The current-generation Mazda MX-5 Roadster, also known as the ND-generation internally, also had a direct opposite for several years - the Fiat 124 Spider. Both were produced at the same production line within Mazda’s Hiroshima plant, with both becoming signature rear-wheel-drive, lightweight roadster sports cars that carried their own distinct brand identities, aesthetic forms, and other key features that made them stand out from each other. Though they share the same underpinnings and a host of other interior features, how do these two sports cars differ when it comes to areas like performance figures, reliability ratings, and secondhand value (including depreciation)?Hence, we're comparing the Fiat 124 Spider vs the Mazda Miata in further detail, looking in particular for any areas where the roadsters share significant differences or if they are basically the same car underneath it all.This piece takes into account manufacturer-supplied specifications as well as test drive experience, where available. All information and pricing quoted here is correct at the time of writing as sourced from the automaker. Prices quoted exclude destination, options, and fees. Manufacturers reserve the right to change prices at any time without notice. Fiat 124 Spider and Mazda MX-5 Background A Somewhat Shared History 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata ClubThe current-iteration MX-5 first debuted in North America for the 2016 model year. Though featuring more cabin comforts and safety equipment to keep up with modern regulations, the ND-gen MX-5 still manages to be lighter and shorter than its preceding iteration. As of 2026, it continues to be produced and sold in North America, following several updates to the cabin tech and platform.The Fiat 124 Spider, first introduced for the 2017 model year, served as a modern interpretation of the original 124 Spider, sold between the 1960s to 1980s. Between the Fiat 124 vs Miata, the Spider notably differentiates itself visually with a longer front hood and a different front bumper/fascia design. Fiat Chrysler Automobiles (FCA), now known as Stellantis, also stated that different suspension tuning was applied to the 124 Spider.As part of the joint venture between Mazda and Fiat Chrysler, both roadsters were produced alongside each other at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant, though the final assembly of the 124 Spider is stated to have taken place in Italy."The Fiat 124 Spider revives the storied nameplate, bringing its classic Italian styling and performance to a new generation. Paying homage to the original 124 Spider more than 50 years after its introduction, the Fiat 124 Spider delivers the ultimate Italian roadster experience with driving excitement, technology and safety combined with iconic design. "- Stellantis Fiat 124 Spider Performance Fiat Brings Forced Induction Over MX-5’s Naturally Aspirated Inline-four 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata ClubBetween the Fiat Spider vs Miata, both utilize four-cylinder engines under the hood, along with the same six-speed manual/automatic transmissions to send power to the rear. However, look closer, and both employ four-pots in different configurations that allow them to deliver slightly different driving dynamics when pushed to their limits as sports cars. The Mazda strictly uses a 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder, featuring the brand's ‘SKYACTIV’ technology, while the Fiat employs a 1.4L turbocharged four-cylinder with ‘Multiair’ electronic variable valve timing technology from the Fiat/Stellantis parts family - a unit that is also utilized in other Fiat/Chrysler models like the Fiat 500, Dodge Dart, and Jeep Renegade. It’s worth highlighting though, that despite the inclusion of turbocharging, the smaller displacement engine still can't match the naturally aspirated one, making the Mazda the more powerful and faster of the two roadsters.Both also deliver the same gas mileage figures, along with the type of six-speed automatic/manual transmissions they employ (though the FCA has mentioned the manual from the preceding MX-5 is used to handle the greater torque loads of the turbo 1.4L engine)."Powering the MX-5 is exactly the amount of horsepower and torque Mazda believes is right for the little car - 181 hp and 151 pound-feet from the 2.0-liter SkyActivG four-cylinder engine. And Mazda is correct. The MX-5 is designed to be fun on back roads or at the track, not to race in a straight line at traffic lights or be challenging to drive hard. So while 181 hp isn't a lot on paper, the MX-5 doesn't need more."- Ian Wright, Senior Road Tester, CarBuzz Abarth Upgrades Spice Up Fiat 124 Spider FiatThe Fiat is the only one of the two that was also sold in an upgraded, full-performance variant. Enhanced by Fiat’s in-house tuning division, Abarth, the Abarth 124 Spider models have been upgraded to produce slightly more power out of the 1.4L turbocharged four-pot. The power bump to 164 horsepower from 160 hp is still below the power output of the larger 2.0L found in the Mazda, but the Abarth adds suspension and brake upgrades over the standard 124 Spider, intended to improve its rear-wheel-drive chassis dynamics and drive. An upgraded exhaust system and limited-slip differential were also included that were never offered for the MX-5. Styling And Design: Fiat 124 Spider MX-5 Miata Defined By 'Kodo' Design Languagel; Fiat Brings Retro-inspired Styling Mazda While both the Fiat vs Miata share the same underpinnings, including virtually identical platforms underneath, both roadsters slightly deviate when it comes to their exterior aesthetics and other factors associated with their styling.FiatBy outside appearance alone, it is easy to distinguish them - the Mazda with its sharp lines and slimmer exterior light designs that incorporate the brand’s ‘Kodo’ design language, versus the more curvaceous profile and round headlights of the classic-inspired Fiat roadster. It's also worth highlighting that the Mazda is the only one of the two to offer both a soft-top convertible roof, alongside a power-folding, retractable hardtop roof configuration, also known as the MX-5 RF (Retractable Fastback). The Fiat 124 Spider is only available with a manually operated soft-top roof arrangement.2016 Mazda MX-5 Club interiorLook inside and, minus the badges, there are no big differences between the Fiat Spider vs the ND-generation Mazda Miata’s cabins, as both share the same switch gear and buttons, and even utilize the same Mazda-developed seven-inch infotainment head unit that can be operated via the touchscreen and a center control dial. The steering wheel, gear shift knob, and handbrake designs remain identical, as well as the instrument cluster dials and display (minus a slightly different tachometer). 124 Spider's 'Spicier' Abarth Variant Abarth 124 Spider exterior The Fiat once more brings styling to the cabin design and aesthetics that are unique to its Abarth variant, amplifying its Italian roots with multiple ‘Scorpion’ emblems and Abarth details throughout the body and cabin. Larger Abarth alloy wheels and unique exterior styling add further sporting aesthetics not seen on its Japanese twin, alongside quad exhaust tips, a honeycomb grille with black details, a red-faced tachometer, and red leather stitching details. 124 Spider Reliability Do Japanese Roots Translate Into Good Reliability (Even Under Italian Badges)? 2026 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF front quarterJapanese brands are renowned for their solid reliability, and Mazda continues to be no exception to this, with its high customer satisfaction rates that continue into the present day. But given the Fiat 124 Spider adds some European internal components to this Japanese-engineered platform, it’s worth exploring if this has in any way affected overall reliability and how average customer satisfaction reports from owners based on reviewing data from sources like the NHTSA, J.D. Power ratings, and CarComplaints.Both models were ranked for the 2017 model year by J.D Power, where the Fiat 124 Spider carries a 75/100 rating when it comes to general quality/reliability, while the equivalent Mazda MX-5 carries a notably higher rating of 85/100.CarComplaints reports owners of early models of both the ND-generation MX-5 and the 124 Spider experienced a few interior accessory issues, but these are rare instances and, more importantly, neither currently hint of any serious mechanical or safety issues that could affect either model (as of current data).A similar trend is also noted by reviewing the latest NHTSA recall and owners' complaints data - minus MY2019 124 Spiders that were subjected to two recalls involving potentially faulty safety restraint systems and fuel pumps. Both models otherwise have little to no recalls on their record. The Mazda does note far fewer complaints from owners compared to the Fiat, which continues to its latest post-update models. The consensus is that even with the inclusion of a Fiat-derived powertrain, this has not drastically made the Fiat less reliable than its Japanese counterpart, though the integrity of the turbocharged 'Multiair' unit is worth keeping an eye on in the long run. Fiat 124 vs Mazda MX-5 Pricing Almost Identical Yet Again, At The Time 2026 Mazda MX-5 The Fiat 124 Spider and its Abarth variant were discontinued from the North American market for the 2020 model year, while the ND-generation Mazda MX-5 continues to be sold as of this writing. Hence, we will compare both roadsters' price ranges for the final year during which the Fiat was available (MY2020).Pricing for the Fiat vs the ND-gen Miata were almost identical when these cars were sold new, with both the entry-level MX-5 Soft-top and 124 Spider starting within the $26,000–27,000 price range. The most expensive variants began from at least $30,000 base MSRP, namely the MX-5 RF Club Manual and the 124 Spider Abarth; given the RF-variant Mazda MX-5 was positioned as the more upmarket model with its power-folding hardtop roof, among other features it came with as standard, its understandable why it carried a higher premium than any of the other Fiat/Mazda models.Within the secondhand market, both the Fiat and Mazda (MY2020) maintain a slight gap in terms of average pricing. Interestingly, 2020 Fiat 124 Spiders have depreciated more compared to MX-5s, while MX-5 soft-tops of the same model year carry a slight premium over their Italian counterparts.
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