1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,910 cc (4 cylinders), 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (178 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 25 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (153 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 weights approximately 128 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1999 Alfa Romeo 146, 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, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (225 Nm) has 38 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (187 Nm). This means 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 1999 Alfa Romeo 146 | 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 146 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2005 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 1835 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 153 HP | 178 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 225 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 83.1 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91.1 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 9.5:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1275 kg | 1147 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4240 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.6 L/100km | 9.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.7 L/100km | 11.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.6 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 48 L |
