2003 Acura TL vs. 2009 Volkswagen T5
To start off, 2009 Volkswagen T5 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 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura TL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura TL (225 HP @ 5600 RPM) has 53 more horse power than 2009 Volkswagen T5. (172 HP @ 3500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 2009 Volkswagen T5. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Volkswagen T5 weights approximately 732 kg more than 2003 Acura TL.
Because 2009 Volkswagen T5 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Acura TL. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Volkswagen T5 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, 2009 Volkswagen T5 (400 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 106 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura TL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2009 Volkswagen T5 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 Volkswagen T5 has manual transmission. 2009 Volkswagen T5 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 Volkswagen T5 | |
| Make | Acura | Volkswagen |
| Model | TL | T5 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2459 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 225 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 95.5 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 18.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 2310 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4900 mm | 4900 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1980 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1370 mm | 1910 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 3010 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 80 L |
