2002 Honda Accord vs. 1997 Acura RL
To start off, 2002 Honda Accord is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,472 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Acura RL (205 HP @ 5200 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2002 Honda Accord. (152 HP @ 6250 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1997 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Acura RL weights approximately 835 kg more than 2002 Honda Accord. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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, 1997 Acura RL (304 Nm @ 2800 RPM) has 112 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Accord. (192 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Honda Accord.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Honda Accord | 1997 Acura RL | |
| Make | Honda | Acura |
| Model | Accord | RL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1997 cc | 3472 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 152 HP | 205 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6250 RPM | 5200 RPM |
| Torque | 192 Nm | 304 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 2800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 91 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.6:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 840 kg | 1675 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 5000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2920 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 50 L |
