2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2006 Mazda 3
To start off, 2006 Mazda 3 is newer by 4 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 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (114 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 6 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (108 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 80 kg more than 2006 Mazda 3. 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, 2006 Mazda 3 (240 Nm @ 1750 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda 3 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 | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1558 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 114 HP | 108 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 240 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 1750 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 75 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 88.3 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 18.3:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Diesel |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 11.3 seconds |
| 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 | 1260 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4430 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1470 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
