2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2009 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (229 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 81 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 117 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2009 Mazda RX-8 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 2009 Mazda RX-8. 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 (300 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 141 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (159 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2009 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 166 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1299 cc |
| Engine Type | in-line | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 229 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 8500 RPM |
| Torque | 300 Nm | 159 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 18.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 237 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 9.9 seconds | 7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 1425 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1780 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1350 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.1 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 9.9 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.5 L/100km | 12.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 61 L |
