1981 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 20 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,596 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (103 HP @ 5500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 80 kg more than 1981 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, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata (244 Nm) has 99 more torque (in Nm) than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider. (145 Nm). This means 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1981 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Spider | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1981 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1570 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5500 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 145 Nm | 244 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 78 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.4:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1000 kg | 1080 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4130 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2270 mm |
