2006 Acura RL vs. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2006 Acura RL is newer by 8 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 3,471 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Acura RL is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Acura RL (290 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 152 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Acura RL should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Acura RL weights approximately 345 kg more than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2006 Acura RL is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 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, 2006 Acura RL (347 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 184 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Acura RL will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. 2006 Acura RL has automatic transmission and 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2006 Acura RL will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Acura RL | 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Acura | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | RL | 156 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1998 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3471 cc | 1746 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 290 HP | 138 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 347 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.0:1 | 18.5:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Front |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1575 kg | 1230 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4920 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1850 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1460 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2810 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 73 L | 63 L |
