2003 Honda NSX vs. 2005 Honda Civic

To start off, 2005 Honda Civic is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,975 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Honda NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 164 more horse power than 2005 Honda Civic. (85 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2005 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Honda NSX weights approximately 217 kg more than 2005 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

Because 2003 Honda NSX 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 2003 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Honda Civic, 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, 2003 Honda NSX (287 Nm) has 169 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Honda Civic. (118 Nm). This means 2003 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Honda Civic.

Compare all specifications:

2003 Honda NSX 2005 Honda Civic
Make Honda Honda
Model NSX Civic
Year Released 2003 2005
Body Type Coupe Sedan
Engine Position Middle Front
Engine Size 2975 cc 1334 cc
Engine Cylinders 6 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type V in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 2 valves
Horse Power 249 HP 85 HP
Engine RPM 6600 RPM 6500 RPM
Torque 287 Nm 118 Nm
Engine Bore Size 86 mm 73 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86 mm 80 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 10.0:1 10.8:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline / Electric Hybrid
Drive Type Rear Front
Number of Seats 2 seats 5 seats
Number of Doors 2 doors 4 doors
Vehicle Weight 1430 kg 1213 kg
Vehicle Length 4430 mm 4450 mm
Vehicle Width 1820 mm 1720 mm
Vehicle Height 1180 mm 1440 mm
Wheelbase Size 2540 mm 2630 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 70 L 50 L