2003 Acura RSX vs. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton
To start off, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is newer by 2 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 4,172 cc (8 cylinders), 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (330 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 170 more horse power than 2003 Acura RSX. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton weights approximately 152 kg more than 2003 Acura RSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton 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, 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton (431 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 240 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura RSX. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura RSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura RSX | 2005 Volkswagen Phaeton | |
| Make | Acura | Volkswagen |
| Model | RSX | Phaeton |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4172 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 5 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 330 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 431 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 84.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 93 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 1374 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5180 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1910 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 90 L |
