1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 10 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 1,746 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 90 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (142 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 90 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2009 Mazda RX-8 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (169 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 146 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1746 cc | 1308 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 142 HP | 232 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 169 Nm | 216 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 4470 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.6 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 12.6 L/100km | 13.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 64 L |
