Fiat 124 Spider vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata: The Ultimate Roadster Comparison

When two legendary roadsters share the same DNA yet offer distinct driving experiences, choosing between them becomes both exciting and challenging. The Fiat 124 Spider and Mazda MX-5 Miata represent one of the most fascinating comparisons in the automotive world - siblings with different personalities that cater to varied driving preferences.

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Styling and Design

Winner: MX-5 Miata

The visual differences between these roadsters are immediately apparent. The Miata presents a more angular, aggressive appearance with its sharp grille and distinctive front end that perfectly matches its sporty character. The 124 Spider adopts a more conventional, rounded design language that pays homage to its classic predecessors.

While the Fiat's extended nose and deck lid eliminate some of the Miata's characteristic stubby proportions, this more conventional approach may make it blend in more with traffic. For those seeking a roadster that stands out visually, the Mazda's bolder styling typically wins more admirers.

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Engine Performance

Winner: 124 Spider

The powertrain represents one of the most significant differentiators between these siblings:

The Fiat's turbocharged engine provides a substantial 36 lb-ft torque advantage that's particularly noticeable in real-world driving. With peak torque arriving at just 2,500 rpm compared to the Miata's 4,600 rpm, the 124 Spider delivers stronger acceleration from low speeds and requires less gear shifting during normal driving.

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Handling Dynamics

Winner: MX-5 Miata

This is where the Miata's pedigree shines brightest. Mazda's focus on pure driving pleasure results in:

• Sharper turn-in and more immediate steering response
• Flatter cornering with less body roll
• More communicative chassis that provides better road feedback
• Superior agility in tight, technical sections

The 124 Spider, while still enjoyable, adopts a slightly more relaxed approach. Its handling favors sweeping curves over tight switchbacks, making it better suited for grand touring than aggressive backroad driving. The difference becomes particularly apparent during spirited driving, where the Miata feels more eager and precise.

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Ride Comfort and Daily Usability

Winner: 124 Spider

Where the Fiat gains an advantage is in everyday comfort and long-distance suitability:

• More compliant suspension absorbs road imperfections better
• Reduced cabin noise (though both remain loud by sedan standards)
• More supportive seats for extended journeys
• Less fatiguing over long distances

During back-to-back testing, the 124 Spider proved significantly more comfortable over broken pavement and during multi-hour drives. The Miata's firmer setup, while rewarding on smooth roads, can become tiring when road quality deteriorates or during extended time behind the wheel.

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Interior and Features

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The cabins reveal their shared origins most clearly, with nearly identical layouts and components. Key observations include:

• Same excellent driving position and ergonomics
• Identical infotainment systems (with different startup logos)
• Similar material quality throughout
• Shared quirks like the poorly placed multimedia controller

Fiat claims additional sound deadening in the 124 Spider, but in practice, both cabins let in similar amounts of road and wind noise - an expected trade-off for lightweight convertible design.

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Choose the Mazda MX-5 Miata if you:

• Prioritize razor-sharp handling above all else
• Enjoy high-revving naturally aspirated engines
• Want the purest, most connected driving experience
• Prefer bold, distinctive styling
• Mainly drive on smooth roads or for shorter durations
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Choose the Fiat 124 Spider if you:

• Value low-end torque and effortless acceleration
• Need better comfort for daily driving or long trips
• Prefer a more classic roadster aesthetic
• Drive frequently on imperfect roads
• Want a slightly more unique choice (lower sales volume)