2005 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2005 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,370 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (189 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 85 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (104 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Mazda RX-8 weights approximately 196 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 2005 Mazda RX-8 (220 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 95 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2005 Mazda RX-8 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda RX-8 | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Mazda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | RX-8 | 146 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 1370 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 7000 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 220 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Top Speed | 223 km/hour | 187 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.2 seconds | 11.5 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1356 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 10.8 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 51 L |
