2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2007 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 5 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 2,385 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda RX-8 (228 HP @ 8200 RPM) has 80 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 10 kg more than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (211 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2007 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2385 cc | 1307 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 228 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8200 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 211 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 212 km/hour | 235 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.4 seconds | 6.4 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1435 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 61 L |
