1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2004 Mazda 6
To start off, 2004 Mazda 6 is newer by 6 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 2,261 cc (4 cylinders), 2004 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Mazda 6 (160 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 6 weights approximately 375 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 2004 Mazda 6 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, 2004 Mazda 6 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, 2004 Mazda 6 (205 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. 2004 Mazda 6 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. 2004 Mazda 6 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2004 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | 6 |
| Year Released | 1998 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 2261 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 205 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 94 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1605 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1500 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2630 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 62 L |
