2005 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2005 Alfa Romeo 159. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 would be higher. At 2,197 cc (4 cylinders), 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (182 HP @ 6500 RPM) has 22 more horse power than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (160 HP @ 6700 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2006 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 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 (230 Nm @ 4500 RPM) has 42 more torque (in Nm) than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2006 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 159 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2005 | 2006 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2197 cc | 1999 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 182 HP | 160 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 6700 RPM |
| Torque | 230 Nm | 188 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 86 mm | 87.6 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 94.6 mm | 83.1 mm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 11.3:1 | 11.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3990 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1730 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1490 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2600 mm | 2270 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 50 L |
