2008 Acura RL vs. 2013 BMW M3
To start off, 2013 BMW M3 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Acura RL. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Acura RL would be higher. At 3,999 cc (8 cylinders), 2013 BMW M3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 BMW M3 (408 HP @ 8300 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2008 Acura RL. (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 BMW M3 should accelerate faster than 2008 Acura RL. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2013 BMW M3 weights approximately 406 kg more than 2008 Acura RL. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2013 BMW M3. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Acura RL 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, 2013 BMW M3 (400 Nm @ 3900 RPM) has 53 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Acura RL. (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2013 BMW M3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Acura RL. 2008 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2013 BMW M3 has manual transmission. 2013 BMW M3 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Acura RL | 2013 BMW M3 | |
| Make | Acura | BMW |
| Model | RL | M3 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 3999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 408 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 8300 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 400 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3900 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 12.0 : 1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1274 kg | 1680 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4618 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1976 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1418 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2761 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 9.8 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 14.7 L/100km | 15.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 63 L |
