In general, the 3.2 CL feels lighter and more nimble than many of its competitors. Yet one competitor might matter a bit more than the others. For years, BMW's 328Ci has been the best selling import-brand coupe in the United States, and favorite among those who rank driving as a pleasurable pastime. How does the CL stack up?
The new CL's steering is just as precise as the 328Ci's, though the BMW's might be purer in the sensations it feeds back to the driver's hands. There are tiny hints of torque effect in the CL's steering wheel while accelerating hard through a curve because the power is pulsing through the front axles. The 328Ci scores points with enthusiasts because of their predilection toward rear-wheel-drive: You can turn the BMW with the gas pedal. BMW's inline six-cylinder engine seems to torque up faster than Honda's free-revving V6, but in the absence of an instrument test, we'd venture that the CL Type S is quicker, compared to 328Ci automatic.
Most drivers aren't likely to notice many of the distinctions, and many are a matter of taste. In objective terms, there isn't much to separate the 328Ci from the CL. Factor in the CL's price advantage - as much as $8,000 - and the Acura looks like a sweet deal. Next Page