2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 Mazda 6
To start off, 2003 Mazda 6 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda 6 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda 6 (119 HP @ 5300 RPM) has 5 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda 6 should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda 6 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. 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, 2003 Mazda 6 (168 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 22 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Mazda 6 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 Mazda 6 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | 6 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 119 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 5300 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 168 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1420 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4690 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1790 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2680 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 64 L |
