2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,175 cc (6 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (247 HP @ 6200 RPM) has 135 more horse power than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (112 HP @ 6500 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 715 kg more than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (322 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 198 more torque (in Nm) than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (124 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2002 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 159 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2002 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3175 cc | 1498 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 247 HP | 112 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6200 RPM | 6500 RPM |
| Torque | 322 Nm | 124 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 9.0:1 |
| Drive Type | 4WD | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1740 kg | 1025 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
