Kissing Cousins: Miata July Sales Stymied With the Arrival Of Fiat's 124 Spyder

Putting the 2.5 into the Miata as the base engine would probably make sales go up and then throw a turbo on the 2.5 and sales would climb even more.

Add a real coupe...more sales.

Aside from the powerphobic idiots that wax poetic about the Miata's low-powered balance, it simply is a great opportunity that Mazda has profoundly squandered again and again.

I actually thing the Fiat is better appointed, and better styled. Plus it is cheaper as well.

Something tells me there is a 124 Abarth in my future

The 124 is better looking to my eyes, especially the rear. 124 power/performance appears to be comparable, and after reading many comparos between the two, pretty much even. I too am waiting for the real "Abarth" version.

Both are weird looking and remarkably small with a very tight cabin.
Remember this, FIAT means Fix It Again Tony. Keep your eyes open.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. While I prefer the styling of the 124 the Miata is not unattractive by an means. Frankly at sea level the Miata has the performance over the 124. Due to the fact that it is lighter by about 150 LBs over the Abarth version it is 1/2 second quicker to 60MPH. However the 124 is the better cruiser It is bit quieter due better sound insulation.Further at 7000 ft above sea level the 124 should out perform the Miata due to it's turbo motor.

Also, given that Fiat is not an ideologue like Mazda, they WILL shoehorn a bigger turbo/engine if they think it will sell. There's probably 1.8 turbo around the corner, which would be perfect: 200 HP/215 lb.ft. Now that's going to be the car to get.

I drove both. I love the Fiat.

Which one would give me no problems if I kept for 10 yrs? I would say the Mazda is proven to be the smarter choice, much better styling also. The Fiat looks like a aftermarket kit that doesn't fit well.I just hope Fiat uses the same model they used for the 500 Abarth, she was hot!