2010 Alfa Romeo 159 vs. 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata
To start off, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is newer by 2 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 2010 Alfa Romeo 159. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 would be higher. At 2,000 cc (4 cylinders), 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata (167 HP @ 7000 RPM) has 9 more horse power than 2010 Alfa Romeo 159. (158 HP @ 6500 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata should accelerate faster than 2010 Alfa Romeo 159. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 weights approximately 416 kg more than 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Because 2012 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 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 2010 Alfa Romeo 159, 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, both vehicles can yield 190 Nm of torque. So under normal driving conditions, the ability to climb up hills and pull heavy equipment should be relatively similar for both vehicles.
Compare all specifications:
| 2010 Alfa Romeo 159 | 2012 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Make | Alfa Romeo | Mazda |
| Model | 159 | MX-5 Miata |
| Year Released | 2010 | 2012 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Convertible |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 1859 cc | 2000 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 4 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | in-line |
| Valves per Cylinder | 4 valves | 4 valves |
| Horse Power | 158 HP | 167 HP |
| Engine RPM | 6500 RPM | 7000 RPM |
| Torque | 190 Nm | 190 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 4500 RPM | 5000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline - Premium | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | 6-speed manual |
| Number of Seats | 5 seats | 2 seats |
| Number of Doors | 4 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1555 kg | 1139 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4670 mm | 3995 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1830 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1245 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2710 mm | 2329 mm |
| Fuel Tank Capacity | 70 L | 48 L |
