2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 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 2,385 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 18 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2007 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 233 kg more than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2007 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 2007 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, 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 114 more torque (in Nm) than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (191 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2007 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2007 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2385 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 166 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 191 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | 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 | 1435 kg | 1202 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
