2002 Honda Accord vs. 2012 Acura RL
To start off, 2012 Acura RL is newer by 10 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Honda Accord. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Honda Accord would be higher. At 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Acura RL (300 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 140 more horse power than 2002 Honda Accord. (160 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2002 Honda Accord. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Acura RL weights approximately 372 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.
Because 2012 Acura RL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Honda Accord. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Acura RL will offer significantly more control. 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 Acura RL (367 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 149 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Honda Accord. (218 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2012 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 | 2012 Acura RL | |
| Make | Honda | Acura |
| Model | Accord | RL |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2353 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 300 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 367 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1852 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4820 mm | 4971 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1847 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2799 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 73 L |
