2003 Alfa Romeo 156 vs. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata

To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 5 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (173 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 7 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 181 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.

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, 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (385 Nm @ 2000 RPM) has 195 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.

Compare all specifications:

2003 Alfa Romeo 156 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata
Make Alfa Romeo Mazda
Model 156 MX-5 Miata
Year Released 2003 2008
Body Type Station Wagon Convertible
Engine Position Front Front
Engine Size 2387 cc 1999 cc
Engine Cylinders 5 cylinders 4 cylinders
Engine Type in-line in-line
Valves per Cylinder 4 valves 4 valves
Horse Power 173 HP 166 HP
Engine RPM 4000 RPM 6700 RPM
Torque 385 Nm 190 Nm
Torque RPM 2000 RPM 5000 RPM
Drive Type Front Rear
Transmission Type Manual Manual
Number of Seats 5 seats 2 seats
Number of Doors 5 doors 2 doors
Vehicle Weight 1510 kg 1329 kg
Vehicle Length 4450 mm 4000 mm
Vehicle Width 1750 mm 1730 mm
Vehicle Height 1400 mm 1250 mm
Wheelbase Size 2600 mm 2340 mm
Fuel Consumption Overall 7 L/100km 9.1 L/100km
Fuel Tank Capacity 63 L 48 L


 

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