2003 Ford Mustang vs. 2008 Honda NSX
To start off, 2008 Honda NSX is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,599 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (400 HP @ 5750 RPM) has 148 more horse power than 2008 Honda NSX. (252 HP @ 6800 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2008 Honda NSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Honda NSX weights approximately 5 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang.
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 (556 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 272 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Honda NSX. (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Honda NSX. 2008 Honda NSX has automatic transmission and 2003 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2003 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Honda NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Ford Mustang | 2008 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Ford | Honda |
| Model | Mustang | NSX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 4599 cc | 2975 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 400 HP | 252 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5750 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 556 Nm | 284 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90.2 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 8.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1485 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4660 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1860 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 68 L | 70 L |
