2003 Ford Mustang vs. 1997 Honda NSX
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda NSX would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (390 HP @ 6150 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 1997 Honda NSX. (290 HP @ 7100 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 292 kg more than 1997 Honda NSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. 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 Ford Mustang (530 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 219 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda NSX. (311 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 1997 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Mustang | NSX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4601 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 390 HP | 290 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6150 RPM | 7100 RPM |
| Torque | 530 Nm | 311 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1662 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1340 mm | 1170 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 59 L | 60 L |
