1996 Acura RL (KA964) Dimensions, Size & Specs

The curb weight of the 1996 Acura RL (KA964) ranges from 1625 to 1780 kg (3584 to 3924 lbs), depending on the specific trim and optional equipment. This weight is typical for a midsize luxury sedan equipped with a well-appointed interior and advanced features available during its production period. The maximum weight, which includes passengers, cargo, and fluids, is up to 2130 kg (4696 lbs). This capacity ensures that the vehicle can safely carry a full load without compromising performance or safety. The combination of solid weight and build quality also aids in providing a stable and comfortable driving experience.

The luggage capacity of the 1996 Acura RL (KA964) sedan varies between 396 to 450 liters (14.0 to 15.9 cubic feet). This storage space is sufficient for everyday needs such as grocery shopping, luggage for weekend trips, or carrying sports equipment. The trunk design allows for practical and easy loading, with a wide opening and a flat floor that enhances usability. While not as large as some larger sedans or SUVs, the RL's trunk space strikes a good balance for luxury sedan owners seeking sufficient cargo room without sacrificing overall vehicle size and handling.

Yes, the 1996 Acura RL (KA964) generally fits into a standard garage. Given its length of about 4980-4995 mm (196.1-196.7 inches) and width of around 1810-1822 mm (71.3-71.7 inches), the RL is not excessively large for most residential garage spaces. Standard garages typically have interior dimensions of about 5500-6000 mm (216.5-236.2 inches) in length and over 2400 mm (94.5 inches) in width, allowing the Acura RL to comfortably park with space to open doors and maneuver. However, owners should consider garage size carefully if they have customized garages or limited space, but overall, the RL is compatible with most standard residential garages.

With a width ranging from 1810 to 1822 mm (71.3 to 71.7 inches), the 1996 Acura RL sits comfortably within the mid to upper range of widths for mid-1990s luxury sedans. This width allows for comfortable seating arrangements for five passengers without feeling cramped, and provides a stable footprint on the road. Compared to competitors like the BMW 5 Series E39 or Mercedes E-Class W210 from the same era, the Acura RL tends to be similar or slightly wider, emphasizing Acura’s focus on spaciousness and comfort. This slight advantage in width enhances interior roominess and road presence.

The 1996 Acura RL came equipped with tire sizes of either 215/55 R16 or 225/55 R16, depending on trim level or optional packages. These tires are designed to provide a good balance between ride comfort, handling stability, and noise reduction. The 16-inch diameter allows for a smooth ride over various road surfaces, while the 55 aspect ratio (height to width) contributes to responsive steering and effective shock absorption. The slightly wider 225 tires offer enhanced grip and stability at higher speeds, which complements the sedan’s luxury performance characteristics. Overall, these tire specifications support confident and comfortable driving behavior.

Standing between 1430 and 1435 mm (56.3 to 56.5 inches) tall, the 1996 Acura RL achieves a profile typical of mid-90s luxury sedans that balance aerodynamics with passenger space. Its height allows passengers to enjoy ample headroom while maintaining a sleek exterior that complements its upscale intentions. When compared to contemporaries such as the Lexus GS or Audi A6 from the same era, the Acura RL’s height is very competitive, neither too tall which could affect stability nor too low which might compromise comfort. This well-proportioned height contributes to its elegant styling and driving dynamics.

The 1996 Acura RL (KA964) is the inaugural generation of the RL model, essentially succeeding the Acura Legend sedan. Compared to the Legend, the RL was larger and more refined, signaling Acura's intent to position this model as a true flagship luxury sedan. The RL’s length of nearly 5 meters (about 16.4 feet) was an increase over the Legend, which was slightly smaller, offering more interior space and trunk capacity. Design-wise, the RL embraced a more sophisticated and modern aesthetic with cleaner lines and a focus on premium features and build quality. Structurally, the RL moved to more advanced engineering and suspension setups that improved ride quality and handling over its predecessor, thereby elevating Acura’s market standing.

The 1996 Acura RL (KA964) positioned itself competitively against luxury contemporaries such as the BMW 5 Series (E39) and the Lexus GS from the same era. Dimensionally, the RL's length of roughly 4980-4995 mm (196.1-196.7 inches) and width near 1810-1822 mm (71.3-71.7 inches) was comparable to these rivals, offering similar interior roominess and road presence. The RL distinguished itself by focusing on a smooth ride, reliability, and well-appointed interiors with luxury touches. While the BMW prioritized sporty handling and the Lexus emphasized comfort and quietness, the Acura RL balanced these traits with a value-oriented approach. Its size gave it strong highway stability, and its advanced features at the time, such as precision AWD availability in later years, added to its appeal.

Yes, the 1996 Acura RL offers ample interior space for passengers, driven by its generous dimensions. With a length near 5 meters (approximately 16.4 feet), a width around 1.8 meters (71.3 to 71.7 inches), and a height of about 1.43 meters (56.3 to 56.5 inches), the RL cabin is spacious enough to comfortably seat five adults. The wide body allows for comfortable shoulder room, while headroom and legroom exceed what many competitors offered at the time. Additionally, the thoughtfully designed interior ensures ergonomics and comfort are prioritized, with sufficient space for both front and rear passengers without feel cramped. This makes the Acura RL an excellent choice for families or business professionals who value roomy, premium interiors.