Verified Performance Tests Updated May 2026 · 8 recorded runs

Acura CL 0–60 Times

The Acura CL 0–60 times and quarter-mile times below are from 8 recorded performance tests sourced from reputable automotive resources such as Car and Driver, Motor Trend and Motor Week and more.

The fastest tested Acura CL is the 2003 Acura CL Comptech Supercharged 3.2CL Type-S Coupe, which went from 0 to 60 mph in 5.70 seconds, reaching the ¼ mile in 14.20 seconds at 104.0 mph, according to Car and Driver.

The slowest tested Acura CL is the 1997 Acura CL 2.2CL Premium Coupe, which took 9.60 seconds to reach 60 mph, running the ¼ mile in 17.40 seconds at 81.0 mph, according to Motor Week.

Out of all the Acura CL tests in our database, the average 0–60 mph time is 7.06 seconds. The average quarter-mile time is 15.39 seconds at 92.68 mph.

Fastest Stock 0–60 5.90sec 2003 3.2CL Type-S Coupe
Fastest Overall 5.70sec 2003 Comptech Supercharged 3.2CL Type-S Coupe · modified
Avg ¼ Mile 15.39sec @ 92.7 mph trap
Slowest 0–60 9.60sec 1997 2.2CL Premium
2003 Acura CL

Across 8 verified runs, the Acura CL ranges from 5.70 to 9.60 seconds 0–60, with a 7.06-second average.

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Acura CL Performance Overview

Acura’s CL occupied the brand’s two-door coupe performance slot from 1997 to 2003, and across 8 verified tests it traces a short, clear progression from modest VTEC coupe to quicker V6 grand-tourer. The YA1 first generation (1997–1999) used naturally aspirated gasoline four- and six-cylinder power, ranging from the 145-hp F22B1 to the 200-hp J30A1. Early results were measured rather than quick: the 1997 2.2CL Premium Coupe needed 8.9 seconds to reach 60 mph, while the slowest test in the dataset, a 1997 2.2CL Premium Coupe, ran 0-60 in 9.6 seconds. By 1999, the 3.0CL Coupe cut that to 7.3 seconds.

The YA4 second generation (2001–2003) shifted the CL decisively toward stronger straight-line performance with the 260-hp J32A2 V6 in naturally aspirated Type-S form, later extending to a 310-hp supercharged variant. A 2001 3.2CL Type-S Coupe recorded 6.4 seconds to 60 mph, and the 2003 3.2CL Type-S w/Nav Coupe reached 60 in 6.0 seconds. The peak came with the 2003 Comptech Supercharged 3.2CL Type-S Coupe at 5.7 seconds to 60 and 14.2 seconds in the quarter-mile at 104 mph, which remains the model’s quickest verified result and where the CL stands today in the data.

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Acura CL 0–60 Times by Generation: YA1 to YA4

2 generations
Generation Years Avg 0–60 Fastest 0–60 Tests Notes
YA4 2001–2003 6.14s 5.70s — 2003 Comptech Supercharged 3.2CL Type-S Coupe 5 The YA4 generation (2001–2003) averaged 6.14 seconds to 60 mph across 5 tests, led by the 2003 Comptech Supercharged 3.2CL Type-S Coupe at 5.70 seconds. Output ranged from 260 to 310 hp across 3.2L Supercharger V6, 3.2L V6 configurations.
YA1 1997–1999 8.60s 7.30s — 1999 3.0CL Coupe 3 The YA1 generation (1997–1999) averaged 8.60 seconds to 60 mph across 3 tests, led by the 1999 3.0CL Coupe at 7.30 seconds. Output ranged from 145 to 200 hp across 2.2L I-4, 3.0L V6 configurations.
YA4 2001–2003
Avg 0–60 6.14s
Fastest 5.70s
Tests 5
2003 Comptech Supercharged 3.2CL Type-S Coupe
The YA4 generation (2001–2003) averaged 6.14 seconds to 60 mph across 5 tests, led by the 2003 Comptech Supercharged 3.2CL Type-S Coupe at 5.70 seconds. Output ranged from 260 to 310 hp across 3.2L Supercharger V6, 3.2L V6 configurations.
YA1 1997–1999
Avg 0–60 8.60s
Fastest 7.30s
Tests 3
1999 3.0CL Coupe
The YA1 generation (1997–1999) averaged 8.60 seconds to 60 mph across 3 tests, led by the 1999 3.0CL Coupe at 7.30 seconds. Output ranged from 145 to 200 hp across 2.2L I-4, 3.0L V6 configurations.
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Acura CL 0–60 Times by Year and Trim

8 tests · 4 years

2003 Acura CL

3 verified runs
Avg 0–60 5.83 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 14.43 sec
Recorded Tests 3
#01
2003 Acura CL Comptech Supercharged 3.2CL Type-S Coupe
5.70sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.20s ¼ mi @ 104.0 mph
0–60 mph
5.70 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.20 sec
Trap Speed
104.0 mph
Engine
3.2L Supercharger V6
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
310 hp
Torque
250 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,475 lbs
Power-to-Weight
11.2 lbs/hp
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Tuner
Comptech
Overall Rank
#1 of 8
2003 Acura CL Comptech Supercharged 3.2CL Type-S Coupe
#02
2003 Acura CL 3.2CL Type-S Coupe
5.90sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.60s ¼ mi @ 98.0 mph
0–60 mph
5.90 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.60 sec
Trap Speed
98.0 mph
Engine
3.2L V6
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
260 hp
Torque
232 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,495 lbs
Power-to-Weight
13.4 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
17 C / 26 H / 22 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#2 of 8
2003 Acura CL 3.2CL Type-S Coupe
#03
2003 Acura CL 3.2CL Type-S w/Nav Coupe
5.90sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.50s ¼ mi @ 96.0 mph
0–60 mph
5.90 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.50 sec
Trap Speed
96.0 mph
Engine
3.2L V6
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
6M
Horsepower
260 hp
Torque
232 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,488 lbs
Power-to-Weight
13.4 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
17 C / 26 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Week
Overall Rank
#3 of 8
2003 Acura CL 3.2CL Type-S w/Nav Coupe

2001 Acura CL

2 verified runs
Avg 0–60 6.60 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 15.00 sec
Recorded Tests 2
#04
2001 Acura CL 3.2CL Type-S Coupe
6.40sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
14.80s ¼ mi @ 96.5 mph
0–60 mph
6.40 sec
¼ Mile ET
14.80 sec
Trap Speed
96.5 mph
Engine
3.2L V6
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
5A
Horsepower
260 hp
Torque
232 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,490 lbs
Power-to-Weight
13.4 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
17 C / 27 H / 23.6 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#4 of 8
2001 Acura CL 3.2CL Type-S Coupe
#05
2001 Acura CL 3.2CL Type-S Coupe
6.80sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.20s ¼ mi @ 93.0 mph
0–60 mph
6.80 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.20 sec
Trap Speed
93.0 mph
Engine
3.2L V6
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
5A
Horsepower
260 hp
Torque
232 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,490 lbs
Power-to-Weight
13.4 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
17 C / 27 H / 20 Obs
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Car and Driver
Overall Rank
#5 of 8
2001 Acura CL 3.2CL Type-S Coupe

1999 Acura CL

1 verified run
Avg 0–60 7.30 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 15.70 sec
Recorded Tests 1
#06
1999 Acura CL 3.0CL Coupe
7.30sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
15.70s ¼ mi @ 89.2 mph
0–60 mph
7.30 sec
¼ Mile ET
15.70 sec
Trap Speed
89.2 mph
Engine
3.0L V6
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
Horsepower
200 hp
Torque
192 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,335 lbs
Power-to-Weight
16.7 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
17 C / 26 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#6 of 8
1999 Acura CL 3.0CL Coupe

1997 Acura CL

2 verified runs
Avg 0–60 9.25 sec
Avg ¼ Mile 17.05 sec
Recorded Tests 2
#07
1997 Acura CL 2.2CL Premium Coupe
8.90sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
16.70s ¼ mi @ 83.7 mph
0–60 mph
8.90 sec
¼ Mile ET
16.70 sec
Trap Speed
83.7 mph
Engine
2.2L I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
5M
Horsepower
145 hp
Torque
149 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,040 lbs
Power-to-Weight
21.0 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
22 C / 28 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Trend
Overall Rank
#7 of 8
1997 Acura CL 2.2CL Premium Coupe
#08
1997 Acura CL 2.2CL Premium Coupe
9.60sec 0–60
0.0s · 0mph 0.0s · 0mph
17.40s ¼ mi @ 81.0 mph
0–60 mph
9.60 sec
¼ Mile ET
17.40 sec
Trap Speed
81.0 mph
Engine
2.2L I-4
Drivetrain
FWD
Transmission
4A
Horsepower
145 hp
Torque
149 lb-ft
Curb Weight
3,040 lbs
Power-to-Weight
21.0 lbs/hp
MPG EPA
20 C / 26 H
Production Vehicle
Production
Body Type
Coupe
Powertrain
Gasoline
Test Source
Motor Week
Overall Rank
#8 of 8
1997 Acura CL 2.2CL Premium Coupe

How we verify Acura CL performance data

We include only independently published road-test results from automotive publications. Manufacturer-claimed 0–60 times are excluded unless clearly labeled. When multiple publications test the same Acura CL trim, each run is listed separately — weather, tires, surface, rollout, and instrumentation all affect results.

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Acura CL 0–60 and quarter-mile distribution

0–60 vs ¼ mile · lower-left is faster
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Acura CL performance FAQs

10 questions
For 2003 Acura CL models, the stock 3.2CL Type-S Coupe and 3.2CL Type-S w/Nav Coupe both reach 60 mph in 5.9 seconds. The quickest 2003 CL on record is the heavily modified Comptech Supercharged 3.2CL Type-S Coupe at 5.7 seconds.
The fastest Acura CL on record is the 2003 Comptech Supercharged 3.2CL Type-S Coupe, which runs 0-60 in 5.7 seconds and the quarter-mile in 14.2 seconds at 104 mph. That car is heavily modified, so it is not the quickest stock CL.
The fastest stock Acura CL on record is the 2003 3.2CL Type-S Coupe at 5.9 seconds from 0-60 mph. The 2003 3.2CL Type-S w/Nav Coupe matches that 5.9-second time, making the Type-S the quickest production-spec CL configuration tested.
The Acura 3.2CL Type-S Coupe posts a best 0-60 time of 5.9 seconds in stock form. Across three Type-S Coupe tests, the average 0-60 time is 6.37 seconds. For 2003, both the standard Type-S and the w/Nav version recorded 5.9-second runs.
The YA4 second-generation Acura CL, sold from 2001 to 2003, averages 0-60 in 6.14 seconds across five tests. The quickest YA4 is the 2003 Comptech Supercharged 3.2CL Type-S Coupe at 5.7 seconds, while the fastest stock YA4 reaches 60 mph in 5.9 seconds.
The fastest YA4 Acura CL is the 2003 Comptech Supercharged 3.2CL Type-S Coupe with a 5.7-second 0-60 time. If you only want a stock YA4, the 2003 3.2CL Type-S Coupe and 3.2CL Type-S w/Nav Coupe both do 0-60 in 5.9 seconds.
The YA1 first-generation Acura CL, covering 1997 to 1999, averages 0-60 in 8.6 seconds across three tests. The quickest YA1 is the 1999 3.0CL Coupe at 7.3 seconds, while the slowest CL overall is also from this generation: the 1997 2.2CL Premium Coupe at 9.6 seconds.
In 0-60 testing, the 2003 Acura 3.2CL Type-S Coupe and 3.2CL Type-S w/Nav Coupe are tied at 5.9 seconds. Their quarter-mile results are also close: 14.6 seconds at 98 mph for the Type-S Coupe and 14.5 seconds at 96 mph for the w/Nav model.
The quickest recorded Acura 3.0CL is the 1999 3.0CL Coupe, which reaches 60 mph in 7.3 seconds. That places it well ahead of the slowest CL results from the 2.2CL Premium Coupe, but still behind the later 3.2CL Type-S models that cut the 0-60 time to 5.9 seconds.
Across all eight Acura CL tests, the average quarter-mile time is 15.39 seconds at 92.7 mph. The quickest quarter-mile on record is 14.2 seconds at 104 mph from the heavily modified 2003 Comptech Supercharged 3.2CL Type-S Coupe. The fastest stock result is 14.5 seconds at 96 mph.

Sources

Car and Driver
Motor Trend
Motor Week

0–60 and quarter-mile times vary with driver, weather, tire temperature, and wear. We collect every verified run we can find — so you see the range of what an Acura CL can do, not a single marketing claim.

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Other Acura 0–60 times

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