2002 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 (148 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 59 more horse power than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (89 HP @ 6000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 600 kg more than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1996 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 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo 166, 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 166 (305 Nm @ 1800 RPM) has 176 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1996 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 166 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 1996 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2387 cc | 1596 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 5 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 148 HP | 89 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 6000 RPM |
| Torque | 305 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 1800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 90.4 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Diesel | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1565 kg | 965 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1820 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2270 mm |
