1989 Alfa Romeo RZ vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 12 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1989 Alfa Romeo RZ. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1989 Alfa Romeo RZ would be higher. At 2,958 cc (6 cylinders), 1989 Alfa Romeo RZ is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1989 Alfa Romeo RZ weights approximately 315 kg more than 2001 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, 1989 Alfa Romeo RZ (244 Nm) has 81 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (163 Nm). This means 1989 Alfa Romeo RZ will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 1989 Alfa Romeo RZ has manual transmission. 1989 Alfa Romeo RZ will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1989 Alfa Romeo RZ | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | RZ | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1989 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2958 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 134 HP |
| Torque | 244 Nm | 163 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.9 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.5:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Vehicle Weight | 1380 kg | 1065 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4340 mm | 3980 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2520 mm | 2270 mm |
