2006 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Mazda 3
To start off, 2012 Mazda 3 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda 3 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda 3 (167 HP @ 6000 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (149 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda 3 should accelerate faster than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 127 kg more than 2012 Mazda 3.
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, 2012 Mazda 3 (228 Nm @ 4000 RPM) has 47 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. (181 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2012 Mazda 3 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Alfa Romeo 156. 2012 Mazda 3 has automatic transmission and 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 has manual transmission. 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2012 Mazda 3 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2006 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 Mazda 3 | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | 3 |
| Year Released | 2006 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Hatchback |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 149 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 181 Nm | 228 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 5-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1510 kg | 1383 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4506 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1755 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1471 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2639 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 60 L |
