1999 Alfa Romeo 146 vs. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 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 1,997 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 19 more horse power than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2009 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 35 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2009 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 2009 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 1999 Alfa Romeo 146. (187 Nm @ 2800 RPM). This means 2009 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 | 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 146 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 1999 | 2009 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1970 cc | 1997 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 187 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 83 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 91 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 5 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1215 kg | 1180 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4270 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1720 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1430 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption | 6.8 L/100km | 8.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 8.9 L/100km | 10.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 13.8 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 48 L |
