1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 15 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 20 more horse power than 2012 Mazda 3. (167 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2012 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Mazda 3 weights approximately 63 kg more than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 187 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 222 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 8.4 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 16.5 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
