If you’re a fan of the Mazda MX-5, aka Miata, but you’d also like something that looks more like a traditional roadster and sounds throatier when revved, the Fiat 124 Abarth Spider becomes the obvious choice.
According to DeMuro, the 124 Abarth, while extremely similar to the Miata, does a slightly better job at standing out as a roadster.
However, while he did like the overall look of the car, the panel gap between the front fascia and wing was definitely not to his liking – it’s weirdly vertical and more noticeable than on the Mazda.
Inside, it does have a few quirks, such as the annoyingly dim “Night Mode” for the infotainment system, but overall its cabin will be a familiar place for anybody who’s ever sat in or driven the new Miata.
On the go, the 124 Abarth feels quick, sounds good and handles very well, especially on back-roads. But does it justify its almost $30,000 price, and how does it compared to its Japanese sibling?