2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1996 Honda NSX
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Honda NSX. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Honda NSX would be higher. At 2,977 cc (6 cylinders), 1996 Honda NSX is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Honda NSX (280 HP @ 7300 RPM) has 117 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1996 Honda NSX should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 110 kg more than 1996 Honda NSX.
Because 1996 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 1996 Honda NSX. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 1996 Honda NSX (294 Nm @ 5400 RPM) has 88 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM). This means 1996 Honda NSX will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1996 Honda NSX | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Honda |
| Model | Spider | NSX |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2977 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 280 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7300 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5400 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 90 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 10.2:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1480 kg | 1370 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4310 mm | 4410 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1180 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2540 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 70 L |
