1970 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 39 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 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (158 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 55 more horse power than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 185 kg more than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (189 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 51 more torque (in Nm) than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. (138 Nm @ 3200 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider has manual transmission. 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1970 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Spider | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1970 | 2009 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1290 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 158 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 138 Nm | 189 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 67.5 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Top Speed | 174 km/hour | 194 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 990 kg | 1175 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 4030 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1630 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1260 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 46 L | 50 L |
