Saturday 18th February 2017

Mazda MX-5 vs. Fiat 124 Spider: PH Video

Same car underneath but which is better round a circuit?

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The Mazda MX-5 won't need a whole lot of introduction here of course, the fourth-generation ND model now well established and continuing to tread its righteous path of low weight, zingy naturally-aspirated power delivery and ... let's face it, a certain evangelical zeal among its fans. Among whom we'll include Dan.

Matt, let's say, has yet to see the light. For him and people of the same mindset could something based on the MX-5 and with things we can agree are good - rear-wheel drive mainly - but a totally different image, powertrain and heritage convince him that cutesy roadsters are a good thing?

The protagonists in this battle are an 160hp MX-5 Sport Recaro (basically a 2.0 Sport with nicer seats) and the standard 140hp 124 Spider. For track work the 170hp Abarth version is probably the one you want but that's at least another five grand over the Mazda. And we couldn't get hold of one. Can the standard Fiat hold its head high with a different spin on Mazda's platform? Will Dan stop going on about his 'horse and rider as one' nonsense? Will Matt finally concede?

Check out the vid here!

 

[Luke.]

So, they're not the same car underneath after all.

[Luke.]

RBH58 said:

I have an MX5 RF and my wife has an Abarth 124. Considering how much these cars have in common, you'd be surprised how different they are to drive. The Abarth is longer but otherwise just about identical in every dimension to the MX5 and it's only about 30kgs heavier, but it looks and drives like a class size bigger car. All of the control weights (steering, clutch and gearshift) feel weightier. The Abarth's flatter with stiffer body control....and the turbo mid-range makes it feel quicker even though it isn't really a lot quicker...although that mid-range grunt makes passing easier and makes the car a more relaxed drive if you can't be arsed driving the wheels off it. The RF feels a bit like a toy in comparison. It feels lighter and smaller and more agile, but the stock suspension is setup super soft (too soft...mine has Eibach springs and sway bars and it's much better). The MX5's engine (mines a 2.0) has to be worked to extract max progress.

Both great fun cars....but so different in character.

Extraordinary you both bought pretty much the same car. Just curious, why not get a different kind of second car?