1988 Alfa Romeo 164 vs. 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA
To start off, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is newer by 25 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA (165 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 42 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA should accelerate faster than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 308 kg more than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
Because 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (294 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 104 more torque (in Nm) than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA.
Compare all specifications:
| 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | 2013 Mazda MX-5 MIATA | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 164 | MX-5 MIATA |
| Year Released | 1988 | 2013 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2500 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 123 HP | 165 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4200 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 294 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 22.0:1 | 10.8:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1490 kg | 1182 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4560 mm | 4032 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1410 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2670 mm | 2330 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.5 L/100km | 7.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.6 L/100km | 9.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
