RE: Fiat 124 Spider vs Mazda MX-5
Discussion
BimmerRossay said:
25k for an mx5 - who would buy it? Interesting thought comparing to base models TT, Z4 and SLK but surely you would buy near top of the range versions that are nearly new.
At that price you could get a z4 35is and have some money left to ditch the terrible RFTs and put some MPSS on. Guessing you could do something similar with Audi and Merc - which puts them in a completely different league to a new mx5.
You could say that's unfair comparison but buying from a dealership all you need to do is change some fluids and replace any perishables for next few years so just as cheap to run (add an MOT on).
Maybe pistonheads should test my theory and make those comparisons? - would be a nice swansong for the Z4 to test a used top model with some proper tyres on vs current roadster lineups.
Total ownership cost (including fuel and depreciation) over three years would be interesting comparison between the two for somebody with the time to work it out.At that price you could get a z4 35is and have some money left to ditch the terrible RFTs and put some MPSS on. Guessing you could do something similar with Audi and Merc - which puts them in a completely different league to a new mx5.
You could say that's unfair comparison but buying from a dealership all you need to do is change some fluids and replace any perishables for next few years so just as cheap to run (add an MOT on).
Maybe pistonheads should test my theory and make those comparisons? - would be a nice swansong for the Z4 to test a used top model with some proper tyres on vs current roadster lineups.
For travel bags its better to get a custom set like these: http://mx5bags.co.uk/ that are designed around the weird internal boot space. It is an additional expense though.
We went with the MX-5 last weekend, we managed to get a great deal on a pre reg MX-5 that simply wasn't possible on the 124. I will admit that I'm still distrustful of Fiat's build quality and that played a part. The lower weight of the Mazda and the bigger community around it also helped swing it towards the Mazda.
Our MX-5 won't be going on the track but it will be visiting BBR for the super 190 pack + suspension tweaks. With BBR's imminent Turbo upgrade for the ND that should see ~250 BHP.
Only had my (10 reg) MX-5 for 12 weeks but am totally hooked. Usually have to make do daily with the great lumbering beast that is the Picasso C4, comfortable on a long run but the MX-5 is a dream on the lesser roads in N. Shropshire and borders.
Not sure about either the looks or tech aspects of the FIAT. This latter point based on FIAT reliability issues (including corrosion) from past personal experience.
Only time will tell but I will not be jumping ship, had I the cash it would definitely be the Sky-Active "if and when" an ERHT Coupe appears. Still we can all dream.
Not sure about either the looks or tech aspects of the FIAT. This latter point based on FIAT reliability issues (including corrosion) from past personal experience.
Only time will tell but I will not be jumping ship, had I the cash it would definitely be the Sky-Active "if and when" an ERHT Coupe appears. Still we can all dream.
Hefferlump said:
Only time will tell but I will not be jumping ship, had I the cash it would definitely be the Sky-Active "if and when" an ERHT Coupe appears. Still we can all dream.
https://www.mazda.co.uk/cars/coming-soon-mazda-mx-...
Arriving early next year.
elvismiggell said:
JONSCZ said:
interesting image -
I love threads like this. I cannot comprehend how people can look at that image and think the Fiat look better. Yet I'm confident there will be folks along shortly that will think I'm absolutely bonkers for preferring the MX5! 
andyps said:
elvismiggell said:
JONSCZ said:
interesting image -
I love threads like this. I cannot comprehend how people can look at that image and think the Fiat look better. Yet I'm confident there will be folks along shortly that will think I'm absolutely bonkers for preferring the MX5! I really love the looks of the new MX5, I love the Mk1, disliked the Mk2, was indifferent about the Mk3, but love the MK4.
Having spent part of yesterday driving a Fiat 124 around sunny Warwickshire, I can confirm it's a cracking little thing to drive and looks better in the metal than it does in pictures, where certain angles make it look a little ungainly. It's clearly no track-car, the damping is too soft for that, but as a result it rides brilliantly and treats most A and B-roads with disdain and the 1.4 Multiair engine's 140bhp delivers more punch than you might expect, though I daresay part of that is heightened by having the roof down!
Just finished the 1,700km trip around central Italy. The route was essentially Rome - Naples - Amalfi Coast- Abruzzo beaches - Florence/Pisa - Siena - Rome.
I noticed a bit of scuttle shake in the first few kilometres but it must have been minor because I either tuned it out or it didn't recur at any point over the rest of the trip.
At 190cm, I would have to be the maximum recommended height. With the seat right back it would have been great to have one or two more clicks of tilt but it was certainly an adequate driving position for most trips. I have to admit that my right leg did tire from a lack of being able to straighten fully on any stint lasting longer than 2 hours.
Italy's roads really are changeable and the suspension was an excellent compromise for the real world. My wife never once complained about the ride, which says a lot because she is no fan of firm riding cars. Even in Naples where the road quality is on par with the worst I have driven (probably Philadelphia's), the little Fiat smoothed out the bumps.
Wind buffetting was unsatisfactory above about 110km/h roof down, and 140/150 roof up was a bit too noisy for someone trying to make quick progress without alerting/disturbing their sleeping passenger.
Power was surprisingly good, with decent urge even when a couple of gears higher than ideal. It actually felt way quicker than I expected, but part of this may have come from having just completed 4,000km in a gutless Renault Captur. Whatever, I certainly never felt the need for more power.
I've taken opportunities to drive some (not a lot) exotic cars in the past but have never before experienced anything like the impact the 124 had on bystanders. Italians certainly aren't shy, nor do they bother trying to play it cool by making a point of ignoring the show off in the red convertible. Groups of people young and old would form around the car, whether I was in a major city or walled town. Everyone loved it!
Overall, an ideal car for the purposes of the trip. I highly recommend the combination of 124 and Italian scenery.
I noticed a bit of scuttle shake in the first few kilometres but it must have been minor because I either tuned it out or it didn't recur at any point over the rest of the trip.
At 190cm, I would have to be the maximum recommended height. With the seat right back it would have been great to have one or two more clicks of tilt but it was certainly an adequate driving position for most trips. I have to admit that my right leg did tire from a lack of being able to straighten fully on any stint lasting longer than 2 hours.
Italy's roads really are changeable and the suspension was an excellent compromise for the real world. My wife never once complained about the ride, which says a lot because she is no fan of firm riding cars. Even in Naples where the road quality is on par with the worst I have driven (probably Philadelphia's), the little Fiat smoothed out the bumps.
Wind buffetting was unsatisfactory above about 110km/h roof down, and 140/150 roof up was a bit too noisy for someone trying to make quick progress without alerting/disturbing their sleeping passenger.
Power was surprisingly good, with decent urge even when a couple of gears higher than ideal. It actually felt way quicker than I expected, but part of this may have come from having just completed 4,000km in a gutless Renault Captur. Whatever, I certainly never felt the need for more power.
I've taken opportunities to drive some (not a lot) exotic cars in the past but have never before experienced anything like the impact the 124 had on bystanders. Italians certainly aren't shy, nor do they bother trying to play it cool by making a point of ignoring the show off in the red convertible. Groups of people young and old would form around the car, whether I was in a major city or walled town. Everyone loved it!
Overall, an ideal car for the purposes of the trip. I highly recommend the combination of 124 and Italian scenery.
Edited by Cheapskate on Thursday 25th August 00:17
Edited by Cheapskate on Thursday 25th August 00:18
Really missed a trick with this being a Fiat and not an Alfa Spider IMO.
Imagine it with the Alfa shield grille, Brera style headlights instead of that Fiats strange look.. But I suppose it would take sales away from the 4c even though there would be a market for it.. Disappointed frankly.
Imagine it with the Alfa shield grille, Brera style headlights instead of that Fiats strange look.. But I suppose it would take sales away from the 4c even though there would be a market for it.. Disappointed frankly.
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