Tuesday 16th August 2016

Fiat 124 Spider vs Mazda MX-5 - onboard

Fiat follows Mazda, patiently waiting for the inevitable to happen...

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There's a full video of this track battle to follow, much of which will (probably) contain Matt sighing from the driver's seat of the Fiat as yours truly drives like a complete idiot in the Mazda. For now at least this should give you an idea of why we gave the MX-5 the nod after driving it against the 124 Spider around Blyton Park, the benefits of the Mazda's limited-slip differential over the Fiat's open one very much in evidence. From this we can take two things; we need to arrange a home rematch for the Fiat on the roads above Lake Garda where it proved much more in its element. And before the Mazda rests on its laurels too comfortably it needs to face the stiffer, more potent (and LSD-equipped) Abarth version of the 124 Spider.

We'll look forward to that. In the meantime take some pleasure in the fact you can only drive like this for so long before your luck runs out...

Watch the video here.
 

[Pooh]

The Mazda appeared to be holding the Fiat up a fair bit of the time.

[Gandahar]

The MX5 can be driven like you stole it without having to get enough bottle up to overcome massive tyres; even with a lot less less horsepower than a Kia somethingother. Top work Mazda.

The body roll is insane though. Bottom work Mazda. check out the screencap above.

There must be a way of dialling that out without upsetting the rest of the setup on this latest iteration. Dan, go for it and let us know.

Edited by Gandahar on Monday 15th August 18:32

[Mannginger]

Gandahar said:

There must be a way of dialling that out without upsetting the rest of the setup on this latest iteration. Dan, go for it and let us know.

http://www.pistonheads.com/news/driven/bbr-super-1...



Edit: not that I'm biased at all!

[Niffty951]

Yes. Legends. That looks really good fun, demonstrates all the joys of low power rwd cars and watching driving like that really does help get a feel for how the cars handle/respond.

[BVB]

Give me the Fiat any day of the week.

[Kawasicki]

That looks good fun. Well done Mazda.

[DeltaEvo2]

Pistonheads...sponsored by Mazda?

[Mannginger]

DeltaEvo2 said:

Pistonheads...sponsored by Mazda?

Possibly (genuinely not sure) but in any event the clear consensus across motoring press thus far is that the MX5 is better than the standard 124. Whether that remains true when they test an Abarth against the Sport Recaro remains to be seen (personally I do think this test is a touch unfair on the Abarth given the Recaro is the v top spec MX5 on the market at the moment).

Looks as ever are subjective, just look at the original story - as many chose the Fiat as the MX5. Personally I think the Fiat is horrible, like a Chrysler with too long overhangs but YMMV

[DeltaEvo2]

I think the Mazda is gipping.