2003 Acura CL vs. 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura CL 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 45 more horse power than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (178 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura CL weights approximately 433 kg more than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata 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 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 2003 Acura CL (294 Nm) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (220 Nm). This means 2003 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura CL | 2004 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Acura | Mazda |
| Model | CL | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 48 L |
