2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2009 Mazda 3
To start off, 2009 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 2 more horse power than 2009 Mazda 3. (146 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2009 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 295 kg more than 2009 Mazda 3. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda 3. (135 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2009 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 166 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 146 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 182 Nm | 135 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1420 kg | 1125 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4600 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1760 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1480 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2650 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 7.3 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 13.8 L/100km | 9.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.7 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 50 L |
