2006 Acura TL vs. 2003 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2006 Acura TL is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 4,601 cc (8 cylinders), 2003 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Ford Mustang (305 HP @ 5800 RPM) has 47 more horse power than 2006 Acura TL. (258 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Ford Mustang should accelerate faster than 2006 Acura TL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Ford Mustang weights approximately 1 kg more than 2006 Acura TL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Ford Mustang. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2003 Ford Mustang (434 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 118 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Acura TL. (316 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Ford Mustang will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Acura TL. 2003 Ford Mustang has automatic transmission and 2006 Acura TL has manual transmission. 2006 Acura TL will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Ford Mustang will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Acura TL | 2003 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | TL | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3212 cc | 4601 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 258 HP | 305 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5800 RPM |
| Torque | 316 Nm | 434 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 10.1:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1576 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4810 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1340 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2750 mm | 2580 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 59 L |
