2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1971 Mazda 818
To start off, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 35 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1971 Mazda 818. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1971 Mazda 818 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (189 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 109 more horse power than 1971 Mazda 818. (80 HP @ 5500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 1971 Mazda 818. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 775 kg more than 1971 Mazda 818. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1971 Mazda 818 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 1971 Mazda 818. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 (218 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 94 more torque (in Nm) than 1971 Mazda 818. (124 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1971 Mazda 818.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1971 Mazda 818 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | 818 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 1971 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2492 cc | 1272 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 189 HP | 80 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Torque | 218 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3500 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.2:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1585 kg | 810 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3970 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1610 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1380 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2290 mm |
