2008 Alfa Romeo Spider vs. 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 3 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider would be higher. At 2,959 cc (6 cylinders), 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider is equipped with a bigger engine. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider weights approximately 239 kg more than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2011 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 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider, 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 Spider (270 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 80 more torque (in Nm) than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Alfa Romeo Spider | 2011 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | Spider | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2011 |
| Body Type | Roadster | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 2959 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 6 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 0 HP | 167 HP |
| Torque | 270 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1415 kg | 1176 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4230 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1450 mm | 1255 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2550 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
