Acura CL vs Ford Mustang
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2026 Ford Mustang
Overview
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford MustangEcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 3.2 | EcoBoost |
| Body style | Coupe | Coupe |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (recommended) |
| Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 10-speed shiftable automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2003 | 2026 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford MustangEcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $28,200 (best) | $32,995 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $39,538 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $64,254 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $176,064 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 5 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford MustangEcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG | 26 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 17 MPG | 22 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 27 MPG | 33 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 17.2 gal (best) | 16 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford MustangEcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 225 hp | 315 hp (best) |
| Torque | 216 lb-ft | 350 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 3.2 L (best) | 2.3 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford MustangEcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats | 4 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 13.6 cu ft (best) | 13.5 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,470 lbs (best) | 3,588 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 6.2 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 106.9 in | 107 in (best) |
| Length | 192 in (best) | 189.4 in |
| Width | 69.2 in | 75.4 in (best) |
| Height | 53.3 in | 55 in (best) |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford MustangEcoBoost |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side pole | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Rollover | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 5 | 5 |
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 Mustang |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3.2 $28,200 MSRP(Currently comparing) | EcoBoost $32,995 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 3.2 $30,350 MSRP | EcoBoost $40,440 MSRP |
| 3 | 3.2 Type-S $30,550 MSRP | EcoBoost Premium $36,345 MSRP |
| 4 | 3.2 Type-S $30,550 MSRP | EcoBoost Premium $41,845 MSRP |
| 5 | 3.2 Type-S $32,700 MSRP | GT $46,800 MSRP |
| 6 | 3.2 Type-S $32,700 MSRP | GT Premium $51,080 MSRP |
| 7 | — | GT Premium $56,580 MSRP |
| 8 | — | Dark Horse $63,080 MSRP |
| 9 | — | Dark Horse SC $103,490 MSRP |
Live inventory
Ford Mustang5 for sale
See all- New
2026 Ford Mustang
EcoBoost
Carbonized Gray Metallic•Black OnyxN/A$43,879MSRP $45,880Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
New2026 Ford Mustang
EcoBoost Premium
Avalanche Gray•Black Onyx5 mi$39,538MSRP $43,230Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
New2026 Ford Mustang
Dark Horse
Carbonized Gray Metallic•Black w/Blue Accents5 mi$70,361MSRP $74,010Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
- New
2026 Ford Mustang
Dark Horse SC
Oxford White•Ebony / Solar Red AccentsN/A$176,064Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
- New
2026 Ford Mustang
GT Premium
Avalanche Gray•Black OnyxN/A$64,254MSRP $64,755Middleton Ford
Middleton, WI
Acura CL vs Ford Mustang FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 Acura CL or 2026 Ford Mustang?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 Acura CL vs 2026 Ford Mustang 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 2026 Ford Mustang?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Acura CL starts lower at $28,200. Live Ford Mustang listings start at $39,538.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 Acura CL or 2026 Ford Mustang?
- The 2003 Acura CL leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (28,200).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 Acura CL or 2026 Ford Mustang?
- The 2026 Ford Mustang leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (26).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 Acura CL or 2026 Ford Mustang?
- The 2026 Ford Mustang leads on horsepower in this comparison (795).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2003 Acura CL vs 2026 Ford Mustang?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Mustang (5/5 NHTSA overall).