2000 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2005 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,614 cc, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 71 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 30 kg more than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 74 more torque (in Nm) than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2000 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2000 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2005 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2000 | 2005 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 2614 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 189 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 220 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1360 kg | 1390 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
