acura RSX vs. 2004 Smart ForTwo
To start off, 2004 Smart ForTwo 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 120 more horse power than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (40 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura RSX should accelerate faster than 2004 Smart ForTwo. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura RSX weights approximately 417 kg more than 2004 Smart ForTwo. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Smart ForTwo 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 2004 Smart ForTwo. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura RSX, 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, 2003 Acura RSX (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 91 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Smart ForTwo. (100 Nm @ 1800 RPM). This means 2003 Acura RSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Smart ForTwo.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura RSX | 2004 Smart ForTwo | |
| Make | Acura | Smart |
| Model | RSX | ForTwo |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Rear |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 3 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 40 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 100 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 2510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1520 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1560 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 1820 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 3.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 22 L |
