1997 Acura NSX vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 11 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Acura NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Acura NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1997 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Acura NSX (272 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 89 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (183 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 245 kg more than 1997 Acura NSX.
Because 1997 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 1997 Acura NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 1997 Acura NSX (284 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159. (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1997 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 159.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Acura NSX | 2008 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Acura | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | NSX | 159 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2198 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 272 HP | 183 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 284 Nm | 230 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5400 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1370 kg | 1615 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4420 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2710 mm |
