1996 Toyota Corolla vs. 2002 Acura CL
To start off, 2002 Acura CL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Toyota Corolla. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Toyota Corolla would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2002 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 186 more horse power than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (74 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1996 Toyota Corolla. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura CL weights approximately 605 kg more than 1996 Toyota Corolla. 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, 2002 Acura CL (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 204 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Toyota Corolla. (111 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2002 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Toyota Corolla. 2002 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 1996 Toyota Corolla has manual transmission. 1996 Toyota Corolla will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2002 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Toyota Corolla | 2002 Acura CL | |
| Make | Toyota | Acura |
| Model | Corolla | CL |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1330 cc | 3210 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 74 HP | 260 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6900 RPM |
| Torque | 111 Nm | 315 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 80 mm | 89 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 70 mm | 86 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 975 kg | 1580 kg |
| Vehicle Width | 1660 mm | 1800 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2470 mm | 2580 mm |
