1996 Mazda RX-7 vs. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda RX-7. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda RX-7 would be higher. At 2,616 cc, 1996 Mazda RX-7 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1996 Mazda RX-7 (238 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 31 more horse power than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. (207 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1996 Mazda RX-7 should accelerate faster than 2011 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 460 kg more than 1996 Mazda RX-7.
Because 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 1996 Mazda RX-7. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 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, 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 (401 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 105 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda RX-7. (296 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda RX-7.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Mazda RX-7 | 2011 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Mazda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | RX-7 | 159 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2616 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 238 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 296 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1310 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1240 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2430 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 70 L |
