2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1988 Honda NSX
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1988 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1988 Honda NSX (251 HP @ 6800 RPM) has 78 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1988 Honda 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 294 kg more than 1988 Honda NSX.
Because 1988 Honda 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 1988 Honda 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 97 more torque (in Nm) than 1988 Honda NSX. (288 Nm @ 5300 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1988 Honda NSX.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1988 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Honda |
| Model | 156 | NSX |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 173 HP | 251 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6800 RPM |
| Torque | 385 Nm | 288 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 78 mm |
| Top Speed | 225 km/hour | 249 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1216 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 4320 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1810 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2510 mm |
