Fiat 124 Spider Review - Better than an mx - 5? - Car keys

Ah British weather, never disappoints! Now as a big fan of the Mazda MX-5, the idea of a new two-seater, rear-wheel drive roadster coming to the UK was a very exciting prospect. And when I heard that that model was going to be heavily based on the MX-5... I thought hmmm. ok. Of course that new model is the Fiat 124 Spider. A name that dates back 50 years to the original 1966 Spider. And it's actually designed design quirks from the original model that make it to this one that make it unique when compared to the MX-5, you've got the crease that runs down the belt line, you've got the Indents in the bonnet, the big gaping grille - and in fact, every panel used on this car is different to the MX-5. But it's not just aesthetics that set the two models apart. Fiat insists that the Spider is set up to feel quite different to drive. But both models are built on the same chassis and side by side in the same factory. So how different can they really be? So the first major difference is that the Spider uses a 1.4-litre petrol engine mated to a snappy six-speed manual gearbox, and this 1.4 features a turbocharger. And that means that unlike the naturally aspirated 1.5 or 2.0-litre petrols in the MX-5, you get a big bubble of power waiting to be burst at 3000 rpm, and that lets you feed on its 240Nm of torque. What that does mean however is that acceleration below the 3000rpm mark is a bit underwhelming. And that's where more linear-powered naturally aspirated models like the MX-5 reign supreme - even if you do have to cane it a bit more. Don't get me wrong though. The Spider still loves to climb all the way to the rev limiter and it's still got a nice a characterful moan from the exhaust when you rev. And when you do floor it from a standing start it will take 7.5 seconds to reach the 62mph. It's not just the engine that is different in the Spider though. It moves and acts different on the road due to unique springs and steering set-up, which ultimately makes it lean a bit more and have an ever so slightly weightier feel, although you do still get that razor sharp turn in you get on the MX-5 and it grips the road like a scalectrix car. But get physical with it and yes, you can still whip the back end out. There's no limited slip differential in the Spider though, unlike the 2.0-litre MX-5, so there is a limit to how far you can push it, particularly in the wet. And that along with its slightly better wind and road noise insulation, further enforces that the Spider is a car angled more towards comfortable convertible cruising rather than apex attacking madness like the MX-5. But the Spider can definitely hold its own if you happen to come side by side with an MX-5 at the traffic lights. The interior of the Spider has got a leg up on comfort as well. I mean neither of the models are particularly plush, but the Spider's added inserts on the doors do make it a smidgen more luxurious. Apart from that though, you're in an MX-5, you've got the same infotainment screen and rotary dial, foldable roof that can be operated with one hand, same steering wheel and you've also got the same brilliant low down seating position. Kit wise there are three trims to choose from, with the mid-range Lusso offering the best bulk of essentials and tech like sat-nav, heated leather seats, rear parking camera and automatic climate control. There's a few convenient cubbies too, as well as this moveable cup holder, to keep you and your passenger happy. Boot wise the Spider boasts 10 litres more than the MX-5 at 140 litres. but that's not a massive difference, which means small amounts of shopping bags or soft weekend bags remain the best use for this boot. I do like how Fiat have whacked a badge on here though. Regardless of what model you go for, both the Spider and the MX-5 offer a lot of car for their £20,000 or so price tag. But side by side, the Spider actually sits in that middle of the MX-5's 1.5 and 2.0...although efficiency wise, the turbocharged Spider is slightly less frugal with a claimed average of around 44mpg. So what's better, the Fiat or the Mazda? Well it's really not that simple, I wish it was. It can be hard to put your finger on it at first but the two models do feel different. And the best way I can describe it is that the 124 Spider feels like the MX-5 with a comfort pack fitted. Which for those who want the characterful roadster feel of the Mazda without the visceral feel that goes with it, is great. Me personally, I think I'd go for the Mazda. But that's just me, what would you go for? Let us know In the comments section below and don't forget to subscribe to our YouTube channel.