2003 Acura CL vs. 2008 Acura TL
To start off, 2008 Acura TL is newer by 5 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 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Acura TL (286 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2003 Acura CL. (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura CL weights approximately 128 kg more than 2008 Acura TL.
Because 2008 Acura TL 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, 2008 Acura TL 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, 2008 Acura TL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2008 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura CL. 2003 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 2008 Acura TL has manual transmission. 2008 Acura TL 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 | 2008 Acura TL | |
| Make | Acura | Acura |
| Model | CL | TL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 3471 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 286 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 347 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1452 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4830 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1920 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1450 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2750 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
