Is the 2003 Acura CL Type-S fast?
Yes. The 2003 Acura CL Type-S could accelerate from 0 to 60 mph in roughly six seconds, making it quick for its class at the time.
Under the hood: the engine and drivetrain
The Type-S centers on a 3.2-liter J-series V6 delivering about 260 horsepower and roughly 232 pound-feet of torque. It paired with a six-speed manual transmission as the standard setup, emphasizing driver engagement and a sportier feel than the base CL models. The car is front-wheel drive, a characteristic that influenced its handling balance compared with traditional rear-wheel-drive sport coupes.
Here are the core specifications that shaped its performance.
- Engine: 3.2-liter V6 (J-series)
- Horsepower: ~260 hp
- Torque: ~232 lb-ft
- Transmission: 6-speed manual (FWD)
- Curb weight: roughly 3,500 pounds
Together, these powertrain traits gave the CL Type-S brisk acceleration and a lively, rev-happy character for daily driving and spirited back-road runs.
Performance numbers from the era
Contemporary tests and owner impressions placed the CL Type-S in the low-to-mid six-second range for 0-60 mph with the manual, with quarter-mile times in the low to mid 14-second range depending on conditions. The electronically limited top speed sat around 155 mph. These figures reflected a blend of strong mid-range punch and a chassis tuned for agility rather than outright brute force.
Key performance figures summarize how the Type-S performed in the real world.
- 0-60 mph: roughly 6.0–6.3 seconds (manual)
- Quarter mile: mid‑14 seconds (depending on launch conditions)
- Top speed: about 155 mph (electronically limited)
- Drivetrain: Front‑wheel drive with sport-tuned suspension
These numbers illustrate a car that was fast for its time among FWD coupes, offering a satisfying blend of power, handling, and everyday practicality.
How it stacks up against contemporaries
In the early 2000s, the CL Type-S inhabited a space alongside sporty, front‑engine, rear‑wheel-drive coupes and sport-luxury models. It was notably quicker off the line than many non‑performance two-doors but generally faced tougher straight-line competition from capable RWD rivals. Its strengths lay in a refined interior, strong mid‑range power, and a chassis tuned for confident handling, even if it didn’t match the latest pure performance cars in a straight-line sprint.
- Infiniti G35 Coupe: strong V6 and capable chassis; typically quicker in a straight line, with a sportier edge in many reviews.
- BMW 330Ci: balanced chassis and precise steering; competitive performance with refined dynamics, especially in corners.
- Audi S4 (B6): more power but heavier; performance-focused credentials and all-wheel drive in some variants affected handling balance.
Bottom line: the CL Type-S offered compelling performance for its class, with a driver-focused manual transmission and a sound engine, while rubbing elbows with strong rivals that emphasized rear-wheel drive and higher horsepower in other configurations.
Driving dynamics and practicality
As a two-door luxury coupe, the CL Type-S traded some pure track-oriented attributes for everyday usability and comfort. Its sport-tuned suspension delivered firmer damping and sharper turn-in, while the larger brakes and sportier wheel/tire setup enhanced stopping power and grip. The front-wheel-drive layout imparted a different balance than most of its enthusiast-oriented peers, especially in wet or slippery conditions, but the Type-S still offered confident handling and a responsive, engaging drive. Inside, the cabin combined luxury touches with practical space for a coupe, and the trunk offered reasonable cargo for its size.
Interior and features
Inside, buyers found a well-appointed cockpit with supportive seating and a mix of leather, wood or simulated trim, and technology features that were competitive for the era. The Type-S stood out with its performance-oriented controls and a driving experience that prioritized driver involvement without sacrificing daily comfort.
Summary
The 2003 Acura CL Type-S delivered a persuasive blend of speed, handling, and refinement for a front-wheel-drive coupe in its era. With a 260-hp 3.2-liter V6, a standard six-speed manual, and a sport-tuned chassis, it could accelerate briskly and offer engaging driving dynamics, all while serving as a practical luxury two-door. It wasn’t the most blisteringly fast car in its segment, especially against RWD rivals with more horsepower, but it represented a well-rounded package that appealed to enthusiasts seeking balance between performance and everyday usability.
