2002 Acura CL vs. 2012 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Ford Mustang is newer by 10 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 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 152 more horse power than 2002 Acura CL. (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2002 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Ford Mustang weights approximately 107 kg more than 2002 Acura CL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 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, 2012 Ford Mustang (528 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 213 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura CL. 2002 Acura CL 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. 2002 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura CL | 2012 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | CL | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 5000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 412 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 528 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 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 | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1687 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4880 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2580 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
