2001 Acura RL vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang 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 5,000 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Ford Mustang (412 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 207 more horse power than 2001 Acura RL. (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2001 Acura RL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura RL weights approximately 40 kg more than 2012 Ford Mustang.
Because 2012 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang. 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, 2012 Ford Mustang (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 224 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura RL. (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura RL. 2001 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2012 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2012 Ford Mustang 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 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | RL | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3472 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 205 HP | 412 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 304 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1675 kg | 1635 kg |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 61 L |
