2001 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 147. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 would be higher. At 1,598 cc (4 cylinders), 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, both vehicles can yield 104 horse power. So under normal driving conditions, the acceleration of both vehicles should be relatively similar. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 150 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 147, 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, 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 (140 Nm @ 4200 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (134 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2001 Alfa Romeo 147 | 2003 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 147 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2001 | 2003 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 134 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1266 kg | 1116 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3980 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1690 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2620 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.1 L/100km | 8.1 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 61 L | 50 L |
