2003 Acura RSX vs. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL
To start off, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura RSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura RSX would be higher. At 4,663 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (432 HP @ 5250 RPM) has 272 more horse power than 2003 Acura RSX. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL weights approximately 998 kg more than 2003 Acura RSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL 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 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura RSX, 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, 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL (700 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 509 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura RSX. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura RSX. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL has automatic transmission and 2003 Acura RSX has manual transmission. 2003 Acura RSX will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura RSX | 2012 Mercedes-Benz CL | |
| Make | Acura | Mercedes-Benz |
| Model | RSX | CL |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 4663 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 432 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 5250 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 700 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 1800 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed shiftable automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 2220 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 5095 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1872 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1417 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2954 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 90 L |
