2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2011 Mazda 3
To start off, 2011 Mazda 3 is newer by 8 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda 3 (148 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 43 kg more than 2011 Mazda 3.
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, 2011 Mazda 3 (183 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 19 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (164 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda 3 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 | 2011 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1774 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 183 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1297 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4590 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 55 L |
