2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2010 Mazda RX-8
To start off, 2010 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 7 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 2,959 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 5 more horse power than 2010 Mazda RX-8. (212 HP @ 7500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2010 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 139 kg more than 2010 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2010 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 2010 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 (265 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 50 more torque (in Nm) than 2010 Mazda RX-8. (215 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2010 Mazda RX-8.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2010 Mazda RX-8 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 166 | RX-8 |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2010 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1300 cc |
| Engine Type | V | dual-disk rotary |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 212 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7500 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 215 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 4 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1411 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 4460 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1341 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2700 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 9.3 L/100km | 10.2 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 19.4 L/100km | 14.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 69 L | 64 L |
