2003 Acura CL vs. 1972 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2003 Acura CL is newer by 31 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1972 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1972 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,941 cc (8 cylinders), 1972 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura CL (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 1972 Ford Mustang. (141 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1972 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura CL weights approximately 129 kg more than 1972 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1972 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 1972 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1972 Ford Mustang (328 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 34 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1972 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura CL. 2003 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 1972 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 1972 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura CL | 1972 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | CL | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1972 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 4941 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 141 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 328 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 101.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 76.2 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1451 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1890 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1300 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2780 mm |
