2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 39 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (120 HP @ 6200 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 75 kg more than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 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, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 41 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (147 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1598 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 120 HP | 159 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 147 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 200 km/hour | 210 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1230 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 7.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
