2001 Acura RL vs. 2012 BMW 320
To start off, 2012 BMW 320 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 2001 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 23 more horse power than 2012 BMW 320. (182 HP @ 5000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2012 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura RL weights approximately 185 kg more than 2012 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW 320 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 2012 BMW 320. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura RL, 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, 2001 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 BMW 320. (270 Nm @ 1250 RPM). This means 2001 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 BMW 320. 2001 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW 320 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura RL | 2012 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | RL | 320 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 182 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 270 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 1250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 90 mm | 90.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 84 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 5000 mm | 4624 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1811 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1429 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2920 mm | 2810 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 57 L |
