2004 Acura RSX vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Acura RSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Acura RSX would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2004 Acura RSX. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Mazda 3 weights approximately 161 kg more than 2004 Acura RSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear 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, 2011 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Acura RSX. (192 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Acura RSX. 2011 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2004 Acura RSX has manual transmission. 2004 Acura RSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Acura RSX | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | RSX | 3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.1 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 60 L |
