RE: Abarth 124 Spider vs. Mazda MX-5 2.0

[Gad-Westy]

Something that always seems weird to me about these two is that the Fiat always has the appearance of a much longer car somehow. The proportions look quite different. I'm not really a fan of the front of the Fiat. Wouldn't mind a drive in either though

[tim0409]

I've been looking for a car for a while and have been jumping between a 6 year old Z4 or an older Boxster; I never thought of a 124 as the Fiat dealership I pass daily has a white 124 on a ramp and I didn't think it looked great. I have revised that opinion after seeing pictures of one in metallic dark grey with tobacco interior which really suits the car. I just have to wait for them to depreciate a bit first; they start at £17k on Autotrader s/h - would anybody like to venture an opinion on future depreciation?

[MrK50]

I tried the new MX-5 (both RF and 2.0 Sport), having owned a Mk2 MX-5 for ten years. I thought it'd be a dream to drive but it felt sluggish and I completely agree about the vague steering.

Ended up getting the Abarth 124 Spider - despite all the apparent similarities it's just a different experience entirely. Everything about it feels more focused, engaging and, well, fun.

Not knocking the MX-5 on its own merits (although I find its rear end a crime against design), but the Abarth is so different and - for me - there's only one choice.

[JONSCZ]

Like Coppice and Simon, I used to own a 'larey' Caterham (R400D SV), but like 'MrK50', the only choice for me was an Abarth 124 Spider which I have owned for over a year now (was one of the earliest, numbered UK 'specials') and I love it. Interestingly, I did consider an F-Type, like 'A124S' - and it does feel a little bit like a 'scaled down Jag'.
I agree with everything MrK50 says and your post perfectly sums up my feelings compared to the Mazda -

"despite all the apparent similarities it's just a different experience entirely. Everything about it feels more focused, engaging and, well, fun."

I am having a great time with mine.
I also concur about the interest it generates.
I've had a variety of (well for me anyway) interesting, relatively quick and sporty cars and the Abarth 124 is probably my 2nd favourite car I've owned (after the Marcos...!). It really is great and perfectly fast enough for 'real world' driving.

[lilwashu]

Bennet said:

Very dissappointed to hear the MX5 doesn't have decent steering feel. What is left that actually has steering feel? Lotus? Is that it?

I have a 1990 Mk1 on 14" wheels and fat tyres, and a 2015 Mk4 Sport on 17" wheels with thinner tyres. The amount of "feel" you get through the wheel while driving is very similar, the steering in the Mk1 is a bit heavier.

[M1C]

Some very positive stuff coming from Abarth 124 owners here, good to see.

As a fan of the current MX5 styling...i just think the 124 looks....pants in comparison!

But the Abarth bits seem to help, inside and out by the sounds of it.

Also, at 6ft 2".....i seem to be getting the impression that i wouldn't fit in the MX5 but would in the 124.......

[ecsrobin]

M1C said:

Some very positive stuff coming from Abarth 124 owners here, good to see.

As a fan of the current MX5 styling...i just think the 124 looks....pants in comparison!

But the Abarth bits seem to help, inside and out by the sounds of it.

Also, at 6ft 2".....i seem to be getting the impression that i wouldn't fit in the MX5 but would in the 124.......

You certainly will fit in a 124

[anonymous-user]

Dynamic Turtle said:

Itsallicanafford said:

Tricky one this, I had a NA MX-5 for 5 years, did 20k miles in it, 15 + trackdays...loved it. Now we have a Megane 275 Cup-S, I would really struggle to go back to the 'less is more' motoring that these 2 cars represent. Modern hot hatches are just so talented and at 30k it's a short walk to a civic type R which was absolutely murder these roadsters at everything apart from the ability to take the roof off.

And your wife would probably murder you for buying something so fugly!

These cars obviously aren't supposed to make much sense or offer practicality. We have a diesel skoda estate for that. And why not have "the best of both worlds" with a hot hatch? Because I'd rather have 2 cars suited specifically for each task, rather than a compromise.

I imagine approximately zero people are cross shopping the MX5/124 and that godawful Civic.

[Simon Owen]

So what about a new Arbarth vs a New ND MX5 BBR Stage '1' Turbo ?

I don't know the exact prices but (ignoring discounts) they are very similar :

BBR MX5 Stage 1 Turbo - 247 Bhp & 236 lbft / Fiat Arbarth - 172 Bhp & 184 lbft

Or if you prefer the NA Option the BBR S200+ offers 214 Bhp & 183 lbft plus some spare cash to sharpen the handing if that is your thing.

I can see the attraction of both stock cars but it'd be interesting to drive a properly sorted BBR back to back with the Arbarth.

Edited by Simon Owen on Wednesday 18th October 15:14

[fido]

Simon Owen said:

So what about a new Arbarth vs a New ND MX5 BBR Stage '1' Turbo ?

Does the BBR include a warranty (if purchased with a new car)? If that's the case then Turbo hands down for me (or not as I can't fit in either of them), as I'd be a little worried about issues with gearbox, for example.

[Simon Owen]

Yup 3x year warranty can be provided, don't quote me on numbers but it's circa £400 I think.

[Loyly]

BVB said:

Simply put, the Mazda is good for female buyers, the Fiat is for men.

It's funny because looking at them, you'd assume it was the other way round.

Strange to hear that the Mazda isn't quite as scalpel sharp to drive as the looks suggest, but then the MX5 is always rather compromised from the factory. Tremendous on the road but in need of a few tweaks to really bring out the best in it, especially if you really want to push.

[Luke.]

I've been pootling around in an Abarth 124 the last two weeks and I've never had a car garner so much attention. All positive. In fact, almost every journey someone waves, asks what it is or is stuck to my tailgate wondering what it is.

It's also plenty fast enough for our roads. And the Monza exhaust is simply brilliant. I hankered after the MX5 ND for ages, but there's no way I'd swap one for an Abarth 124 now.

[nottyash]

So its down purely to cost that the Mazda wins
The Abarth looks far better, and ignoring the silly pricing there are some cracking Abarth offers out there.
I didn't think people still went into dealerships and paid full price.
Ive seen nearly new abarths for just over £20k.

[Luke.]

nottyash said:

So its down purely to cost that the Mazda wins
The Abarth looks far better, and ignoring the silly pricing there are some cracking Abarth offers out there.
I didn't think people still went into dealerships and paid full price.
Ive seen nearly new abarths for just over £20k.

Go Abarth. I've leased ours for £148 a month. There are plenty of offer out there.

[nottyash]

Luke. said:

Go Abarth. I've leased ours for £148 a month. There are plenty of offer out there.

That is a bargain. Who with?

[Luke.]

nottyash said:

That is a bargain. Who with?

Direct with Fiat in Tunbridge Wells.