2004 Acura NSX vs. 2003 Lexus IS
To start off, 2004 Acura NSX is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Lexus IS. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Lexus IS would be higher. At 2,997 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Lexus IS is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Acura NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2003 Lexus IS. (201 HP @ 5600 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2004 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 2003 Lexus IS. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Lexus IS weights approximately 90 kg more than 2004 Acura NSX.
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 Lexus IS (296 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 11 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Acura NSX. (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2003 Lexus IS will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Acura NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Acura NSX | 2003 Lexus IS | |
| Make | Acura | Lexus |
| Model | NSX | IS |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 201 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 5600 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 296 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1450 kg | 1540 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4510 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 66 L |
