2003 Acura CL vs. 2001 BMW 320
To start off, 2003 Acura CL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 BMW 320. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 BMW 320 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 75 more horse power than 2001 BMW 320. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 2001 BMW 320. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura CL weights approximately 110 kg more than 2001 BMW 320. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 BMW 320 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 2001 BMW 320. 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, 2001 BMW 320 (355 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 61 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2001 BMW 320 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura CL. 2003 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 2001 BMW 320 has manual transmission. 2001 BMW 320 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 | 2001 BMW 320 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | CL | 320 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 1995 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 355 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 17.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 3 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1470 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4270 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 63 L |
