2005 Mazda 3 vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Mazda 3. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Mazda 3 would be higher. At 1,970 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 65 more horse power than 2005 Mazda 3. (83 HP @ 5700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2005 Mazda 3. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 130 kg more than 2005 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM) has 58 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda 3. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda 3.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda 3 | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Mazda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | 3 | 156 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Hatchback | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1349 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 83 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 124 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 76 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 76.5 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 169 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 14.3 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1155 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1760 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1470 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2650 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 7.3 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 55 L | 63 L |
