RE: Mazda MX-5 vs. Fiat 124 Spider: PH Video
Saturday 18th February 2017
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.
Mazda MX-5 vs. Fiat 124 Spider: PH Video
Same car underneath but which is better round a circuit?
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!
Discussion
Enjoyed the video, guys, but looking at the respective lap times allied to the power advantage held by the Mazda, the screen seems to tell a closer story - ie, that the Mazda didn't pass the Fiat out on the track. Nor did it ever really close up on it properly, truth be told.
Something to do with the editing perhaps? Okay, you were both chatting away behind the wheel so assume you weren't racing each other but then wasn't the video meant to portray a face-off between the two cars?
Just curious.
Something to do with the editing perhaps? Okay, you were both chatting away behind the wheel so assume you weren't racing each other but then wasn't the video meant to portray a face-off between the two cars?
Just curious.
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.
Both great fun cars....but so different in character.
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? Both great fun cars....but so different in character.
Saw a dealers red Abarth Spider at Bicester car show parked alongside a privately owned predictable metallic red MX-5.
The Abarth's extra dimensions ahead of the front wheels & behind the rears looked awkward as if tacked on & the matt black bonnet & blingy screen surround just unnecessary superfluous throwbacks.
Also somebody have left their laptop Superglued to the dash of both cars. If that was not the case then such a screen is a wonderful distraction & saviour for those who cannot breath without fiddling with screens, be it on a iphone, tablet or whatever.
The Abarth's extra dimensions ahead of the front wheels & behind the rears looked awkward as if tacked on & the matt black bonnet & blingy screen surround just unnecessary superfluous throwbacks.
Also somebody have left their laptop Superglued to the dash of both cars. If that was not the case then such a screen is a wonderful distraction & saviour for those who cannot breath without fiddling with screens, be it on a iphone, tablet or whatever.
Each to their own , and beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but in still pics or in that vid the Fiat styling is awful to my eyes. The car's too big for the wheelbase IMO.
The MX-5 styling is still up for discussion, but it looks like it's having more fun out there. Do you suppose there might be a reason why the Fiat started ahead of Zoom Zoom?
The MX-5 styling is still up for discussion, but it looks like it's having more fun out there. Do you suppose there might be a reason why the Fiat started ahead of Zoom Zoom?
Luke. said:
Extraordinary you both bought pretty much the same car. Just curious, why not get a different kind of second car?
We both bought the cars we wanted....they just both happen to come off the same production line LOL. And as I said...they are more different than you might imagine. The 124/MX5 is not an 86/BRZ style badge engineering exercise (BTW...they are great cars too...I traded a BRZ on the RF), the 124/ and MX5 differences go a lot deeper.
From a looks perspective, even though RFs are like hen's teeth around here still (I live in Melbourne Australia), it barely gets a second glance, People stare and kids point at the Abarth.
Edited by RBH58 on Thursday 16th February 20:27
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.
This was pretty much what I thought. Both great fun cars....but so different in character.
Saw a 124 Spider recently and thought it looked very cool! However, I don't get all the MX-5 bashing that goes on in respect of the new model on Pistonheads. Seen a few in the flesh and think it looks great, just a modern update of what went before.
MX-5s are always fairly soft in the suspension department, always have been, probably always will be, I am sure its this suspension compliance which is a big factor behind the model's success and what makes it so usable all year round. I drive mine in all weathers apart from snow (not that we've had any down my way recently) and if the car was set up stiffly I am sure it wouldn't be half as forgiving in cold and inclement conditions.
I am biased of course, owning an old Mk2, but I think the basic template of the MX-5 is spot on and shouldn't be changed. Those that want a track ready MX-5 can always get BBR or similar, to tweak their car.
MX-5s are always fairly soft in the suspension department, always have been, probably always will be, I am sure its this suspension compliance which is a big factor behind the model's success and what makes it so usable all year round. I drive mine in all weathers apart from snow (not that we've had any down my way recently) and if the car was set up stiffly I am sure it wouldn't be half as forgiving in cold and inclement conditions.
I am biased of course, owning an old Mk2, but I think the basic template of the MX-5 is spot on and shouldn't be changed. Those that want a track ready MX-5 can always get BBR or similar, to tweak their car.
Enjoyable vid!
Just shows that you might as welll forget 0-60 and lap times, etc and just buy the car that best suits your taste and driving style.
I'd have the MX5, just because I miss my wife's MK3.5 2.0 with LSD, really did show me that you don't need big power to have a fun, especially on the road.
Just shows that you might as welll forget 0-60 and lap times, etc and just buy the car that best suits your taste and driving style.
I'd have the MX5, just because I miss my wife's MK3.5 2.0 with LSD, really did show me that you don't need big power to have a fun, especially on the road.
I think, regardless of the performance, I'd be happier with either based on that video.
My view, from a pure visual appeal had me immediately liking the Mazda, I like the sharp lines and overall proportions. The Fiat on the other hand, initially, in pictures, was a big fat no, however I've just passed a demonstrator on the way back from Durham and you know what? I really liked the look of it which rather surprised me to be honest.
Would I buy either one? not at the moment, but then I'm on the NA V8 hunt at the moment (which seems to be proving to be a rather big pain in the backside, found one getting my hands on it though...). Once I've got that out of my blood (~maybe... either that or I'm forced to sell due to the thirst bankrupting me
)? I'd certainly take a serious look at both, assuming I could fit in one comfortably anyway (though the glossy primer look I've seen on an MX5 round my way is one that I'd avoid).
My view, from a pure visual appeal had me immediately liking the Mazda, I like the sharp lines and overall proportions. The Fiat on the other hand, initially, in pictures, was a big fat no, however I've just passed a demonstrator on the way back from Durham and you know what? I really liked the look of it which rather surprised me to be honest.
Would I buy either one? not at the moment, but then I'm on the NA V8 hunt at the moment (which seems to be proving to be a rather big pain in the backside, found one getting my hands on it though...). Once I've got that out of my blood (~maybe... either that or I'm forced to sell due to the thirst bankrupting me
)? I'd certainly take a serious look at both, assuming I could fit in one comfortably anyway (though the glossy primer look I've seen on an MX5 round my way is one that I'd avoid).firebird350 said:
Enjoyed the video, guys, but looking at the respective lap times allied to the power advantage held by the Mazda, the screen seems to tell a closer story - ie, that the Mazda didn't pass the Fiat out on the track. Nor did it ever really close up on it properly, truth be told.
Something to do with the editing perhaps? Okay, you were both chatting away behind the wheel so assume you weren't racing each other but then wasn't the video meant to portray a face-off between the two cars?
Just curious.
Based on the video, the Abarth would have left the Mazda for dead.Something to do with the editing perhaps? Okay, you were both chatting away behind the wheel so assume you weren't racing each other but then wasn't the video meant to portray a face-off between the two cars?
Just curious.
Good video tho.
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