2003 Acura CL vs. 2008 Volkswagen Passat

To start off, 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 3,210 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 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (148 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura CL should accelerate faster than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura CL weights approximately 60 kg more than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 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 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. (200 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2003 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Volkswagen Passat. 2003 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 2008 Volkswagen Passat has manual transmission. 2008 Volkswagen Passat 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 Volkswagen Passat
Make Acura Volkswagen
Model CL Passat
Year Released 2003 2008
Body Type Coupe Station Wagon
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 3210 cc 1983 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 6000 RPM
Torque 294 Nm 200 Nm
Torque RPM 4700 RPM 3500 RPM
Engine Bore Size 89 mm 82.5 mm
Engine Stroke Size 86 mm 92.8 mm
Engine Compression Ratio 9.8:1 11.5:1
Fuel Type Gasoline Gasoline - Premium
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 1520 kg
Vehicle Length 4890 mm 4780 mm
Vehicle Width 1800 mm 1830 mm
Vehicle Height 1420 mm 1520 mm
Wheelbase Size 2730 mm 2720 mm
Fuel Tank Capacity 65 L 70 L