Is the 2003 Acura CL type S fast?
The 2003 Acura CL Type-S delivers brisk acceleration for its class, with a 260-horsepower 3.2-liter V6 and a six-speed manual that can push 0-60 mph into the low-to-mid six-second range, and a top speed around 150 mph in stock form.
In context, the CL Type-S was Acura’s performance-focused variant of the two-door CL coupe from the early 2000s. It combined a high-revving VTEC V6, a tuned suspension, and distinctive styling to offer sportier dynamics without venturing into pure sports-car territory. This article reviews how fast it is, how it stacked up against its peers at the time, and what buyers today should know when considering a used example.
Performance snapshot
The following figures capture the CL Type-S’s core performance characteristics as delivered from the factory and as reported by contemporary testers.
- Engine: 3.2-liter V6 with VTEC, approximately 260 hp
- Torque: around 232 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual (front-wheel drive)
- 0-60 mph: typically cited in the 6.0–6.5 second range, depending on testing conditions
- Top speed: electronically limited to about 150 mph
- Payload and weight: curb weight in the mid-3,000-pound range (varies by model year and options)
- Power delivery: strong midrange with a rev-happy V6 that peaks in the upper RPM band
Overall, the numbers place the CL Type-S among sportier front-wheel-drive coupes of its era, offering real speed without sacrificing usability or daily reliability.
How it stacks up against contemporaries
Context matters: in the early 2000s, the CL Type-S competed with other V6-powered coupes and sport sedans that ranged from rear-wheel-drive performance cars to comfortable GTs. The following outlines how it compared in speed and driving character.
- Versus the Infiniti G35 Coupe (RWD): The G35 often out-accelerated on straightaways and offered sharper handling due to its rear-drive layout, but the CL Type-S provided a more refined, quieter daily-driving experience with a unique, upscale interior feel.
- Versus the Nissan 350Z (RWD, higher horsepower): The 350Z generally offered stronger straight-line acceleration and more agile handling on twistier roads, whereas the CL Type-S prioritized comfort, cabin quality, and a smoother ride with a sports-tuned but gentlemanly character.
- Versus contemporaries like BMW 3 Series coupes (various trims): The German rivals converged on a blend of performance and luxury with precise dynamics; the CL Type-S distinguished itself with VTEC V6 sound and Acura’s reliability reputation, though some buyers found the front-wheel-drive layout less nimble in aggressive cornering.
The takeaway is that the CL Type-S was fast enough to feel sporty and capable, but its FWD layout and targeting as a luxury GT meant it wasn’t trying to dethrone purpose-built sports cars. It offered a balanced mix of pace, comfort, and style for everyday driving and weekend fun.
Driving experience and ownership notes
Understanding what it’s like to drive and own a 2003 CL Type-S helps translate the numbers into real-world performance and reliability expectations.
- Driving feel: a confident, composed chassis for a grand-touring coupe; the V6’s punch is most noticeable in midrange and at higher RPMs, with a responsive six-speed manual that rewards decisive shifts.
- Handling caveats: while better than many FWD coupes of the era, it can exhibit understeer in aggressive cornering; tire choice and suspension wear heavily influence grip and steering feel.
- Comfort and practicality: roomy front seats and a refined interior; rear seating is modest, and trunk space is reasonable for a two-door; ride quality favors highway cruising over track-focused stiffness.
- Reliability and maintenance: as a 20+ year-old car, expect typical aging concerns such as wear on hoses, gaskets, and suspension bushings; routine maintenance history is crucial, especially for the V6 and any transmission components if earlier automatics were installed in some markets.
- Value today: well-kept examples with documented service records can be appealing as stylish, V6-powered classics, but potential buyers should budget for parts availability and potential refurbishment needs on aging drivetrain components.
In short, the CL Type-S delivers a satisfying blend of speed and sophistication for buyers who want a distinctive, manual-gearbox Acura with a sporty edge, while acknowledging the realities of owning a higher-mileage early-2000s performance coupe.
Summary
The 2003 Acura CL Type-S stands out for its time as a performance-focused, VTEC-powered front-wheel-drive coupe with a six-speed manual. It offers credible acceleration—typically around 6 seconds to 60 mph—and a top speed near 150 mph, wrapped in a refined, comfortable grand-touring package. It’s faster than many non-sport variants of its era but does not match the pure agility of rear-wheel-drive rivals. For prospective buyers today, the CL Type-S is best seen as a stylish, driver-focused classic that benefits from meticulous maintenance history and an understanding of age-related wear. If speed, a distinctive look, and a manual transmission are your priorities, it remains a compelling, nostalgic choice.
