2003 Acura RSX vs. 2012 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2012 Volkswagen T5 is newer by 9 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 2,459 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Volkswagen T5 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (172 HP @ 3500 RPM) has 12 more horse power than 2003 Acura RSX. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Volkswagen T5 should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 1088 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 2012 Volkswagen T5 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5 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, 2012 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 209 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura RSX. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Volkswagen T5 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura RSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura RSX | 2012 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Acura | Volkswagen |
| Model | RSX | T5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 7.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 80 L |
