Fiat 124 Spider vs. MX-5 ND
Discussion
Good evening all,
Seriously considering my next car and will start test driving when I get a moment from work…
In the meantime I’d love to hear your opinion on buying either a Fiat 124 Spider or MX5-ND (likely the earlier ND1 1.5 or 2.0).
Especially if you have driven both and preferred one over the other! In case it matters budget is around £15k so the ND2 is likely out of budget as is the Abarth Spider. It will be used for very occasional commuting and for fun….
Thanks
Seriously considering my next car and will start test driving when I get a moment from work…
In the meantime I’d love to hear your opinion on buying either a Fiat 124 Spider or MX5-ND (likely the earlier ND1 1.5 or 2.0).
Especially if you have driven both and preferred one over the other! In case it matters budget is around £15k so the ND2 is likely out of budget as is the Abarth Spider. It will be used for very occasional commuting and for fun….
Thanks
The Mazda is the better drivers car but for some reason I've always found the Fiat/Abarth my preferred option out of the two, the extra torque from the 1.4T drivetrain suits everyday driving more than the N/A units of the Mazda.
In all honesty a test drive of both will let you know which one suits your requirements best.
In all honesty a test drive of both will let you know which one suits your requirements best.
The MX5 is the better driver's car but I test drove both and went with the 124. I found the suspension a bit softer and better at dealing with potholes etc but you still have 90% of the handling of the MX5.
There really isn't much in it between the two. The extra torque of the turbocharged engine makes the 124 feel quicker even when it isn't.
I've had my 124 for 5 years and not regretted getting it for a second.
Previously I had an MX5 NC for 4 years and loved it but you can feel the benefit of the ND/124 weighing a bit less.
There really isn't much in it between the two. The extra torque of the turbocharged engine makes the 124 feel quicker even when it isn't.
I've had my 124 for 5 years and not regretted getting it for a second.
Previously I had an MX5 NC for 4 years and loved it but you can feel the benefit of the ND/124 weighing a bit less.
In nd1 form I think I’d have the 1.5 over the 2.0, it’s a lovely little unit, very rev hungry. Performance feels more than it is, actually performance is similar to a warm hatch, say a twingo 133. Handling is superb especially after the Mazda/eibach springs are added.
Never driven a 124, but the wife had a 500 abarth with the same drive train. I liked it, pulled well and was reliable. But I think I’d prefer the naturally aspirated personally.
Never driven a 124, but the wife had a 500 abarth with the same drive train. I liked it, pulled well and was reliable. But I think I’d prefer the naturally aspirated personally.
ulakye said:
The MX5 is the better driver's car but I test drove both and went with the 124. I found the suspension a bit softer and better at dealing with potholes etc but you still have 90% of the handling of the MX5.
There really isn't much in it between the two. The extra torque of the turbocharged engine makes the 124 feel quicker even when it isn't.
I've had my 124 for 5 years and not regretted getting it for a second.
Previously I had an MX5 NC for 4 years and loved it but you can feel the benefit of the ND/124 weighing a bit less.
Thanks for the reply There really isn't much in it between the two. The extra torque of the turbocharged engine makes the 124 feel quicker even when it isn't.
I've had my 124 for 5 years and not regretted getting it for a second.
Previously I had an MX5 NC for 4 years and loved it but you can feel the benefit of the ND/124 weighing a bit less.
Did you test drive the 1.5 or 2.0 MX-5?
What trim level did you go for in the 124? Lusso seems the sweet spot but I think the LED lights from the lusso plus are worth having. Not bothered about the Bose.
irish boy said:
In nd1 form I think I’d have the 1.5 over the 2.0, it’s a lovely little unit, very rev hungry. Performance feels more than it is, actually performance is similar to a warm hatch, say a twingo 133. Handling is superb especially after the Mazda/eibach springs are added.
Never driven a 124, but the wife had a 500 abarth with the same drive train. I liked it, pulled well and was reliable. But I think I’d prefer the naturally aspirated personally.
I think the early 1.5 is most attractive as I’ve read it is a lovely, characterful engine and is usefully lighter. Looking forward to test driving both and then in the future maybe having a visit to BBR!Never driven a 124, but the wife had a 500 abarth with the same drive train. I liked it, pulled well and was reliable. But I think I’d prefer the naturally aspirated personally.
ulakye said:
The MX5 is the better driver's car but I test drove both and went with the 124. I found the suspension a bit softer and better at dealing with potholes etc but you still have 90% of the handling of the MX5.
There really isn't much in it between the two. The extra torque of the turbocharged engine makes the 124 feel quicker even when it isn't.
I've had my 124 for 5 years and not regretted getting it for a second.
Previously I had an MX5 NC for 4 years and loved it but you can feel the benefit of the ND/124 weighing a bit less.
Pretty much this but with some points of note mainly down to cost savings on the 124 vs the mx5There really isn't much in it between the two. The extra torque of the turbocharged engine makes the 124 feel quicker even when it isn't.
I've had my 124 for 5 years and not regretted getting it for a second.
Previously I had an MX5 NC for 4 years and loved it but you can feel the benefit of the ND/124 weighing a bit less.
124 does not come with apple carplay though it can be easily retrofitted providing you dont go for a classica https://124spider.uk/kits/androidauto-carplay
124 roof is different, its missing some insulation i beleive
124 does not have a cabin filter its just a wire strainer to stop leaves etc
no LSD on the Fiat 124
The headlight washers are a nightmare, see regular posts about this in owners groups and they're a legal requirement for the LED headlamp cars.
Door mirrors are not heated
124 didnt come with cup holders, the mx5 did - £100-£150 a set used
I preferred the classic styling of the 124 and the softer suspension
I've fitted sound deadening to the boot as when empty it was a bit tinny.
Had mine ~20 months, no faults
Edited by andburg on Monday 23 October 12:40
Edited by andburg on Monday 23 October 12:41
andburg said:
Pretty much this but with some points of note mainly down to cost savings on the 124 vs the mx5
124 does not come with apple carplay though it can be easily retrofitted providing you dont go for a classica https://124spider.uk/kits/androidauto-carplay
124 roof is different, its missing some insulation i beleive
124 does not have a cabin filter its just a wire strainer to stop leaves etc
no LSD on the Fiat 124
The headlight washers are a nightmare, see regular posts about this in owners groups and they're a legal requirement for the LED headlamp cars.
Door mirrors are not heated
124 didnt come with cup holders, the mx5 did - £100-£150 a set used
I preferred the classic styling of the 124 and the softer suspension
I've fitted sound deadening to the boot as when empty it was a bit tinny.
Had mine ~20 months, no faults
Thanks for the reply - which trim level did you go for in the end? I’m planning on test driving a classics next week which looks amazing in the photos, but would rather have the heated seats and LED lights. 124 does not come with apple carplay though it can be easily retrofitted providing you dont go for a classica https://124spider.uk/kits/androidauto-carplay
124 roof is different, its missing some insulation i beleive
124 does not have a cabin filter its just a wire strainer to stop leaves etc
no LSD on the Fiat 124
The headlight washers are a nightmare, see regular posts about this in owners groups and they're a legal requirement for the LED headlamp cars.
Door mirrors are not heated
124 didnt come with cup holders, the mx5 did - £100-£150 a set used
I preferred the classic styling of the 124 and the softer suspension
I've fitted sound deadening to the boot as when empty it was a bit tinny.
Had mine ~20 months, no faults
Edited by andburg on Monday 23 October 12:40
Edited by andburg on Monday 23 October 12:41
BoRED S2upid said:
This. Shame you can’t man maths the Abarth OP you’re not that far off and they hold the value very well. Too damn well.
Rare sight on the roads nowadays too.Lots of them went on stupidly cheap lease deals when new.
I guess now many of then are in the hands of people owning them as toys/2nd cars.
andburg said:
I have a lusso which gets the entertainment system with the screen, heated leather seats, reversing camera.
Another thing to look for is scuffed roll hoops as it means the roof is catching it and was a regular warranty issue,
Thank you. How are the head lights, acceptable? I remember my mk1 MX-5 driving at night was a bit of a ‘mare with the suvs shining right into the cabin and the candles on the 5 illuminating nothing.Another thing to look for is scuffed roll hoops as it means the roof is catching it and was a regular warranty issue,
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