2007 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2007 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2004 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2007 Mazda RX-8. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 356 kg more than 2007 Mazda RX-8. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2007 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 2007 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2004 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, 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 (300 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 84 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda RX-8. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2007 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2007 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2007 Mazda RX-8 | 2004 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Mazda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | RX-8 | 156 |
| Year Released | 2007 | 2004 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1306 cc | 3179 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 247 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6200 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 300 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 4800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 73 mm | 93 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 85 mm | 78 mm |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1180 kg | 1536 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4430 mm | 4450 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1400 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 11.8 L/100km | 12.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 60 L | 63 L |
