2005 Acura CL vs. 2003 BMW M3
To start off, 2005 Acura CL is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 BMW M3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 BMW M3 would be higher. At 3,210 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Acura CL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 BMW M3 (240 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 17 more horse power than 2005 Acura CL. (223 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2005 Acura CL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Acura CL weights approximately 138 kg more than 2003 BMW M3.
Because 2003 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 2003 BMW M3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 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, 2003 BMW M3 (300 Nm @ 4250 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Acura CL. (294 Nm @ 4700 RPM). This means 2003 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Acura CL. 2005 Acura CL has automatic transmission and 2003 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2003 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Acura CL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Acura CL | 2003 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | CL | M3 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3210 cc | 2993 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 223 HP | 240 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4700 RPM | 4250 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 89 mm | 86 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 86 mm | 85.8 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1580 kg | 1442 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4890 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1800 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2730 mm | 2730 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 65 L | 65 L |
