2002 Acura EL vs. 2012 Nissan 370Z
To start off, 2012 Nissan 370Z is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Acura EL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Acura EL would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Nissan 370Z is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Nissan 370Z (332 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 208 more horse power than 2002 Acura EL. (124 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Nissan 370Z should accelerate faster than 2002 Acura EL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Nissan 370Z weights approximately 389 kg more than 2002 Acura EL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Nissan 370Z 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 Nissan 370Z. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Acura EL, 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 Nissan 370Z (366 Nm @ 5200 RPM) has 210 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Acura EL. (156 Nm @ 4800 RPM). This means 2012 Nissan 370Z will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Acura EL. 2012 Nissan 370Z has automatic transmission and 2002 Acura EL has manual transmission. 2002 Acura EL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Nissan 370Z will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Acura EL | 2012 Nissan 370Z | |
| Make | Acura | Nissan |
| Model | EL | 370Z |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1668 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Horse Power | 124 HP | 332 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 156 Nm | 366 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 7-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1569 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4490 mm | 4247 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1849 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1326 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2630 mm | 2550 mm |
