What is the 0 60 on a 03 Acura CL Type S?
The 0-60 mph time for the 2003 Acura CL Type-S is typically about 6.3 seconds with the 6-speed manual and around 6.8–7.1 seconds with the 5-speed automatic, depending on condition and drivetrain performance.
Powertrain snapshot
The 2003 CL Type-S pairs a 3.2-liter V6 with roughly 260 horsepower and 232 lb-ft of torque. It commonly came with a 6-speed manual and a 5-speed automatic, delivering brisk acceleration for its class while emphasizing a refined, balanced drive typical of early-2000s sport-lined luxury coupes.
0-60 times by transmission
Manual transmission
Manual times (6-speed) reported by testers are typically in the 6.2–6.4-second range under favorable conditions.
- 0-60 mph (manual): about 6.2–6.4 seconds
Manual 0-60 figures can vary with launch technique and road conditions, but the mid-6-second range is the commonly cited benchmark for stock examples.
Automatic transmission
Automatic times (5-speed) reported by testers are typically in the 6.8–7.1-second range under similar conditions.
- 0-60 mph (automatic): about 6.8–7.1 seconds
Automatic-Equipped CL Type-S tend to lag the manual by a few tenths of a second, reflecting the weight and torque-management characteristics of the transmission.
Factors that influence 0-60 performance
Several variables can shift numbers by a few tenths of a second, especially on a car of this era with a performance-tuned V6.
- Tire choice, tread condition, and ambient surface grip
- Launch technique and clutch wear (manual)
- Ambient temperature and altitude
- Vehicle weight, options (sunroof, accessories), and trim
- Transmission behavior (gearholding, shift timing, torque management)
Given these factors, real-world results will vary from the idealized test figures.
Sources and context
Historically, automotive testers conducted standardized tests under controlled conditions. Across reputable outlets, times for the 2003 CL Type-S typically fell within the ranges noted above, with minor deviations due to testing protocol and vehicle condition.
- Car and Driver and similar outlets commonly reported manual times around the low 6-second range
- Edmunds and MotorTrend references often place automatic times in the high 6s to around 7 seconds
- Other contemporary publications echoed these ranges, acknowledging small protocol-driven differences
These figures should be viewed as representative baselines for stock 2003 CL Type-S models; individual cars may differ based on wear, maintenance, and testing conditions.
Summary
The 2003 Acura CL Type-S offers brisk acceleration for its class, with manual transmissions typically delivering 0-60 mph in the low-to-mid 6-second range and automatics in the high 6s to low 7-second range. The actual time depends on the car’s condition, tires, driving technique, and testing environment, but these figures reflect the model’s 260-hp V6 and sport-tuned chassis from that era.
