2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159
To start off, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is newer by 4 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata would be higher. At 2,387 cc (5 cylinders), 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (207 HP @ 4000 RPM) has 41 more horse power than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (166 HP @ 6700 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 should accelerate faster than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 438 kg more than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 is four wheel drive (4WD), it will have significant more traction and grip than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. In wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will offer significantly more control. 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, 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 (401 Nm @ 1500 RPM) has 211 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata. (190 Nm @ 5000 RPM). This means 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Compare all specifications:
| 2008 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2012 Alfa Romeo 159 | |
| Make | Mazda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 159 |
| Year Released | 2008 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Station Wagon |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 2387 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 5 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 166 HP | 207 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 4000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 401 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 1500 RPM |
| Drive Type | Rear | 4WD |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 5 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1332 kg | 1770 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4670 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1840 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1460 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2710 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.9 L/100km | 7.4 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 48 L | 70 L |
