Italy vs Japan — 1997 vs 2005
| 156 GTA V6 3.2 | Mazdaspeed 6 Grand Touring | |
|---|---|---|
| Horsepower | 250 hp | 274 hp |
| Torque | 221 lb-ft | 280 lb-ft |
| Engine Size | 3,179 cc | 2,261 cc |
| 0-60 mph | 6.3 sec | 5.4 sec |
| Top Speed | 155 mph | 155 mph |
| ¼ Mile | 14.7 sec | 14.0 sec |
| Weight | 3,109 lbs | 3,600 lbs |
| Wheelbase | 2,595 mm | 2,675 mm |
| Length | 4,430 mm | 4,745 mm |
| Original MSRP | — | $28,995 |
| Value (Excellent) | $40,000 | $20,000 |
| Collectibility | 6/10 | 5/10 |
| Rarity | 6/10 | 6/10 |
It's a closely fought contest. The 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 GTA V6 3.2 brings lighter weight, stronger collectibility to the table, and the 2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 Grand Touring answers with quicker acceleration, better value. Both are excellent machines that reward their owners in different ways — there's no wrong answer here.
The rivalry between Italy and Japan automotive industries has produced legendary matchups, and the 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 GTA V6 3.2 versus 2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 Grand Touring is among the most fascinating. These two cars represent the best of their national engineering schools. The 2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 Grand Touring holds a clear advantage in raw power with 274 hp compared to 250 hp, a 24-horsepower difference that shapes the driving experience. Under the hood, the contrast is notable: the Alfa Romeo 156 uses a V6 DOHC displacing 3,179 cc, while the Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 relies on a Inline-4 DOHC 16-valve MZR DISI turbo with 2,261 cc. In the sprint to 60 mph, the 2005 Mazda Mazdaspeed 6 Grand Touring edges ahead at 5.4 seconds versus 6.3 seconds. The Alfa Romeo 156 carries a weight advantage, tipping the scales 491 lbs lighter. Each of these machines offers a unique window into the era that produced it, making both worthy of consideration by collectors and drivers alike.