2008 Alfa Romeo 166 vs. 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 is newer by 13 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 3,179 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 weights approximately 576 kg more than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 1995 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 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 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, 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 (289 Nm @ 4800 RPM) has 160 more torque (in Nm) than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (129 Nm @ 4000 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo 166 | 1995 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 166 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 1995 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 3179 cc | 1598 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 89 HP |
| Torque | 289 Nm | 129 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4800 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 93 mm | 78 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 78 mm | 83.6 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1542 kg | 966 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4730 mm | 3960 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1810 mm | 1680 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1240 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2270 mm |
