2003 Acura RSX vs. 2006 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2006 Ford Mustang is newer by 3 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 4,013 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Ford Mustang (210 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 2003 Acura RSX. (197 HP @ 7400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Ford Mustang weights approximately 1590 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 2006 Ford Mustang 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 2006 Ford Mustang. 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, 2006 Ford Mustang (325 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 133 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura RSX. (192 Nm @ 6000 RPM). This means 2006 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura RSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura RSX | 2006 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | RSX | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4013 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 197 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7400 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 325 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 6000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 85.9 mm | 100.4 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85.9 mm | 84.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 9.7:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 2856 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4770 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1390 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
