2009 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2003 Honda Civic
To start off, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Honda Civic. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Honda Civic would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 (208 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 100 more horse power than 2003 Honda Civic. (108 HP @ 5700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2003 Honda Civic. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 630 kg more than 2003 Honda Civic. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are front wheel drive (FWD). Which offers better traction when its slippery than rear wheel drive vehicles. 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 Alfa Romeo 159 (400 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 265 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Honda Civic. (135 Nm @ 4300 RPM). This means 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Honda Civic. 2003 Honda Civic has automatic transmission and 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 has manual transmission. 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Honda Civic will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2003 Honda Civic | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Honda |
| Model | 159 | Civic |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1590 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 5700 RPM |
| Torque | 400 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1500 RPM | 4300 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 17.0:1 | 9.8:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1720 kg | 1090 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1840 mm | 1700 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
