2012 Acura TL vs. 1998 Ford Mustang
To start off, 2012 Acura TL is newer by 14 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Ford Mustang. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Ford Mustang would be higher. At 3,797 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Ford Mustang is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Acura TL (305 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 162 more horse power than 1998 Ford Mustang. (143 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2012 Acura TL should accelerate faster than 1998 Ford Mustang. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Acura TL weights approximately 410 kg more than 1998 Ford Mustang. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Acura TL is all wheel drive (AWD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Ford Mustang. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Acura TL 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, 2012 Acura TL (370 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 72 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Ford Mustang. (298 Nm @ 2750 RPM). This means 2012 Acura TL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Ford Mustang.
Compare all specifications:
| 2012 Acura TL | 1998 Ford Mustang | |
| Make | Acura | Ford |
| Model | TL | Mustang |
| Year Released | 2012 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3700 cc | 3797 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 305 HP | 143 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 370 Nm | 298 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 2750 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | AWD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | 6-speed shiftable automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1800 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4928 mm | 4660 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1880 mm | 1860 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1453 mm | 1360 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2776 mm | 2580 mm |
