2003 Acura CL vs. 1981 Ferrari 400
To start off, 2003 Acura CL is newer by 22 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Ferrari 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Ferrari 400 would be higher. At 4,823 cc (12 cylinders), 1981 Ferrari 400 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1981 Ferrari 400 (310 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 87 more horse power than 2003 Acura CL. (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1981 Ferrari 400 should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1981 Ferrari 400 weights approximately 250 kg more than 2003 Acura CL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1981 Ferrari 400 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 1981 Ferrari 400. 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, 1981 Ferrari 400 (392 Nm) has 98 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura CL. (294 Nm). This means 1981 Ferrari 400 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura CL. 2003 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 1981 Ferrari 400 has manual transmission. 1981 Ferrari 400 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 | 1981 Ferrari 400 | |
| Make | Acura | Ferrari |
| Model | CL | 400 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1981 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 4823 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 12 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 310 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 392 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 8.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1830 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4820 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1800 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1320 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 120 L |
