1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2005 Mazda 3
To start off, 2005 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda 3 (108 HP @ 5500 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (102 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda 3 weights approximately 25 kg more than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. 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, 2005 Mazda 3 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 21 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. 2005 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 has manual transmission. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2005 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 2005 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 146 | 3 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1370 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 102 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 125 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4600 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 64.9 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1160 kg | 1185 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4500 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 51 L | 55 L |
