2002 Acura CL vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Ford Mustang is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Acura CL would be higher. At 3,801 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Acura CL (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) has 72 more horse power than 2003 Ford Mustang. (188 HP @ 5250 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 2003 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Acura CL weights approximately 170 kg more than 2003 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Acura CL, 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, 2002 Acura CL (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 17 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2002 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura CL | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | CL | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 3801 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 188 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1410 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 45 L |
