Click on image to view the full photo gallery
Acura RL II 3.5 i V6 24V AWD (304 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)
II Overview:
Acura RL (II). With 347 Nm of torque, it offers ample pulling power. With a weight of 1845 kg, it falls in the mid‑range. All‑wheel drive provides excellent grip, ideal for off‑road use. Acceleration is good (0–100 km/h in 6.7 s). The top speed reaches 215 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.
The Acura RL II (Honda Legend in Europe) was not tested by Euro NCAP. However, it received strong safety ratings from US agencies like NHTSA and IIHS during its production years.
3.5 i V6 24V AWD (304 Hp) Verdict:
Performance Verdict
An incremental power bump to 304 Hp from the 3.5L V6 (likely an updated J35 variant) offers slightly more spirited acceleration and improved responsiveness, maintaining the characteristic Acura V6 smoothness.
Fuel Economy
Similar to its 294 Hp counterpart, the 304 Hp 3.5L V6 delivers comparable fuel efficiency. While not a fuel miser, it balances power with reasonable consumption for its class.
Pros and Cons:
Pros:
- • Advanced Super Handling All-Wheel Drive (SH-AWD) system for superior handling
- • Excellent reliability and build quality typical of Acura/Honda
- • Comfortable, quiet, and refined interior with high-quality materials
- • Strong list of standard features for its class
- • Smooth and capable V6 engines
Cons:
- • Fuel economy can be high, especially in urban driving
- • Styling is somewhat conservative compared to European rivals
- • Infotainment system can feel dated on later models
- • No V8 engine option, limiting ultimate performance potential
- • Limited aftermarket support compared to some competitors
Specifications:
Specifications are compared to those of the previous generation(KA964: 2001 - 2004).
| General: | |
|---|---|
| Brand: | Acura |
| Model: | RL |
| Generation: | II |
| Modification (Engine): | 3.5 i V6 24V AWD (304 Hp) |
| Start of production: | 2004 |
| End of production: | 2008 |
| Powertrain Architecture: | Internal Combustion engine |
| Body type: | Sedan |
| Seats: | 5 |
| Doors: | 4 |
| Engine: | |
|---|---|
| Power: | 304 Hp @ 6200 rpm. Same horsepower |
| Power per litre: | 87.6 Hp/l [78mm less] |
| Torque: | 347 Nm @ 5000 rpm. |
| Engine Model/Code: | J35A8 More details about the engine J35A8 |
| Engine displacement: | 3471 |
| 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 |
| Valvetrain: | DOHC |
| Engine oil capacity: | 4.3 l |
| Coolant: | 6 l |
| Engine layout: | Front, Transverse |
| Cylinder Bore: | 89 mm mm |
| Piston Stroke: | 93 mm mm |
| Compression ratio: | 11:1 |
| Performance: | |
|---|---|
| Fuel Type: | Petrol (Gasoline) |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - urban: | 13.1 l/100 km |
| Fuel consumption (economy) - extra urban: | 9.1 l/100 km |
| Acceleration 0 - 100 km/h: | 6.7 sec |
| Acceleration 0 - 62 mph: | 6.7 sec |
| Maximum speed: | 215 km/h |
| Weight-to-power ratio: | 6.1 kg/Hp, 164.8 Hp/tonne |
| Weight-to-torque ratio: | 5.3 kg/Nm, 188.1 Nm/tonne |
| Acceleration 0 - 60 mph: | 6.4 sec |
| Space: | |
|---|---|
| Kerb Weight: | 1845 |
| Trunk (boot) space - minimum: | 450 l |
| Fuel tank capacity: | 73 l |
| Size: | |
|---|---|
| Length: | 4917 mm mm [78mm less] |
| Width: | 1847 mm mm [25mm more] |
| Height: | 1452 mm mm [17mm more] |
| Wheelbase: | 2800 mm mm [110mm less] |
| Front track: | 1575 mm |
| Rear (Back) track: | 1585 mm |
| Minimum turning circle (turning diameter): | 12.1 m [above average] |
| Powertrain: | |
|---|---|
| Drive wheel | All wheel drive (4x4) |
| Number of gears | 5 |
| Transmission type | Automatic |
| Front brakes | Ventilated discs [Best for performance and cooling.] |
| Rear brakes | Disc [above average] |
| Assisting systems | ABS (Anti-lock braking system) |
| Steering type | Steering rack and pinion |
| Tires size | 245/50 R17 |
| Wheel rims size | 8J X 17 |
| Front suspension | Double wishbone |
| Rear suspension | Coil spring |
Every driver has a story. What’s yours with the Acura RL?