2004 Acura TL 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 TL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Acura TL 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 147 more horse power than 2004 Acura TL. (267 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2004 Acura TL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 BMW M3 weights approximately 307 kg more than 2004 Acura TL. 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 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, 2012 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 77 more torque (in Nm) than 2004 Acura TL. (323 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2004 Acura TL.
Compare all specifications:
| 2004 Acura TL | 2012 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | TL | M3 |
| Year Released | 2004 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 267 HP | 414 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 323 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 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 | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1578 kg | 1885 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4615 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1803 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1392 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2680 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.8 L/100km | 12.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 63 L |
