2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1978 Mazda 626
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Mazda 626. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Mazda 626 would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 124 more horse power than 1978 Mazda 626. (93 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1978 Mazda 626. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 555 kg more than 1978 Mazda 626. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Mazda 626 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 1978 Mazda 626. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 115 more torque (in Nm) than 1978 Mazda 626. (150 Nm @ 3300 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1978 Mazda 626. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 1978 Mazda 626 has manual transmission. 1978 Mazda 626 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1978 Mazda 626 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 166 | 626 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1978 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1768 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 93 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 150 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3300 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 80 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 88 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 995 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1670 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2520 mm |
