2003 Acura TL vs. 2009 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2009 Ford Mustang is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura TL would be higher. At 4,009 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura TL (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2009 Ford Mustang. (210 HP @ 5300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2009 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura TL weights approximately 612 kg more than 2009 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 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 2009 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Acura TL, 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, 2009 Ford Mustang (326 Nm @ 3500 RPM) has 32 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura TL. 2003 Acura TL has automatic transmission and 2009 Ford Mustang has manual transmission. 2009 Ford Mustang will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Acura TL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura TL | 2009 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | TL | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 4009 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 210 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 326 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4780 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1880 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 61 L |
