2003 Acura RSX vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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 (197 HP @ 7400 RPM) has 74 more horse power than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. (123 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura RSX should accelerate faster than 2004 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 119 kg more than 2003 Acura RSX.
Because 2004 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Acura RSX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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 Volkswagen Passat (310 Nm @ 1900 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura RSX. (192 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura RSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura RSX | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Acura | Volkswagen |
| Model | RSX | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 1896 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 310 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 1900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.9 mm | 79.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 19.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 55 L |
