2003 Acura CL vs. 1992 BMW M3
To start off, 2003 Acura CL is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1992 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1992 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1992 BMW M3 (282 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 2003 Acura CL. (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1992 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura CL weights approximately 115 kg more than 1992 BMW M3.
Because 1992 BMW M3 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 1992 BMW M3. 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, 1992 BMW M3 (320 Nm @ 3400 RPM) has 26 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 1992 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura CL. 2003 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 1992 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 1992 BMW M3 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 | 1992 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | CL | M3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1992 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2990 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 282 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 320 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1465 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1370 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
