2003 Acura CL vs. 2011 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2011 Ford Mustang is newer by 8 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 3,700 cc (6 cylinders), 2011 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2003 Acura CL. (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Ford Mustang weights approximately 47 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 2011 Ford Mustang 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 2011 Ford Mustang. 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, 2011 Ford Mustang (379 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2011 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura CL. 2003 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 2011 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2011 Ford Mustang 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 | 2011 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | CL | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 3700 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 379 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1627 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4778 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1877 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1425 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2720 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
