1998 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1998 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,491 cc (6 cylinders), 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (187 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 48 more horse power than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (139 HP @ 7000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 180 kg more than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 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, 1998 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, 1998 Alfa Romeo 156 (222 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 54 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (168 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 1998 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:
1998 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
Model | 156 | MX-5 Miata |
Year Released | 1998 | 2003 |
Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
Engine Position | Front | Front |
Engine Size | 2491 cc | 1840 cc |
Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
Horse Power | 187 HP | 139 HP |
Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
Torque | 222 Nm | 168 Nm |
Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
Drive Type | Front | Rear |
Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
Vehicle Weight | 1320 kg | 1140 kg |
Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3980 mm |
Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1690 mm |
Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2270 mm |
Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |