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 1,798 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 156 (138 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 14 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 HP @ 6500 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 185 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, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 3 more torque (in Nm) than 2003 Alfa Romeo 156. (164 Nm @ 3900 RPM). This means 2008 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 | 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 156 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1774 cc | 1798 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 124 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 164 Nm | 167 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3900 RPM | 4500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 82 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 82.7 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline - Premium |
| Top Speed | 208 km/hour | 196 km/hour |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1340 kg | 1155 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4440 mm | 4000 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1750 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1400 mm | 1250 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2340 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.5 L/100km | 7.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 63 L | 50 L |
