2021 Fiat 124 Spider vs. Mazda MX-5 Miata
The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the 2021 Fiat 124 Spider are two door sport convertibles that are similar in many ways. Both are compact cars known for their stylish appearance and powered by a 4-cylinder engine. They have deft, agile handling, good fuel economy and lots of great standard features. And these rear wheel drive vehicles are famous for superior performance. The downside is their small trunk is only big enough for a toothbrush and their snug cabins are challenging for taller occupants. But few cars are as much fun to drive as these two. Here is our complete comparison on the Fiat 124 vs. Miata.
Exterior Features
The exterior of the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata and the 2021 Fiat 124 Spider are practically identical. Both have a 90.0 inch wheelbase, are just over 68.3 inches wide and about 48.5 inches tall. The Spider is 5 inches longer, 159.6 to 154.1 inches. Both vehicles have power windows, rear defrost, soft convertible top, rear spoiler, 16-inch aluminum alloy wheels and performance tires as standard equipment. However, the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata only weighs 2,341 pounds. That's almost 100 pounds less than the Fiat 124 Spider.
Interior Features
In our comparison of the 2021 Fiat 124 vs. Miata, both models offer surprisingly similar convenience and comfort features. Standard features on both cars include a back-up camera, cruise control, leather-wrapped adjustable steering wheel with steering wheel controls, power steering and power windows and mirrors.
Inside the Spider has that sports car charm, Italian flair and aggression. Its compact cabin has high-quality materials and intuitive technology. It has seats that are well-padded, supportive and comfortable, cleanly styled dashboard with a minimalist layout, large, legible instrument cluster and a touchscreen operated Fiat Connect infotainment system.
The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata has a cozy, driver centric cabin. Its dashboard has hard plastic, soft-touch materials and horizontal stitching. The instrument cluster has an analog tacho, analog speedometer and a multifunctional circular LCD. There's a tilting and telescoping classic three-spoke steering wheel with silver accents, cruise control and infotainment system control buttons. Seats and cabin have heat-resistant leather and there's a manually operated vinyl convertible roof. Unique features on higher trim levels include heated seats, leather-wrapped shift knob, parking brake handle and 3-spoke steering wheel and a 12-volt power outlet.
Infotainment And Connectivity Systems
The 2021 Fiat 124 Spider has Bluetooth, smartphone integration and charging, dual USB ports, voice controls, optional navigation, 7-inch infotainment system, Fiat connect 7 system, hands-free phone capability, a 9-speaker premium Bose surround music system, SiriusXM satellite radio and Pandora.
The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata's MAZDA CONNECT™ Infotainment system has a 7-inch full-color touchscreen, Bose 9-speaker audio system featuring AudioPilot, new infotainment system voice command, Multifunction Commander Control, Radio Broadcast Data System, HD Radio, Pandora, Aha and Stitcher internet radio integration, SMS text message with audio delivery and reply, E911 automatic emergency notification, Bluetooth hands-free audio and phone streaming, Android Auto and Apple CarPlay compatibility. There's also two USB audio inputs, Rev Gauge with gear indicator to maximize fuel efficiency and navigation with a road sign reading scanning system that alerts you to speed cameras.
Engine And Transmission
The 2021 Fiat 124 Spider has a 191 horsepower, Inline-4, 1.4 liter, turbocharged engine with 181 pound-feet of torque. It's mated to a 6-speed manual transmission or optional 6-speed automatic transmission. The 2021 Miata has a 181 horsepower, SKYACTIV-G inline-4, naturally aspirated 2.0 liter engine that delivers 151 pound-feet of torque. Like the Fiat 124 Spider, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has a 6-speed manual transmission, but it can be replaced with a 6-speed automatic transmission. Both vehicles are rear wheel drive cars.
Safety And Driver Assistance Features
The Fiat 124 Spider has key safety features like a steel safety frame, crumple zones to absorb energy in crashes, dual-stage front and supplemental front-seat side airbags, Electronic Stability Control system, Blind Spot monitoring, rear cross-path detection, rear park assist system, rear back-up camera, rollover protection and an 'active' bonnet that helps protect pedestrians from injury. In an accident, fuel will stop going to the engine and the doors will unlock automatically.
The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata i-Activsense system is advanced safety technologies designed to help drivers recognize hazards, avoid collisions and reduce unavoidable accidents' severity. It has 4-wheel disc brakes, anti-lock brakes and an Electronic Brakeforce Distribution system. The MX-5 Miata has a Lane Departure Warning System, Adaptive Front Lighting System, High-Beam Control, Rear Cross-Traffic Alert, Blind-Spot Monitoring, Traffic Sign Recognition and Smart City Brake Support.
Performance
Let's compare the performance of the Fiat 124 vs. Miata. Exciting performance is the hallmark of sports cars and these two sport cars deliver exceptional performance. Its top speed is 144 miles per hour and the Fiat 124 Spider can go from zero to 60 in 6.4 seconds. Controlling air intake to the cylinder with each stroke optimizes the Fiat 124 Spider's fuel consumption, increases power and enhances its performance. A lively shifting 6-speed manual transmission, compliant suspension tuning, punchy turbo engine and great handling give this Italian roadster a smooth, silky, thrilling ride. This classy, fun car offers a driving experience that's quiet joyous and refined.
Driving the 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is exhilarating. The small nimble sports car is fun to drive. It has an aerodynamic body, unique styling, impressive engine performance and a comfortable ride. The Miata is light, accelerates quickly and is easy to handle. Its agility, responsive steering, independent suspension and easy power lets you easily carve corners. Its grace and power excites, but doesn't overwhelm. Smooth, responsive handling and quick acceleration are its trademarks. It goes from zero to 60 in 5.7 seconds, has a top speed of 143 miles per hour and can stop on a dime.
A Close Race
The 2021 Fiat 124 Spider is a fun roadster with high-quality materials, intuitive tech, Italian styling and a powerful engine. The 2021 Mazda MX-5 Miata is sportier, has more agile handling, super-responsive steering and combines comfort, fun, lively, responsive performance, reliability and ownership satisfaction. It delivers nimbleness, an elite driving experience and is a more sensible purchase. Stop by Seacoast Mazda for a test drive.