1970 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 19 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata (116 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 13 more horse power than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 20 kg more than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front 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, 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider (138 Nm @ 3200 RPM) has 1 more torque (in Nm) than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (137 Nm @ 5500 RPM). This means 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider | 1989 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Spider | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1970 | 1989 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 116 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 137 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 188 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 970 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3950 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2270 mm |
