Mazda MX-5 RF v Abarth 124 Spider comparison review

Value

Mazda: The Japanese brand has expanded its iconic MX-5 range with the new RF - Retractable Fastback - which fills the role of a coupe/hard-top without completely sacrificing the car's classic open-top feel.

The RF GT we're testing here sits right at the top of the MX-5 tree. Priced from $43,890 it comes well equipped with 17-inch alloys, adaptive front-lighting, keyless entry and ignition, leather trim, air-conditioning, navigation, Bluetooth, internet radio apps and a nine-speaker Bose sound system.

Abarth: Fiat's performance arm has put its own twist on the MX-5 with the 124 Spider, installing a new turbo charged engine, transmission and completely re-working the exterior styling.

Starting at $41,990 the Abarth undercuts the Mazda by $1900 and comes similarly equipped with 17-inch alloys, keyless entry and ignition, leather trim, air-conditioning, navigation, Bluetooth and the same nine-speaker Bose sound system.

The biggest difference between this pair is the roof, with the Mazda using a powered folding metal top and the Abarth getting the same manual soft-top.

Winner: Abarth

INSIDE

Mazda: While the majority of the cabin is shared between the two cars there are some small but important differences that serve to separate the pair.

The hard-top roof gives the RF a completely unique look and feel over the Abarth - and the MX-5 Roadster. Adding to that sense of premium quality, with the roof in place it feels solid and secure like a coupe.

The problem is it can only operate at speeds below 10km/h, which effectively means you must be stationary to put it up or down.

Abarth: While the 124 shares most of the interior with the MX-5, Abarth has added its own seats, gearshift knob and dial fascias. But they they look out of place with the rest of the Mazda design - which includes the same infotainment system you get in the MX-5.

The roof is the same manual operated soft-top from the standard MX-5, so can be operated at any speed - provided you're able to take a hand off the wheel.

Winner: Mazda

Engine

Mazda: This is where the two cars begin to diverge away from each other. The RF retains the same 2.0-litre naturally-aspirated four-cylinder as the Roadster, which is good for 118kW of power and 200Nm of torque. It drives the rear wheels through a six-speed manual transmission and limited-slip differential.

It is a great match for the lightweight MX-5, not overly powerful but it has enough grunt to make the little Mazda feel fast.

Abarth: To differentiate the Abarth, the Italian brand has opted for a different engine and gearbox. The 124 Spider is powered by its 125kW/250Nm 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbocharged engine paired with its own six-speed manual, but it retains the Mazda's limited slip diff.

The extra grunt is noticeable, with the 124 feeling quicker corner-to-corner, and the additional torque means you have to work the gearbox less.

Our test car was also fitted with the optional Monza sports exhaust that increases the soundtrack. Unfortunately for Abarth it is not one of the better noises on the market - less angry and raspy like you get in a nice turbo and more just loud and irritating.

The turbo engine does manage to use less fuel, despite the extra power, which gives it the edge in this contest.

Winner: Abarth

How it drives

Mazda: The MX-5 has a soft suspension set-up for a sporty, convertible and that has been transferred to the RF. It leans into corners, rather than trying to stay as flat as possible like most sports cars, but it hangs on with tenacious grip. Combined with the willing engine, slick gearbox and open-air cabin it makes the MX-5 feel playful and enjoyable on any road at any speed.

The unique roof design, which keeps the rear portion in place but drops the rear window into the boot, gives it a look unlike anything else on the market. However, it generates significant wind noise at speed when the roof is down. So much so it drowns out most of the engine and road noise, a stark contrast to when the roof is up.

Abarth: To further separate it from the Mazda the Italian version runs stiffer Bilstein shock absorbers and Brembo brakes (which are available on the Clubsport package for the MX-5 overseas) to change the way it handles. The new suspension set-up reduces the amount of roll and lean in the corners to give the Abarth a unique character.

But it comes at the expense of the Mazda's progressive nature. Instead the Abarth feels a little more twitchy at the limit, which costs it points in this contest.

Winner: Mazda

Safety

Mazda: One of the biggest areas of specification difference between the two cars is the safety equipment. Both cars have four airbags and the usual stability control and anti-lock brakes..

The RF GT comes standard with blind spot monitoring and rear cross traffic alert, two functions not available on the Abarth. The former is very much needed in the RF thanks to the large blind spots caused by the roof.

Abarth: But the 124 Spider scores points back for having a reversing camera - which comes in handy when parking with the roof up.

Neither car has the option of autonomous emergency braking or forward collision warning.

Winner: Draw

Verdict

Mazda: The MX-5 RF takes top honours here for several reasons, but mostly because it is simply a more cohesive car. It may be less powerful and it rides on softer suspension but it feels more fun to drive than its Italian cousin.

The Retractable Fastback roof gives it a suitably different feel from Roadster to make it seem like its own car, more coupe-like, but still able to offer open-air motoring when the mood suits.

Abarth: Fiat and Abarth did a great job making the 124 Spider feel like a slightly different car, rather than just a rebadged MX-5. The engine and firmer suspension make it sound and drive unlike the Mazda. It's a close fight this one, and both cars are stylish and fun-to-drive convertibles that are reasonably affordable. But different doesn't always mean better.

Winner: Mazda

2017 Mazda MX-5 RF pricing and specifications

Price: From $43,890 plus on-road costs

Engine: 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol

Power: 118kW at 6000rpm

Torque: 200Nm at 4600rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

Fuel use: 7.0L/100km

2017 Abarth 124 Spider pricing and specifications

Price: From $41,990 plus on-road costs

Engine: 1.4-litre four-cylinder turbo petrol

Power: 125kW at 5500rpm

Torque: 250Nm at 2500rpm

Transmission: Six-speed manual, rear-wheel drive

Fuel use: 6.5L/100km