Acura CL vs Ford Thunderbird
Side-by-side comparison from manufacturer specifications, NHTSA safety data, and live dealer listings.
Vehicles
Vehicles
2005 Ford Thunderbird
Overview
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford ThunderbirdDeluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | 3.2 | Deluxe |
| Body style | Coupe | Convertible |
| Drivetrain | front wheel drive | rear wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | premium unleaded (required) |
| Transmission | 5-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed automatic |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2003 | 2005 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford ThunderbirdDeluxe |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $28,200 (best) | $38,355 |
| Lowest listing price | — | $16,747 (best) |
| Median listing price | — | $16,871 (best) |
| Highest listing price | — | $16,995 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 2 (best) |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford ThunderbirdDeluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 21 MPG (best) | 18 MPG |
| City MPG | 17 MPG (best) | 16 MPG |
| Highway MPG | 27 MPG (best) | 22 MPG |
| Fuel tank | 17.2 gal | 18 gal (best) |
Performance
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford ThunderbirdDeluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 225 hp | 280 hp (best) |
| Torque | 216 lb-ft | 286 lb-ft (best) |
| Engine size | 3.2 L | 3.9 L (best) |
| Cylinders | V6 | V8 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford ThunderbirdDeluxe |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 4 seats (best) | 2 seats |
| Doors | 2 | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 13.6 cu ft (best) | 8.5 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 3,470 lbs (best) | 3,780 lbs |
| Ground clearance | 6.2 in | 8 in (best) |
| Wheelbase | 106.9 in | 107.2 in (best) |
| Length | 192 in (best) | 186.3 in |
| Width | 69.2 in | 72 in (best) |
| Height | 53.3 in (best) | 52.1 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Acura CL3.2 | Ford ThunderbirdDeluxe |
|---|---|---|
| NHTSA overall | — | Not Rated |
| Frontal crash (driver) | — | 4 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Frontal crash (passenger) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (driver) | — | 5 / 5 ★ (best) |
| Side crash (passenger) | — | Not Rated |
| Side pole | — | Not Rated |
| Rollover | — | Not Rated |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | 5 | 1 (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 Thunderbird |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 3.2 $28,200 MSRP(Currently comparing) | Deluxe $38,355 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | 3.2 $30,350 MSRP | Premium $39,415 MSRP |
| 3 | 3.2 Type-S $30,550 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 | — |
Live inventory
Acura CL vs Ford Thunderbird FAQ
- Which is better: 2003 Acura CL or 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
- It depends on priorities. OpenDealer compares 2003 Acura CL vs 2005 Ford Thunderbird 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 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
- Based on starting MSRP, the 2003 Acura CL starts lower at $28,200. Live Ford Thunderbird listings start at $16,747.
- Which has better startingMsrp: 2003 Acura CL or 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
- The 2003 Acura CL leads on startingMsrp in this comparison (28,200).
- Which has better combinedMpg: 2003 Acura CL or 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
- The 2003 Acura CL leads on combinedMpg in this comparison (21).
- Which has better horsepower: 2003 Acura CL or 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
- The 2005 Ford Thunderbird leads on horsepower in this comparison (280).
- Which has better seats: 2003 Acura CL or 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
- The 2003 Acura CL leads on seats in this comparison (4).
- How do the NHTSA safety ratings compare for 2003 Acura CL vs 2005 Ford Thunderbird?
- NHTSA overall crash-test ratings in this comparison: Ford Thunderbird (Not Rated/5 NHTSA overall).