How much horsepower does a 2004 Acura Rl have?
The 2004 Acura RL delivers about 270 horsepower.
To understand this figure, it’s helpful to look at the RL’s 3.5-liter V6 powertrain, how horsepower is rated in that era, and minor variations that could appear by market or drivetrain configuration. This article provides the core figure and supporting context for the U.S. market, where the rating is most commonly cited.
Power figure and engine details
Official ratings for the 2004 RL come from Acura’s specification sheets and contemporary reviews. The model relied on a 3.5-liter V6 that generated approximately 270 horsepower (SAE net) and about 238 lb-ft of torque, with peak output typically reached around the mid- to upper RPM range for clean, highway-friendly performance.
Key engine statistics
Below is a concise summary of the main powertrain figures for the 2004 RL. The list helps clarify what drives the horsepower number and how it translates to real-world performance.
- Engine: 3.5-liter V6
- Horsepower: 270 hp (SAE net)
- Torque: ~238 lb-ft
- Transmission: 5-speed automatic
- Drivetrain: front-engine, front-wheel drive (with all-wheel-drive options not standard for most US models of this year)
These specifications reflect the standard U.S. market configuration and are consistent with Acura’s documentation for the 2004 RL era. Variations may exist for non-U.S. markets or specific trims, but 270 hp remains the commonly cited figure for the core model.
Context and market positioning
During its generation, the RL competed with near-luxury rivals that offered similar or slightly higher horsepower figures, such as the Lexus GS/ES lineup and Infiniti M-series. The 270-horsepower rating positioned the RL as a capable grand-touring sedan with strong highway acceleration and smooth refinement, rather than a drag-strip performance car. SAE net horsepower, which is the standard rating in the United States, reflects power available after the engine is installed and connected to the drivetrain, providing a realistic sense of on-road performance.
It’s also worth noting that some markets or later updates could feature minor calibration differences, which could affect peak numbers by a small margin. However, the 270 hp figure is the widely cited and accepted benchmark for the 2004 RL in its primary market.
Summary
For the 2004 Acura RL, horsepower rests at about 270 hp with torque around 238 lb-ft, backed by a 3.5-liter V6 and a 5-speed automatic transmission. This pairing gave the RL strong highway capability and smooth performance typical of early-2000s luxury sedans, aligning with its positioning as a refined, comfortable upscale sedan rather than a high-revving sport sedan.
How much is a 2004 Acura RL worth?
The value of a used 2004 Acura RL ranges from $963 to $3,238, based on vehicle condition, mileage, and options. Get a free appraisal here.
Are 2004 Acura RL reliable?
Fun car to drive packed with luxury (04 RL)
I've put more than 13000 miles on my 04 RL and there's absolutely zero … issue! So you can see the reliability of this car. I only changed the air filter myself, one of the headlight hit its lifetime I did it myself too.
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Is the 2004 Acura TL fast?
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