1997 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata (104 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 1 more horse power than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. (103 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1997 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 154 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 (256 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 122 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 1997 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1997 | 2003 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 103 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 256 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline - Premium |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 10.5 seconds | 9.7 seconds |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1270 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 5.8 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
