2003 Acura NSX vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2003 Acura NSX is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Acura NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Acura NSX (249 HP @ 6600 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (187 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Acura NSX should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Acura NSX weights approximately 110 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Acura NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1998 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 Acura NSX (285 Nm @ 5300 RPM) has 63 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Acura NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. 2003 Acura NSX has automatic transmission and 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Acura NSX will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura NSX | 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Acura | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | NSX | 156 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Middle | Front |
| Engine Size | 2977 cc | 2491 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 249 HP | 187 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6600 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 285 Nm | 222 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5300 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1430 kg | 1320 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1180 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 63 L |
