2009 Mazda RX-8 vs. 2000 Alfa Romeo 166
To start off, 2009 Mazda RX-8 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2000 Alfa Romeo 166. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 would be higher. At 2,492 cc (6 cylinders), 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda RX-8 (232 HP @ 8500 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 2000 Alfa Romeo 166. (190 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda RX-8 should accelerate faster than 2000 Alfa Romeo 166. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 395 kg more than 2009 Mazda RX-8.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda RX-8. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2000 Alfa Romeo 166, 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, 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 (226 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 10 more torque (in Nm) than 2009 Mazda RX-8. (216 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2009 Mazda RX-8. 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda RX-8 has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda RX-8 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda RX-8 | 2000 Alfa Romeo 166 | |
| Make | Mazda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | RX-8 | 166 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2000 |
| Body Type | Coupe | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1308 cc | 2492 cc |
| Engine Type | dual-disk rotary | V |
| Horse Power | 232 HP | 190 HP |
| Engine RPM | 8500 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 216 Nm | 226 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1125 kg | 1520 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4470 mm | 4730 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1780 mm | 1820 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1350 mm | 1420 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 64 L | 72 L |
