2003 Acura RSX vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Acura RSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Acura RSX would be higher. At 3,195 cc (6 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (256 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 96 more horse power than 2003 Acura RSX. (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2003 Acura RSX. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 583 kg more than 2003 Acura RSX. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Acura RSX. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 131 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Acura RSX. (191 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Acura RSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Acura RSX | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Acura | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | RSX | 159 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1998 cc | 3195 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 160 HP | 256 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 191 Nm | 322 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.8:1 | 11.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1222 kg | 1805 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4380 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2540 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.8 L/100km | 11.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 70 L |
