1985 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 26 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (126 HP @ 5400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 22 kg more than 2011 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider. (178 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 1985 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Spider | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1985 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1960 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 126 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 178 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1161 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4250 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1640 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1300 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2260 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 48 L |
