by "Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
Published 01/31/2017 at 13:29
by "Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
Published 01/31/2017 at 13:29
Tags: Miata
; MX-5
; ND
; 124
; 124 Spider
STARS: 7
(More quick iPhone shots in the post for your time) Hey Oppo! I have a pretty open schedule this week, and with the rain gone, plenty of opportunity to review both my ND and new 124 Spider. What I want to know is there anything in specific that you want to know about these two cars? Anything I should definitely add or answer in my reviews? Any pressing questions you have about either or both of them? Just looking for some extra ideas to add to the reviews.
I’ll be getting some nicer shots later today/throughout the week, and typing up the reviews shortly. I’m hoping to have the first review out this weekend, with the second one to follow middle of next week. We’ll see if I actually can pull it off.
Thanks for your time Oppo!
"OpposResidentLexusGuy - USE20, XF20, XU30 and Press Cars" (jakeauern)
01/31/2017 at 13:30, STARS: 4
Why do you have both? Do you have a different type of job for each car? One for driving and one for cruising?
"SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie" (sidewaysondirt)
01/31/2017 at 13:32, STARS: 3
If someone is torn between the two, do you recommend both?
"For Sweden" (rallybeetle)
01/31/2017 at 13:32, STARS: 15
Why
"jasmits" (jasmits)
01/31/2017 at 13:34, STARS: 1
Why both??
"Tripper" (tripe46)
01/31/2017 at 13:34, STARS: 7
"Daily Drives a Dragon - One Last Lap" (ddadragon)
01/31/2017 at 13:35, STARS: 0
Doesn’t the Fiat have the Multiair from the 500 Abarth? How does that compare to the Mazda’s?
"Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To" (murdersofa)
01/31/2017 at 13:35, STARS: 2
Which one is a better car?
Which one is more fun?
Is either one significantly more practical?
Obligatory “you idiot, why didn’t you get the Abarth”?
"Takuro Spirit" (takurospirit)
01/31/2017 at 13:36, STARS: 2
How many MOPAR logos versus MAZDA logos can you find?
"HammerheadFistpunch" (hammerheadfistpunch)
01/31/2017 at 13:36, STARS: 2
You have to add lightness somehow.
"Scott" (merl3noir)
01/31/2017 at 13:37, STARS: 0
Is the Abarth available yet?
"RallyDarkstrike - Fan of 2-cyl FIATs, Eastern Bloc & Kei cars" (rallydarkstrike)
01/31/2017 at 13:38, STARS: 0
Which drivetrain combination do you prefer of the two?
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
01/31/2017 at 13:39, STARS: 0
Which one’s styling do you like better? Or maybe a better question is: what elements of each’s styling most appeal to you?
Do both of them look in person how they look in pictures, or are they different in person? In what ways?
Really important : how do the interior materials compare? I sat in a Miata and was disappointed that the excellent dash materials found in other models didn’t make it to the ND, but instead they used vintage Mazda plastics. How much better, if at all, is the Fiat?
"facw" (facw)
01/31/2017 at 13:41, STARS: 3
Wouldn’t it be more efficient to just have one 4C?
"DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars." (dfwscars)
01/31/2017 at 13:41, STARS: 1
Love to hear an owner’s opinion and how it differs from just a review. Having reviewed both Better is impossible... More fun probably = slightly the Miata (that changes with Abath though). The Fiat shockingly has slightly less roll in base setup. Overall it leans a bit more GT car and is a bit more livable, slightly nicer interior, etc. Both engines are great in different ways.
"DFW's cars, Ferrari Dave’s thoughts on cars." (dfwscars)
01/31/2017 at 13:42, STARS: 0
yup, and it’s a sweet engine especially if you ad an exhaust. Probably one of the fav cars I reviewed all year (then again so was the Miata).
"3point8isgreat" (3point8isgreatest)
01/31/2017 at 13:42, STARS: 0
How is the road noise in them with the tops up? I’m leaning towards Miata for my next car, but I drive 75 miles a day on highways so road noise can be annoying depending on how I’m feeling.
Obviously I know the answer is loud, but can you at least kind of hold a conversation still? Is there any appreciable difference in noise between the two cars?
"carzcarzcarz" (carzcarzcarz)
01/31/2017 at 13:43, STARS: 0
This, that’s my first question. To me it’s like having an FR-S and BRZ. Please tell us all the little nitty gritty details between the 2
"Chan - Mid-engine with cabin fever" (superchan7)
01/31/2017 at 13:43, STARS: 1
1) Congratulations on the sweet rides.
2) Why did you choose to buy two cars that are so similar in function?
"carzcarzcarz" (carzcarzcarz)
01/31/2017 at 13:44, STARS: 1
Ha ha, loved that show, great use of it. Star awarded
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
01/31/2017 at 13:48, STARS: 0
They are definitely more different than that. Different engines and suspension setups can certainly make a difference in how it drives. Still seems silly to me to have both but FRS and BRZ would be REALLY silly.
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/31/2017 at 13:50, STARS: 1
Can you delete the muffler on the Fiat and then put a video on youtube?
Please and thanks.
Also, I hate you.
"Wrong Wheel Drive (41%)" (rduncan5678)
01/31/2017 at 13:52, STARS: 1
You can still hold a conversation even in an NA/NB with the top up. Wind noise is definitely obnoxious but you get used to it. This significantly improved with the NC also. So I would have to imagine the ND is at least as good as that.
"jminer" (jminer)
01/31/2017 at 13:54, STARS: 0
That’s exactly what I was wondering. I guess I get the same question about why I own so many old Japanese bikes. My answer is both to save them, and they’re cheap as hell.
"yamahog" (yamahog)
01/31/2017 at 13:58, STARS: 0
"carzcarzcarz" (carzcarzcarz)
01/31/2017 at 14:11, STARS: 1
I’m sure there are quite drastic differences, and we’d all like to know about them. As another commenter asked, how’s the interior differ. Other than what the magazines say, us common folk don’t get a good back to back comparison, so I hope you are up for that.
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:15, STARS: 2
Short: Why not have both?
Long: Despite sharing so many parts, they are very different cars. The Miata will slowly transition to a full AutoX / Track / Canyon build and will be far less usable on the streets. The Fiata will only be lightly modded, if not all, maybe just roll bar, springs, wheels and a tune - and thus be on daily duty. Both cars are very different looks wise, and I prefer arriving in the classy Fiat rather than the boy racer-isn MX-5. I missed my Sky Turbo, and the MX-5 doesn’t match that feeling, whereas the Fiata gets extremely close. They both drive so differently and so closely, it’s really wonderful to be able to go with whatever flavor I want depending on the day.
Truth: The girlfriend steals the MX-5 so much that it’s almost worth making it her car exclusively and trimming down the fleet. Only problem is I want to really go all out on the MX-5…
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:15, STARS: 0
Seems to be the question of the day…
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:17, STARS: 0
No. I ask questions to determine which I feel would suit them better, as they are both very different cars, and then recommend whichever one I feel would be best. I do recommend test driving both of them to people though. If both cars are present, I let them crawl all over each one to figure it out themselves as well.
Short: Fiat for most; MX-5 for the purists, racers or the younger.
"LOREM IPSUM" (lorem---ipsum)
01/31/2017 at 14:17, STARS: 0
If you had to stuff a 5.0 in one of them, which would it be?
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:18, STARS: 0
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:19, STARS: 0
I’m going to be answering this question a lot…
(I apprecaite the wonderful GIF usage though)
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:21, STARS: 0
Fiat has the same Multiair engine as the 500 Abarth. Short answer: Fiata feels more powerful, Miata has a ton of torque below 2500 though. Miata gets far better gas mileage, but doesn’t make as fun noises. Miata revs, Fiata boosts. Long answer will be in my reviews.
"SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie" (sidewaysondirt)
01/31/2017 at 14:21, STARS: 0
Why not?
"SidewaysOnDirt still misses Bowie" (sidewaysondirt)
01/31/2017 at 14:21, STARS: 1
Why
not
both?
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:22, STARS: 1
Both are relatively equal, comes down to personal preference.
Miata is currently more fun. I have not had the opportunity to Autocross, track or even drive my favorite mountain roads in the Fiat yet.
The Fiat is far more practical. Just far, far more practical with it’s larger trunk for daily usage at least.
Also, the Abarth is hideous and expensive. I’ll gladly take my 10 grand savings, go to the aftermarket, and build a superior car and still save money.
"For Sweden" (rallybeetle)
01/31/2017 at 14:22, STARS: 0
Money better spent on classic car or wagon or jeep
"Tripper" (tripe46)
01/31/2017 at 14:23, STARS: 0
Haha thanks, I saw that someone had already asked why. So I was temped not to bother you with another one. Then I thought, “this gif is so good though!”
"jasmits" (jasmits)
01/31/2017 at 14:24, STARS: 0
Yeah, sorry haha. I saw after I posted that literally everyone else asked the same thing
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:24, STARS: 1
So many MOPAR logos, they are nearly everywhere! Mazda was conservative with their logos, but FCA must feel the need to validate themselves because every inch of this car has a logo somewhere. Even on comparable parts (example: rear windows):
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:24, STARS: 0
Having not driven the Fiat on a track or at autocross, or even at my favorite mountain roads: The MX-5. Around town the ever so slight lag is not as fun, so the Fiat doesn’t even win on city driving. On the highway, hands down the Fiat. As far as transmissions, Fiat. The ND doesn’t even come close on transmission feel.
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:25, STARS: 1
I prefer the classy sexy Italian lines over the angry wannabe-agressive but still happy boy racer-isn vibes of the Miata.
The Miata looks the same in person as in pictures, just much smaller than you expect. The Fiat does not photograph as well and looks far better in person.
Interior materials are much better and higher quality in the Fiat. Mazda cheaped out in the MX-5, especially the Sport trim I have. The Fiat is much quieter inside as well, due to numerous sound deadening mats added throughout.
Great questions I plan to address in my reviews though! Thank you!
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:26, STARS: 0
1) Thank you, I am glad to have the pair. They are a ton of fun!
2) Most commonly answered question answered
here.
"jasmits" (jasmits)
01/31/2017 at 14:32, STARS: 0
After reading the response, I can see the logic, fair enough! I’m still a big proponent of having as broad a fleet as possible(I currently own an E36 Compact and a second gen 4Runner, both of which are great at very different things) but then again my dream of replacing the E36 for DD duty with a newer sports sedan, hot hatch or pony car and turning the E36 into a track toy seems to cover the exact same bases as your driveway(assuming the F150 belongs to you).
"Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To" (murdersofa)
01/31/2017 at 14:33, STARS: 0
Larger trunk? Thank heavens. I laughed out loud at the salesman when I popped an ND trunk and he said “it’s very practical”. Damn thing was smaller than my NB which also has a spare tire.
So do you plan on modding the 124 any? seems like it would be the superior base due to the better practicality and turbo resulting in a better car when all is said and done. At the very least you need the Abarth exhaust because, c’mon, that exhaust note is a work of art.
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:33, STARS: 2
I am already spending far too much time and money on a “classic” project car. It also takes up too much space in my parent’s garage, much to their annoyance.
Can’t afford a new Volvo wagon and the girlfriend despises wagons, so that’s out the door. An older Jeep is on the to-be acquired list so I can have a Jurassic Park replica some day. Need more money first.
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:36, STARS: 3
As
Wrong_Wheel_Drive_NOT
said, there a huge numer of little (and major ie engine and suspension) differences between the two. I plan on doing a thrid write-up following the two reviews going into far too excessive detail with a lot of pictures on the little differences. The reviews will cover the major differences. Driving them back to back is quite noticable and they feel like different cars despite driving similarly. Both need a very different style of driving to get the most out of them. I hope I am up to covering the comparison well enough for you guys as well!
"Arrivederci" (arrividerci)
01/31/2017 at 14:39, STARS: 0
Do you live at your parent’s or just store your Supra there?
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:40, STARS: 2
I am going to try to keep the 124 “stock”. It will only be lightly modded, whereas all the major money will go to the ND.
The current plan for the 124 is an Abarth rear bumper, brake pads, Good-Win Racing Abarth-style Muffler-delete/Exhaust, rollbar, tune, and some TE37s with nice tires.
I want to keep the 124 civil as it’s my new Daily Driver, and the MX-5 can then go crazy.
The 124 is by far the superior base to modify if you like turbos, and if the aftermarket accepts it. So far, the MX-5 has a massive aftermarket already building up for it. If you wanted to mod them and had to decide based off that, hands down the 124 wins.
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
01/31/2017 at 14:41, STARS: 0
Are they both manual? If so which one do you prefer.
If not, how do they compare still on trans feel?
Is the Fiat worth the $80 over in base MSRP?
Why not the Abarth?
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:42, STARS: 2
4Cs don’t have a manual transmission option, and the 4C is my girlfriend’s dream car - so if I bought one I would never ever see or drive it again.
"Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To" (murdersofa)
01/31/2017 at 14:43, STARS: 1
Time for a turbo kit for the Miata. I haven’t seen many ND build threads. I saw Revlimiter just got an NC and is already doing his usual insanely tasteful mods to it. I’d love to see what happens if he got his hands on an ND.
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:44, STARS: 1
Fiata will be getting the full Good-Win Racing Abarth exhaust treatment once a Fiat dealer can order me an Abarth rear bumper. Will definitely be posting a before/after video on Youtube.
Also, I am totally jealous of your Crossfire. Trade for a day?
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:45, STARS: 1
Just store the Supra there. I live about 45 minutes North of my parents, since San Diego itself is too expensive to live in.
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:46, STARS: 0
Something like: Stuff a LSx in the Miata, stuff a 5.0 in the Fiat. Drive both everywhere and get the worst gas mileage possibly. End up having to see the doctor because the grin never goes away. Try to dodge the credit card companies cause I can’t afford either swap, let alone the gas.
Would be a fun life...
"LOREM IPSUM" (lorem---ipsum)
01/31/2017 at 14:50, STARS: 0
Do it! You can hide them at my place when the repo men come a calling.
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 14:50, STARS: 1
There’s a few nice turbo kits for the ND already, as AVO and TurboSource come to mind off the top of my head.
Instead, our MX-5 will be getting the supercharger treatment whenever Edelbrock releases their kit. I’ve had too much heat soak issues in the past with my previous turbo cars on the track, not to mention response issues, that staying N/A or supercharging is a superior option imo.
There’s one or two nice ND builds on Miata.net, not that I can remember their names right now. I plan on fully documenting my build when I start it once I kick this chemo, so I hope mine will be just as well recieved.
"benchslap" (benchslap)
01/31/2017 at 14:57, STARS: 0
-
"Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To" (murdersofa)
01/31/2017 at 14:57, STARS: 0
Man I wish I had that sort of money to throw around. My NB2 is adequately quick but a cold-side supercharger kit would be the absolute business. Unfortunately they’re $5000 which is $300 more than I paid for the whole car.
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 15:04, STARS: 2
Both are manual. I greatly prefer the NC transmission in the 24 over the ND’s Skyactive transmission.
I have also test driven both automatic 124s and MX-5s, and found the auto MX-5 to be more than acceptable while the auto 124 should be avoided at all costs.
Fiat would be worth a $1k premium over the ND in my opinion, as it is far more practical, quiet, and looks classier. Also, the Abarth is a far, far, far better value over the ND Club. Broken down by trim:
Classica = Sport
Abarth > Club
Grand Touring > Lusso
I dislike the Abarth’s front bumper styling (the black plastic looks awful in person), and I dislike the extra cost of the Abarth. The only two items I really want from the Abarth are the Recaro seats (which not a single dealer could find for me, and I was told it would be an 11+ month wait quickest for them) and the LSD (which I plan to buy and swap over).
Not worth the $10k mark-up of Abarths on lots over the Classica when I can save that money and accomplish so much more in the aftermarket. Plus there is something just so right about the Classica’s simplicity that I prefer.
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 15:04, STARS: 0
Why not? Full response if you click here.
"AestheticsInMotion" (aestheticsinmotion)
01/31/2017 at 15:08, STARS: 0
I own an NA and have a good amount of time behind the wheel of the ND both on the street and track. In what way does the fiata feel like an upgrade? Or downgrade?
Also, why did you grab both? (I applaud your choice, just curious)
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
01/31/2017 at 15:11, STARS: 0
Thanks!
"Milky" (jordanmielke)
01/31/2017 at 15:16, STARS: 0
Dope, my roommate has a 500 abarth and it sounds glorious.
Also my car has about a dozen things wrong with it ... I really need to unload it soon.
"Chariotoflove" (chariotoflove)
01/31/2017 at 15:26, STARS: 0
...the auto 124 should be avoided at all costs.
This makes me sad because I must buy auto. Guess I’ll only really know when I try it.
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 15:31, STARS: 2
Should have put a disclaimer on that: I have not driven an automatic 124 Abarth. The Abarth gets paddle shifters, different transmission internals and a much better (supposedly) transmission tune.
The standard Classica/Lusso transmission tune was appalling and never made any use of the engine, and was by far the most infruiating automatic I have driven in recent history. It tries to eek out every mpg possible but fails and just has too many shifts/too much lag with shifts and clunked between gears so hard the car jerks you around. I could not stand it.
From speaking with an owner of an auto Abarth, it is a worlds difference between the two. So if you want an auto 124, go Abarth (or maybe the aftermarket will offer a transmission tune?).
"Arrivederci" (arrividerci)
01/31/2017 at 15:41, STARS: 0
I was going to say your parents are saints if they let you store that fleet there, LOL!
"Rico" (ricorich)
01/31/2017 at 15:41, STARS: 1
Fiata looks so damn good
"carzcarzcarz" (carzcarzcarz)
01/31/2017 at 15:55, STARS: 1
In short, I agree, why not have both if possible, and you sir are the lucky one to be able to do so.
I like the plan for both cars, and don’t worry, most likely once you start getting hardcore on the Miata (sorry, still call it that) your GF won’t want to drive it as much.
"carzcarzcarz" (carzcarzcarz)
01/31/2017 at 15:56, STARS: 1
Great responses, I look forward to the write-up, and thanks for sharing with us!
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
01/31/2017 at 16:24, STARS: 0
I agree with you on the black plastic on the front. I guess I just really like the LSD and the blocked out lid and trunk, which could easily be wrapped.
I wish we got the blue.
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 16:36, STARS: 0
The black plastic front looks even worse in person and looks like it will fade quite badly very quickly. I was unfortunately disappointed by it, as my long ago original plan was to get an Abarth and just leave it alone and enjoy as was. Then they shafted us on the blue color and I gave up on the 124 for a few weeks, before deciding on getting a Classica later.
Also, the blacked out hood and trunk are an optional extra to the tune of $2k, and unlike the Euro cars that get theirs painted by the factory/Abarth, the US cars with the option are wrapped by the dealer. I feel like a local wrap place would do a better job for less than $2k to wrap the hood and trunk.
I am really bitter about the blue, and am trying to find a wrap color close to it so I can wrap my car and enjoy the blue.
"CaptDale - is secretly British" (captdale)
01/31/2017 at 16:44, STARS: 0
Good, be bitter. It is so stupid! Why can’t we have it? I use google translate to go on the italian abarth site and build my 124 Abarth in blue. It looks amazing!
Holy fuck 2k?! That is ridiculous. I didn’t know the US ones were wrapped already and not paint. That is stupid. You made the right decision. $2k you could probably get the LSD and some seat then buy some matte black wrap and do it yourself.
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 16:52, STARS: 0
I’m in a nice position where my financials are enough to cover my cost of living, plus allow me to indulge in my hobbies. I don’t drink, smoke or go out much (although lately we’ve been going out a ton with all our friends getting engaged or married, so going out to celebrate has been frequent), and don’t buy anything unless I need it to live or it’s one of my hobbies.
The current plan, which isn’t finished yet but still being added to, will probably cost me $20k in parts over the next 5 or 6 years for the MX-5. I’ve been through enough in life that the expense is worth it so long as it keeps me happy because I honestly don’t know how long I’ll be around for, so might as well enjoy it while I can.
Which is mainly why I have both the ND and the 124 at the same time. Sure, I could wait a few years and get a used 124 later for cheaper, but who knows what will happen between now and then - and I don’t want to miss out or regret not having it. So I got both and am happy with my choices, even if they don’t make sense to others.
"Z (ND + Cancer Fighter)" (roadsterzach)
01/31/2017 at 16:54, STARS: 0
Funny enough, I am worried that once the MX-5 (I use MX-5 and Miata interchangeably, its still a Miata) starts to go more hardcore she’ll steal it and take over the project. She’s is surprisingly more intersted (and sadly faster) at AutoX than me, although the track/canyons don’t interest her as much as me. If I went global cup car style on the Miata she would completely take over it.
Also, thanks for the kind words. I’m glad to be able to share my experiences with Oppo.
"carzcarzcarz" (carzcarzcarz)
01/31/2017 at 17:03, STARS: 0
She is that into cars? Sounds like a winner to me.
Question is who makes the payments on the cars? That might help determine the mod path and who gets the say
"Jake - Has Bad Luck So You Don't Have To" (murdersofa)
01/31/2017 at 17:31, STARS: 0
I was not prepared for these feels. I look forward to seeing your progress, good luck with the chemo.
"Jayhawk Jake" (jayhawkjake)
01/31/2017 at 19:43, STARS: 0
Why not? Because that’s a lot of money tied up in two of the same car. Yes, they’re different in many ways, but they’re both lightweight RWD convertibles with sufficient power and good handling. If you’re after two different experiences why not get two vastly different cars? If you want something that fits the mold of a Miata/Fiata, why not take the money spent on two and put it towards one better? There’s a ton of options in that $50k-$60k range both new and used, it seems like such a waste unless you’re sitting on a massive pile of money to waste.