2001 Acura TL vs. 2009 BMW M3
To start off, 2009 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Acura TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Acura TL would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2009 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 188 more horse power than 2001 Acura TL. (226 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2001 Acura TL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Acura TL weights approximately 50 kg more than 2009 BMW M3.
Because 2009 BMW M3 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 2009 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Acura TL, 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, 2009 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Acura TL. 2001 Acura TL has automatic transmission and 2009 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2009 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Acura TL | 2009 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | TL | M3 |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 226 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 12.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 209 km/hour | 245 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1525 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4910 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1420 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1760 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2720 mm | 2770 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 63 L |
