2002 Alfa Romeo 147 vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 63 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. (104 HP @ 5600 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 weights approximately 196 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 44 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. (146 Nm @ 4200 RPM). This means 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 147. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata has automatic transmission and 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 has manual transmission. 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 147 | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 147 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2011 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 104 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5600 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4200 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed automatic |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 3 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1335 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4180 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
