2003 Acura CL vs. 1997 Honda Civic
To start off, 2003 Acura CL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Honda Civic would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura CL (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 1997 Honda Civic. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 1997 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura CL weights approximately 410 kg more than 1997 Honda Civic. 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, 2003 Acura CL (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 120 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Honda Civic. (174 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Honda Civic. 2003 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 1997 Honda Civic has manual transmission. 1997 Honda Civic 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 | 1997 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Acura | Honda |
| Model | CL | Civic |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1997 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 1832 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 174 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4580 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2630 mm |
