2004 Acura CL vs. 2012 BMW M3
To start off, 2012 BMW M3 is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Acura CL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Acura CL would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2012 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 BMW M3 (414 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 154 more horse power than 2004 Acura CL. (260 HP @ 6900 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 305 kg more than 2004 Acura CL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 BMW M3 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 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 85 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Acura CL. (315 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Acura CL. 2004 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 2012 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2012 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Acura CL | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | CL | M3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3212 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 260 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6900 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 315 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 75.2 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 92 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| 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 | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 63 L |
