Acura CL vs Ford Escort
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2003 Ford Escort
Overview
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford EscortZX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 3.2 | ZX2 |
| Body style | Coupe | Coupe |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2003 | 2003 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford EscortZX2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $28,200 | $13,205 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford EscortZX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG | 25 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 17 MPG | 23 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 27 MPG | 30 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 17.2 gal (best) | 12.7 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford EscortZX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 225 hp (best) | 130 hp |
| Torque | 216 lb-ft (best) | 135 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3.2 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford EscortZX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 13.6 cu ft (best) | 11.8 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,470 lbs | 2,464 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 6.2 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 106.9 in (best) | 98.4 in |
| Length | 192 in (best) | 175.2 in |
| Width | 69.2 in (best) | 67.4 in |
| Height | 53.3 in (best) | 52.3 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford EscortZX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 5 | None reported (best) |
Highlighted values indicate the better figure for that spec when a clear winner exists. Specs reflect the selected trim for each vehicle. Drag a vehicle header to reorder columns. MSRP and specifications are manufacturer data; listing prices and inventory come from live dealer listings. Safety ratings are from NHTSA.
Trim overview
All available trims with MSRP. The trim selected above is highlighted; comparison specs use that selection.
| Trim | Acura CL | Ford Escort |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3.2 $28,200 MSRP(Currently comparing) | ZX2 $13,205 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 3.2 $30,350 MSRP | ZX2 Deluxe $14,355 MSRP |
| 3 | 3.2 Type-S $30,550 MSRP | ZX2 Premium $14,810 MSRP |
| 4 | 3.2 Type-S $30,550 MSRP | — |
| 5 | 3.2 Type-S $32,700 MSRP | — |
| 6 | 3.2 Type-S $32,700 MSRP | — |
Acura CL vs Ford Escort FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 Acura CL or 2003 Ford Escort?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 Acura CL vs 2003 Ford Escort on MSRP, fuel economy, horsepower, seating, towing, NHTSA safety ratings, and live market prices so you can weigh the tradeoffs.
- Which costs less: 2003 Acura CL or 2003 Ford Escort?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Ford Escort starts lower at $13,205.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 Acura CL or 2003 Ford Escort?
- The 2003 Ford Escort leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (13,205).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 Acura CL or 2003 Ford Escort?
- The 2003 Ford Escort leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (25).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 Acura CL or 2003 Ford Escort?
- The 2003 Acura CL leads on horsepower in this comparison (260).