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Acura RL KA964 3.5 i V6 24V (208 Hp)
Overall Rating
Acura RL:
The Acura RL is a mid-size luxury car that was manufactured by the Acura division of Honda for the 1996–2012 model years over two generations. The RL was the flagship of the marque, having succeeded the Acura Legend, and was replaced in 2013 by the Acura RLX. All models of the Legend, RL and RLX lines have been adapted from the Japanese domestic market Honda Legend. The model name "RL" is an abbreviation for "Refined Luxury. "
The first-generation Acura RL was a rebadged version of the third-generation Honda Legend, and was first introduced to the North American market in 1996, to replace the second-generation Acura Legend. The second-generation Acura RL was a rebadged version of the fourth-generation Honda Legend, introduced to the North American market in September 2004, as a 2005 model. This iteration of the RL received an extensive mid-generational facelift for the 2009 model year, and a further update for 2011. The third-generation debuted for the 2014 model year as the Acura RLX....(Read more on Wikipedia)
KA964 Overview:
Acura RL (KA964). With 297 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1625 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. Front‑wheel drive delivers efficiency and easy handling. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 8 s). The top speed reaches 210 km/h. A four-door car with a separate trunk, ideal for families and daily commuting. Seating for 5 makes it ideal for daily use.
This generation of the Acura RL (KA964) was not officially tested by Euro NCAP. Safety standards of the era focused on robust construction and standard airbags, with US market tests (NHTSA/IIHS) being more relevant.
3.5 i V6 24V (208 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
Offers smooth and adequate power for comfortable cruising, though not particularly sporty. Acceleration is respectable for its class, prioritizing refinement over raw speed.
Fuel Economy
Fuel consumption is typical for a large V6 luxury sedan of its era, suitable for highway driving but less efficient in urban settings.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Smooth and refined V6 engines
- • Exceptionally comfortable and quiet ride
- • Spacious and well-appointed interior
- • Reputable Honda/Acura long-term reliability
- • High build quality and durability
Cons:
- • Dated styling by the end of its production run
- • Not particularly sporty handling or driving dynamics
- • Fuel economy is average for its class and engine size
- • Limited aftermarket support compared to some European rivals
Specifications:
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Acura |
| Model: | RL |
| Generation: | KA964 |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.5 i V6 24V (208 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 1995 |
| End of production: | 2001 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 208 Hp @ 5200 rpm. |
| Power per litre: | 59.9 Hp/l |
| Torque: | 297 Nm @ 2800 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | C35A |
| Engine displacement: | 3474 |
| Number of cylinders: | 6 |
| Engine configuration: | V-engine |
| Number of valves per cylinder: | 4 |
| Fuel injection system: | Multi-port manifold injection |
| Engine aspiration: | Naturally aspirated engine |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.6 l |
| Coolant: | 8.6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 90 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 91 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 9.6:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 12.4 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.4 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 8 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 8 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 210 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 7.8 kg/Hp, 128 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.5 kg/Nm, 182.8 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 7.6 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1625 |
| Max. weight: | 2130 |
| Max load: | 505 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 450 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 68 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4980 mm mm |
| Width: | 1810 mm mm |
| Height: | 1430 mm mm |
| Wheelbase: | 2910 mm mm |
| Front track: | 1550 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1540 mm |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drivetrain Architecture | The Internal combustion engine (ICE) drives the front wheels of the vehicle. |
| Drive wheel | Front wheel drive |
| Number of gears | 4 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs |
| Rear brakes | Disc |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Power steering | Hydraulic Steering |
| Tires size | 215/55 R16 |
| Front suspension | Coil spring |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
If you could change one thing about the Acura RL, what would it be?