Acura RL 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 RLBase | Ford EscortZX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Selected trim | Base | ZX2 |
| Body style | Sedan | Coupe |
| Drivetrain | all wheel drive | front wheel drive |
| Fuel type | premium unleaded (required) | regular unleaded |
| Transmission | 6-speed shiftable automatic | 5-speed manual |
| Engine type | gas | gas |
| Model year | 2012 | 2003 |
Pricing & market
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Ford EscortZX2 |
|---|---|---|
| MSRP | $48,200 | $13,205 (best) |
| For sale now | 0 | 0 |
Fuel economy & range
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Ford EscortZX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Combined MPG | 20 MPG | 25 MPG (best) |
| City MPG | 17 MPG | 23 MPG (best) |
| Highway MPG | 24 MPG | 30 MPG (best) |
| Fuel tank | 19.3 gal (best) | 12.7 gal |
Performance
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Ford EscortZX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 300 hp (best) | 130 hp |
| Torque | 271 lb-ft (best) | 135 lb-ft |
| Engine size | 3.7 L (best) | 2 L |
| Cylinders | V6 | I4 |
Size & capability
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Ford EscortZX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Seating | 5 seats (best) | 4 seats |
| Doors | 4 (best) | 2 |
| Cargo volume | 13.1 cu ft (best) | 11.8 cu ft |
| Curb weight | 4,083 lbs | 2,464 lbs (best) |
| Ground clearance | 5.7 in (best) | — |
| Wheelbase | 110.2 in (best) | 98.4 in |
| Length | 195.7 in (best) | 175.2 in |
| Width | 72.7 in (best) | 67.4 in |
| Height | 57.2 in (best) | 52.3 in |
Safety & recalls
| Spec | Acura RLBase | Ford EscortZX2 |
|---|---|---|
| Rollover | 5 / 5 ★ (best) | — |
| Open recalls (YMM scope) | None reported | None reported |
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 RL | Ford Escort |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Base $48,200 MSRP(Currently comparing) | ZX2 $13,205 MSRP(Currently comparing) |
| 2 | Technology Package $52,350 MSRP | ZX2 Deluxe $14,355 MSRP |
| 3 | Technology Package - in HI $52,350 MSRP | ZX2 Premium $14,810 MSRP |
| 4 | Advance Package $56,150 MSRP | — |