2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164
To start off, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 17 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 would be higher. At 2,500 cc (4 cylinders), 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata (138 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 15 more horse power than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. (123 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 1988 Alfa Romeo 164. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 weights approximately 405 kg more than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2005 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 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164, 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, 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 (294 Nm) has 124 more torque (in Nm) than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (170 Nm). This means 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2005 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 1988 Alfa Romeo 164 | |
| Make | Mazda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 164 |
| Year Released | 2005 | 1988 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1835 cc | 2500 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Horse Power | 138 HP | 123 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4000 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 170 Nm | 294 Nm |
| Engine Compression Ratio | 10.0:1 | 22.0:1 |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1085 kg | 1490 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 3950 mm | 4560 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1690 mm | 1770 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1230 mm | 1410 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2270 mm | 2670 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 6.5 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 10.2 L/100km | 8.6 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 9.4 L/100km | 5.8 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
