2003 Acura CL vs. 2012 Acura TL
To start off, 2012 Acura TL is newer by 9 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), 2012 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Acura TL (305 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 82 more horse power than 2003 Acura CL. (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Acura TL weights approximately 220 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 2012 Acura TL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Acura CL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 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, 2012 Acura TL (370 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 76 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2012 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura CL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura CL | 2012 Acura TL | |
| Make | Acura | Acura |
| Model | CL | TL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| 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 | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 370 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | AWD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1800 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4928 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1453 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2776 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 70 L |
