2003 Acura CL vs. 2013 BMW 3 Series
To start off, 2013 BMW 3 Series is newer by 10 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, 2013 BMW 3 Series (227 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2003 Acura CL. (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW 3 Series should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW 3 Series weights approximately 155 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 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 2013 BMW 3 Series. 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, 2003 Acura CL (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM) has 23 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 BMW 3 Series. (271 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2003 Acura CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 BMW 3 Series. 2003 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW 3 Series has manual transmission. 2013 BMW 3 Series 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 | 2013 BMW 3 Series | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | CL | 3 Series |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2979 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 227 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 271 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 88 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.7 :1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1735 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4620 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1961 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1395 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2760 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
