2009 Acura RL vs. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2009 Acura RL is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 3,664 cc (6 cylinders), 2009 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Acura RL (301 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 183 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Acura RL weights approximately 325 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2009 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2009 Acura RL 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, 2009 Acura RL (367 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 221 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2009 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. 2009 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Acura RL | 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Acura | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | RL | 156 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3664 cc | 1597 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 301 HP | 118 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 367 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 10.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1250 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4980 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.1 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 63 L |
