2002 Alfa Romeo 166 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 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 43 more horse power than 2006 Mazda 3. (105 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 375 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.
Because 2006 Mazda 3 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 2006 Mazda 3. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166, 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 166 (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 36 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda 3. (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2006 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 166 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 105 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1495 kg | 1120 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4710 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 8.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
