2003 Acura CL vs. 2004 Volkswagen Passat
To start off, 2004 Volkswagen Passat 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 3,998 cc (8 cylinders), 2004 Volkswagen Passat is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (270 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2003 Acura CL. (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Volkswagen Passat weights approximately 265 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 2004 Volkswagen Passat is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Acura CL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 Volkswagen Passat will offer significantly more control. 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, 2004 Volkswagen Passat (370 Nm) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura CL. (294 Nm). This means 2004 Volkswagen Passat will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura CL | 2004 Volkswagen Passat | |
| Make | Acura | Volkswagen |
| Model | CL | Passat |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 3998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | W |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 270 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 84 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1845 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
