Mazda MX-5 and Fiat 124 Spider Go Head-to-Head in Shared-Blood Roadster Showdown
Mazda’s MX-5 and Fiat’s 124 Spider share a platform and a factory, but a track battle video reveals where the similarities end and the differences matter.
Mazda’s MX-5 and Fiat’s 124 Spider have been linked since the Italian roadster’s 2016 launch, with both models built at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant on the same platform. A new video pits the two against each other on track, exploring how these rear-wheel-drive convertibles diverge despite their shared DNA.
How the MX-5 and 124 Spider differ on paper
While the MX-5 and 124 Spider look similar from a distance, their character diverges as soon as the bonnet is lifted. The Mazda sticks with its naturally aspirated 1.5 or 2.0-litre Skyactiv-G engines, focusing on throttle response and rev-happy driving. Fiat, by contrast, fits its 1.4-litre turbocharged MultiAir unit, which delivers more torque lower down the rev range but a different power delivery.
Weight is another separator. The MX-5 is lighter, especially in 1.5-litre form, which helps its agility and makes the most of its modest power. The Fiat 124 Spider, with its turbo and extra sound deadening, tips the scales higher. Both cars offer six-speed manual or automatic gearboxes, but the Mazda’s limited slip differential option is a draw for keen drivers.
On-track: similarities and surprises
The video track battle highlights the MX-5’s sharper turn-in and lighter feel, while the Fiat’s turbocharged punch delivers a different sort of mid-corner exit. Both maintain the classic rear-drive roadster balance, but the Mazda’s lower weight and more direct steering give it the edge for purists.
Fiat’s 124 Spider has been welcomed as a return to rear-wheel-drive sports cars for the Italian brand, following a long absence. The MX-5, meanwhile, remains a cult favourite, especially in RF form with its retractable hardtop. For buyers, the decision comes down to engine character and styling preference: Japanese purity or Italian turbocharged flair.
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