2002 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 10 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 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 4 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo 156. (163 HP @ 6400 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 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 146 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 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 (206 Nm @ 3250 RPM) has 16 more torque (in Nm) than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 156 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1910 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 163 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6400 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 206 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3250 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1285 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1390 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
