1990 Alfa Romeo 33 vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 would be higher. At 1,498 cc (4 cylinders), 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (112 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 8 more horse power than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. (104 HP @ 6000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 55 kg more than 1990 Alfa Romeo 33. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2003 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 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1990 Alfa Romeo 33, 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, 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 (136 Nm @ 4900 RPM) has 12 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1990 Alfa Romeo 33 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 33 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1990 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1490 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 136 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4900 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 9.0:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 970 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4080 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1620 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1360 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2480 mm | 2270 mm |
