2002 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 6 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 1,998 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (149 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 10 more horse power than 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. (139 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 255 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 25 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider. (163 Nm @ 3500 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider.
Compare all specifications:
| 2002 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Spider | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2002 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1747 cc | 1998 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 139 HP | 149 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 163 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 87.5 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.8 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1350 kg | 1095 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4290 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1790 mm | 1250 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1320 mm | 1730 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
