2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2004 Mazda 2
To start off, 2004 Mazda 2 is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 2004 Mazda 2. (99 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2004 Mazda 2. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Mazda 2 weights approximately 523 kg more than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
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, 2004 Mazda 2 (146 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (140 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2004 Mazda 2 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2004 Mazda 2 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | 2 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 146 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82.1 mm | 79 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 81.4 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 11 seconds | 11.4 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 | 1265 kg | 1788 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3930 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1550 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2500 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.9 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 45 L |
