1996 Acura NSX vs. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Acura NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Acura NSX (271 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 99 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (172 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 15 kg more than 1996 Acura NSX.
Because 1996 Acura NSX is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1996 Acura NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 101 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Acura NSX. (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Acura NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Acura NSX | 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Acura | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | NSX | 156 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 271 HP | 172 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 385 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 2000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.2:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Top Speed | 275 km/hour | 211 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1385 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2600 mm |
