2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2001 Alfa Romeo 146
To start off, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 7 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 62 more horse power than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (104 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata weights approximately 172 kg more than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2008 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 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2001 Alfa Romeo 146, 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 Mazda MX-5 Miata (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 65 more torque (in Nm) than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146. (125 Nm @ 4600 RPM). This means 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2001 Alfa Romeo 146.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2001 Alfa Romeo 146 | |
| Make | Mazda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 146 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2001 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1370 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 104 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 4600 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1160 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4240 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1430 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2550 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Highway | 8.4 L/100km | 6.3 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption City | 11.2 L/100km | 7.9 L/100km |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 11.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 51 L |
