Abarth 124 Spider v Mazda MX-5 2016 Comparison

Abarth 124 Spider v Mazda MX-5 2.0 GT Roadster
Comparison Test

Same, same only different
The Mazda MX-5 is already on record as one of our favourite driver’s cars, offering sports performance at an accessible price point.

On sale since August last year (2015), the MX-5 has enjoyed a year in the limelight, receiving accolades for its driveability, sharp handling and classic sports car feel.

Hot on its heels however is the newly launched Abarth 124 Spider, its brother from another mother, so to speak.

Featuring bolder styling, a turbo-petrol engine and an Italianesque suspension set up, the fancy Fiat is seeking a piece of Mazda’s pie.

Why are we comparing them?
While the two cars share the same rear-drive underpinnings, there’s actually more to separate them than just their looks.

The Mazda is powered by a 2.0-litre naturally aspirated petrol engine generating 118kW and 200Nm. Delivering 7kW and 50Nm more is a punchy 1.4-litre turbocharged petrol unit in the Abarth 124 Spider.

Both engines are mated to six-speed manual gearboxes with the Abarth unit tweaked to handle the additional torque.

Both cars also roll on 17-inch wheels, but suspension tunes are quite different for each with the Abarth adding Bilstein frequency selective damping shock absorbers, stiffer springs and a strut tower brace.

The Italian stallion also features uprated Brembo calipers for greater stopping power.

Who will they appeal to?
With different styling, engines and suspension tunes, the two cars are pitched at different buyers.

As two-seaters they’ll each appeal to young drivers or empty-nesters looking for affordable open-top sports performance. The overt styling of the Abarth, however, is likely to give it a narrower, more youthful appeal than the Mazda.

Drivers who like their cruising to be comfortable are also more likely to plump for the MX-5 which has a softer suspension tune and less aggressive feel behind the wheel.

Drivers looking for a bolder ride however, will appreciate the tauter feel in the Abarth and the punch from the extra torque delivered by the turbo.

The Mazda MX-5 is the more affordable, starting at $39,550 while the Abarth is available from $41,990. To offset the cost difference at launch, the Abarth is being introduced with a sharp driveaway price of $43,500.

Each car features a solid spec list including heated leather seats, keyless entry and push-button ignition, 7.0-inch colour touchscreen and BOSE sound system. The cloth soft top in each is manually operated but is simple and straightforward to use from within the car in seconds.

The Abarth features a standard reverse camera which is only available as an option on the MX-5 and also offers a visibility pack which includes blind-spot detection and rear cross-traffic alert – features which are not available at all on the Mazda.

The 124 Spider also offers an optional Monza exhaust (fitted) at a whopping $1895.
Vehicle servicing intervals are more generous on the Abarth, at 12 months / 15,000km compared to Mazda’s 10,000km. Mazda offers capped price servicing up to 160,000km.

What do they do well?
The MX-5 is lighter by around 30kgs, and although that doesn’t sound much, it’s very noticeable in a back to back comparison.

The feel behind the wheel is lighter and it can be flung into corners without the concern that you’re carrying too much weight. Yes, it lacks the acceleration and torque of the Abarth but it can be pushed hard enough to still be enjoyable and accessible for most everyday drivers.

The Abarth 124 Spider by contrast is heavier and seems to require a bit more effort to drive, but some may say this equals an engaging experience. While the clutch feel is pretty similar, the gear change is a little notchier than the MX-5. Acceleration is also faster but no more enjoyable than in the MX-5.

In the Abarth’s exclusive Sport mode, turn in is noticeably sharper, a factor of the revised suspension additional strut brace and steering tune.

What could they do better?
The Mazda MX-5 is a comprehensive package and hits its target in terms of affordable performance but you are left wondering whether its engine packs enough of a punch as it does need to be pushed pretty hard to come up to speed.

The Abarth delivers on the grunt and speed but there’s some lag on acceleration and it can’t carry speed in higher gears so in the twisties you’ll be spending a fair bit of time down in second gear, working the engine pretty hard. That’s got to take a toll on your fuel economy…

We were also worn down by the optional Monza exhaust over the test drive period.

There’s no doubt it is an aural sensation but it’s always-on note is very wearing after a while.

The winner of this test all comes down to taste. If you like a bit more chilli in your driving then the Abarth 124 Spider is going to be your pick, but if you favour flavour over outright spice then the MX-5 is the one to go for.

As a car to live with every day, we’d plump for the Mazda MX-5 as we’re concerned the novelty of the Abarth might just wear off quite quickly.

2016 Abarth 124 Spider pricing and specifications:
Price: $47,355 as tested (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 125kW/250Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 6.5L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 150g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: N/A

2016 Mazda MX-5 pricing and specifications:
Price: $39,950 as tested (plus on-road costs)
Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder turbo-petrol
Output: 118kW/200Nm
Transmission: Six-speed manual
Fuel: 6.9L/100km (ADR Combined)
CO2: 162g/km (ADR Combined)
Safety Rating: Five-star ANCAP