2003 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (217 HP @ 6300 RPM) has 118 more horse power than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (99 HP @ 4000 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 should accelerate faster than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 495 kg more than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2001 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 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2003 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, 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 (265 Nm) has 20 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (245 Nm). This means 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 has automatic transmission and 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2003 Alfa Romeo 166 | 2001 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 166 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2003 | 2001 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 1799 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 217 HP | 99 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6300 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 265 Nm | 245 Nm |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 72.6 mm | 85.1 mm |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1550 kg | 1055 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1230 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2270 mm |
