2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156
To start off, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 1 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 would be higher. At 1,999 cc (4 cylinders), 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (159 HP @ 6700 RPM) has 11 more horse power than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (148 HP @ 6300 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 weights approximately 115 kg more than 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2009 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 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2008 Alfa Romeo 156, 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, 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata (188 Nm @ 5000 RPM) has 6 more torque (in Nm) than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. (182 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 2008 Alfa Romeo 156. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 has automatic transmission and 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata has manual transmission. 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 2009 Mazda MX-5 Miata | 2008 Alfa Romeo 156 | |
| Make | Mazda | Alfa Romeo |
| Model | MX-5 Miata | 156 |
| Year Released | 2009 | 2008 |
| Body Type | Convertible | Sedan |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1999 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 159 HP | 148 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6700 RPM | 6300 RPM |
| Torque | 188 Nm | 182 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 5000 RPM | 3800 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 87.5 mm | 83 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 83.1 mm | 91 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Top Speed | 210 km/hour | 214 km/hour |
| Acceleration 0-100mph | 7.9 seconds | 8.8 seconds |
| Drive Type | Rear | Front |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Automatic |
| Number of Seats | 2 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 4 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1170 kg | 1285 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4000 mm | 4440 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1730 mm | 1750 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1250 mm | 1440 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2340 mm | 2600 mm |
| Fuel Consumption Overall | 8.2 L/100km | 8.7 L/100km |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 50 L | 63 L |
