2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is newer by 9 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 1,840 cc (4 cylinders), 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata (129 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (118 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 260 kg more than 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1994 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 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata (152 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (146 Nm @ 4500 RPM). This means 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 | 1994 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 1994 |
| Body Type | Station Wagon | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1597 cc | 1840 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 118 HP | 129 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 146 Nm | 152 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 75.7 mm | 85 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | 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 | 1250 kg | 990 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4450 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 48 L |
