Fiat 124 Spider vs Abarth 124 Spider FULL REVIEW test driven comparison all-new neu 2017 & vintage 

Your definitely in the top 3 car reviewers on RU-vid.

Thomas, as a Mazda owner I would let you know that you need to hold down the fuel economy button for a couple of seconds to reset it. Just pushing the button doesn't do it. I definitely like the 124 styling much more than the MX 5. Just more stylish in a retro way.

The little slots between the seats are actually there to hold the 2 detachable cup holders. This is what they are on the MX-5 and they should be the same on the 124. You can check them out on his video on the mazda if you're curious.

Best 124 review that ive seen on RU-vid Thanks.

At 18:16 those are two spots to plug in the cup holders. There are also cup holder spots along the tunnel further towards the dash. Thanks for the review!

Got the red Abarth with Automatic transmission (due to being old with knee problems) and it's the most fun that I've had in a car for a long time! I absolutely love it. A two seat roadster with a convertible top can now be crossed off my bucket list!

I am in the process of buying the Spider 124 and I have to say that you have by FAR the best overview of the Spider! I am a new RU-vidr and my channel is tiny compared to yours but your refinement and presentation is leap years ahead of me! Great job and your video quality is amazing!

Hi Thomas. I would go for the turbo version. The 1.4 t-jet/multiair engines are just wonderful. The best 1.4 on the market. They are so strong, robust and quick. Also they sound great. My choice would be the Abarth but then without the black panels. Great car! Thanks for this very good review. One of the best of the last months.

Love your show, the honesty and thorough approach to evaluation of the vehicle. This car has a remarkably fast manual top. In my experience, with multiple convertibles that I have owned, none have begged to be driven with the top down as this one has. It is really quite remarkable, and fun to drive.

I drove the new mx-5 2.0 last night and absolutely ADORED it! The cupholders and the volume knob are ridiculous but otherwise the car is FANTASTIC. What seems to be important is how much fun you can have in this (either Mazda or Fiat) car without driving really fast, so not risking speeding tickets. As for the styling, perhaps Fiat for me:)

Those slots on the interior by the lockable storage bin and the passenger footwell are for removable cup holders

Nice video. Just ordered a 124 spider, in Italian blue and brown seats. Lounge trim level. Can't wait to get it delivered later this summer.

Good review. But the rear is actually retro 124 too, from the facelift Spider 1981-85. Have a look! Many journalists have forgotten the later 'old' 124 Spider.

This is really a good and complete review for a great car!

This has receive a fair bit of criticism for its looks already. But I actually like it. Its not as modern or sporty looking as the new Mazda MX-5. Its longer and a bit more "heavy" in its design. But that just gives it a more classic roadster look. Even visually, compared to the MX-5, this one is obviously a bit more for cruising. And thats ok, because in fact thats what you will be doing most of the time in a car like this. And it suits the whole italian lifestyle rather well.

I'm quickly falling for this car. My favorite is the white Abarth with the appearance package.

Very detailed review! Happy you reviewed both! I am torn between the Lusso and Abarth. I really like the red with black hood thou.

What a BEAUTIFUL review ! Excellent to have history sitting next to the new car in such a beautiful setting !

This is the Best 124 Review I have ever seen. Its extremely comprehensive. Most videos just show shots driving the host went through every feature. I feel like I know the car better. Cant wait to check out your RF review

those two strange storage spaces and the one by the passenger is for removable cupholders!

these little cars are a breath of fresh air in the bulky an boring routine.. for a couple without children is perfect

Man that older model looks so pretty!

Very entertaining as always Thomas. I'm loving the look of this car, particularly in Abarth guise. Can't wait to test drive one!

Brilliant review Thomas, this is a beautiful car. Mazda MX5 is an attractive car but Fiat have made it much better.124 all the way.

Very good review and I like the way you present the cars, very relaxed, no rush tone, but then again @15:50 that is totally correct. :)

I tuned my fiat 124 up to 180 HP. Now it is even more fun and it keeps accelerating like crazy. Very reliable until now. Enyoing it every drive!

From what I could find out. The only difference between the Abarth and Fiat version is the engine ECU remap, the exhaust pipe and cosmetic. It should be easy to remap the Fiat version to the Abarth level of performance.

When car companies build "sister" cars, there's usually one that's clearly better looking. In this case, I think they're both equally beautiful. When I look at the MX-5, I think it's the better looking one. Then I look at the 124 and think that it is the better looking one. So it is fair to say that Mazda and Fiat have done a fantastic job giving the cars different personalities and succeeding at it. Job well done, Mazda and Fiat! As for the engine, it's a matter of preference. If you're a fan of Honda's V-tech engines or a fan of high-revving Formula 1 engines of a few years ago, you might prefer the Mazda. If, on the other hand, you enjoy the torque of turbo engines, then you already know your choice. Reliability is another important factor. Mazda's reliability, at least in the US, and especially with the MX-5, has been very good lately; however, Fiat's has been less than desirable, at least in the US.

I've read all the reviews so far on RU-vid. Yours is the most comprehensive on the three models and the interior systems. Nice to see you had fun with the Abarth, and the sound recordings were great to hear the difference between specifications. Good points about the use of the different options for different owners also. Very, very informative for buyers that have not yet tried the three models. I like the non-Japanese styling, but I don't buy the "reassembled in Italy" line that the Abarth rep is selling. Is that true, or is it "70%" nameplate?? Of course their are technical differences and performance parameters for each model, many of which are detailed elsewhere. But are they applied in Italy or in Hiroshima? The Fiata Nav screen sticks up like a sore thumb. It would be nice if it would pivot forward and down to slide into the dash when not in use. Even the standard exhaust on the Lusso recording sounds better than the Mx-5, I think, which seems higher pitched at mid--RPM.

Those holes in the central console and on the co-driver's side are for the (removable) cupholders.

Hallo aus Spanien bin seit einem Monat gluecklicher Besitzer von einen Abarth auch in Rot und Schwarz aber mit manueler Schaltung. Es ist ein richtiges Spass Auto vor allem im Sport Modus, mann wiel einfach nicht mehr aus dem Wagen austeigen sehr zu entfaellen. 😍

I really like what the Italians have done with the MX-5! I would go with the Abarth version probably, if not for anything else but the great sound they get out of the little 4 cylinder. Your reviews keep getting better and better each time, looking forward to the next one!

Thomas, this review was absolutely wonderful!!!! Honest, factual and emotional !!! Are you sure you are not Italian ?!?! Thank you !!!!!

Love the sound of that Abarth!! Hearkens back to the classic cars of old.

I have the 2016 Mazda Sport Recaro and am picking up my new Abarth next week. They’re both awesome cars!

At 18:18 you asked what those 2 slots were: they are to acommodate the two cup holders. At 19:07, one of the holders also can be placed in this slot on the passenger side of the console, near the passengers left knee. P.S. a few inches forward, under the dash, you will find the DC outlet. Also, If you move each seatback forward, you will find a small, enclosed storage compartment.

Really nice looking car, a nice alternative to the MX-5. I always liked the mid 90's Fiat Barchetta, I always felt it was under-rated. Anyway it's good to see Fiat back in the coupe/cabriolet market.

Yep, u can see the smoke in the side mirror, Thomas:)

Thank you for giving us such a complete review. A very nice car for sure. I will be looking into this vehichle further, Funny i should just be noticing the Spider.

I want to get a used abarth in 2-4 years 😁😁

A brilliant review. Hallo from Austria. I hope to buy an Abarth this summer with the monza exhaust. I have owned TVRs, a VX220/Opel Speedster NA, and a MX5 NB facelift (loved its interior and look). They were all second cars, and my daily drivers were autobahn cruisers. The MX5 hardly left the garage as I was never inspired to drive it. A sportscar or roadster needs to bring a sense of occasion and the Mazda didn't. The Abarth reminds me of a TVR S3 I owned with identical performance figures. Now I am older I want to cruise around more with a sporty sound and comfort. Something to take to racing events. I like the ethos behind Abarth. Thank you.

I love your reviews! They are very peaceful and VERY informative. Thank you so much for this

Hi, I bought the Fiat Spider in white. I am so happy so much fun to drive. Elegant design and a strong engine. I am driving it also in the winter time in Switzerland. No problem!

I'm on my 3rd MX-5 ('96, '99, '03). If I were to buy one of them it'd be the Fiat 124. The new Miata is obviously modeled after the original and therefore is a bit stubby. Stretching it out would be counter to Mazda's plan for the brand. Both great cars, but I prefer the longer flowing lines of the Fiat 124. No, not the Abarth version.

Huge nice review Thomas, have a great day!

Thank you for an excellent review! I appreciate that you drove the Abarth version with the automatic transmission. Being in my 80’s I have a few issues with my clutch leg, also my wife cannot drive a manual, so an automatic is helpful. I love this car! Having owned a 1960 Fiat Abarth Zagato 750 I have a love for Abarth. We’ll see!

This car is a godsend. I'm sure it will be a future classic. The styling and design choices made are much more my style than the Miata. I really love the look. Here in the USA, the price difference between a Lusso and Abarth is so small I am drawn to Abarth, mostly for the LSD and more direct steering, but some of the design choices feel so juvenile to me, like the red on the rev counter. I much prefer style of the Fiat with its silver border on the windshield and elegant rims. I will need to drive both to decide in a few years time when I will be out of student debt and ready to take on a car loan. Great review as usual !!

Love your videos. Thank you for your highly objective opinion; just stating the facts. You've sold me on the 124 Spider; sure, I'd have to go with the base model; 6 speed. Just a fun little machine. I'm a massive FIAT fan. I have a Jeep Renegade and the one thing I love about it is its FIAT DNA. I am hoping in the next few years to buy a classic 500; mid 70s is my target range. FIAT is just a beautiful Italian machine. Great video.

Those holes on the centre console that you did not know what they were are for removable cup holders. Also up to the right of the shifter on the passenger side is another slot , should you want to put a cup holder in for the passenger.

Those slots on the back console are for the moveable cup holders.

Very happy with my 2017 Abarth but the alternator had to be changed a month after it came out of the dealer. Well, I have had FIATs before and there is a tradition of quirky things like that. This one I drive only in the summer.

Great detailed review. It makes fun to watch this in HD on television. I like the Fiat 124 Spider!! Very puristic driving with a lot of fun. Fiat benefits definitely from the partnership with Mazda. It looks quied solid - maybe the best Fiat.

I love that long front and Classic lines. And a great motor with a great torque. Is a beautiful car for a country road for the weekend!

I noticed that the classic car's B-pillar rag top is very thin and there is a rear glass. I don't understand why modern convertibles have to have such thick B-pillar rag top that blocks the driver's view. Mostly good but wish it has Apple Carplay. I'm also considering the similarly priced 2016 V6 Camaro at $27k-$32k with sunroof.?

Hi Thomas, those holes are for removable cupholders!

Beautiful car & a EXCELLENT Review thank you.

I love your reviews and your accent is awesome.

18:15 The holes are for cupholders.19:07 Also for cupholders

Anyone seriously interested in buying a 124 must watch this review. There is some duplication resulting in an overly long piece, but still the best one I’ve viewed. If I wasn’t six feet tall I would have bought one based on this video.

Thomas you are a “bad” man!!!! Now I have to go and buy this car!!! Absolutely loved your presentation !!!! You are the best !!!!!!

Hello Thomas, Very comprehensive video on both models, Just what I was looking for. Thank you! Would love to know the music used in the beginning around the 1:30 min mark. Thank you again !!

Great review! Best I have seen. I really want one of these and am going to check one out today at my local Fiat dealer. Thanks.

That infotainment display is atrocious. And the GPS system is like an 80's video game. It's as Mazda couldn't be bothered with a pop up display and said, "Screw it. Just stick it on there. No one cares." That's a shame, really. The car is amazingly gorgeous, though.

Good review but, All these cars share the same PLATE FORM Chevelle, Malibu, Monte Carlo, Tempest, LeMans, GTO, Grand Am, Grand Prix, Cutlass, Skylark, Century and Regal, AND no one ever made a factor on this.

Klasse Test. Freue mich besonders über die Größenangabe um 16:00 - mit 1,98m fällt dieser Traum nun aus. Dankeschön!

Drink holders Thomas! They are removable, as per the Mazda mx-5

another great video from thomas!! i really like your indepth review as a presenter and please keep up the good work man. I am quite digging this abarth version hey. I do prefer the white colour over the red one imo.

I'm looking at one with automatic, lots of traffic is my excuse. How good is the automatic to drive @Autogefühl ???

Ordered mine!

I would like to add that i am 192 tall and weight 100 kgs. Tried the mx-5 and i can fit in the driver seat, there is just enough legroom. The car is tight for sure, but if you really like to drive these fun - maschines, you simply dont care for the impracticality. Yes when the top is up, my head touches the soft top and i can barely see below the windshield frame but i still enjoyed it very much, had a 4 hrs journey in one last time. It was not mentioned in the video but the passenger side has less legroom because of the shape of the dashboard. That seat is rather very uncomfortable lacking legroom and headroom at the same time...:), but thats just me for the most people it will be okay.

Supervillian Car Reviews!

Wow, such good review! Very very nice and I love how you talk. Great job! Thank you! I will definitely buy this car. So funny to drive!

We love you Thomas because you're full length

Compare new MX-5 RF (Fastback): ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-N77T7fcTfrg.html Compare Mazda MX-5 Miata Roadster: ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Yb35lOAO7IQ.html

Such a great noise. Really looking forward to try it out this summer!

i AM STILL LOVING MY 170BHP Abarth 500. I also prefer the t-Jet. Having said that, I really would go for the Abarth 124 but I hope to see the Competizione version

IMO, upgrade the 'vintage' version style/design with modern tech and you have a beautiful example.

Great Video Chef

Yes T-Jet engine! Finest engine Fiat ever created. Extremely good for tuning due to its stock forged internals. Here in Poland we put these engines into small cars like Seicento or Punto turning them into extremely fast coffins ;) T-Jet is good for 330HP with bigger turbocharger like TD05. Very nice indepth review!

Very nice design! Classic roadster! Only Cant stand this Abarth Guy.. Doesnt even want to say the name Mazda.. Ffffff XD

Thanks Thomas. I'll take the basic Fiat version in metallic red...

i would choose the abarth over the fiat, the fiat seems more nice to cruise around with tho. But an abarth 124 spider with the white-black-red exterior is just awesome. I love the abarth exhaust sound

So much more beautiful than the MX5 and thank goodness it has Japanese build quality.

How tall are you? Is this a comfortable car for taller drivers?scrap that you answered my question in the video 🎉

Fantastic presentation. I am here in srilanka and a lover of roadsters. I got a daihatsu copen cero convertable roadster. Turbo interconnected.

I think I like the looks of the Fiat better than the Mazda especially the Abarth. It has a classic, yet somehow more aggressive look than the MX-5. I also think the 1.4l Turbo has lots more aftermarket tweaking and tuning potential than the high compression 2.0 in the MX-5 here in the US.

Are they going to be leaving the USA , again !? The manual Abarth are hard to find here.. been looking ..

So much sensless speaking, why not mention the main differences between the normal Fiat 124 and the Abarth version?1)The Abarth engine has more power 170 PS (168 hp), compared to 140 PS 138(hp) in the Fiat. I don't know sure in this case but usually the more powerfull 1.4l Multiair engines relies on a sligthly bigger sized turbo . The new entry level 500 Abarth (145 ps in it's new version) don't get the bigger Garett GT 1446 reserved for the 595 turismo (now 165 ps) and the 595 competizione (180 ps).2.1) Aluminium Brembo calipper - 2.2)larger brake discs - improves the stopping performance3.1) high quality Bilstein shocks - 2.2) stiffer Abarth springes - 2.3) beefd up anti roll bar - improves the body controll4) costly "Record Monza", quad-outlet stainless steel exhaust system, with valve control - for better sound, with occasionaly more volume, which simultanously also helpes the engine to generate slightly more power and torque.5) electromechanical limited slip differential, improves gripp in certain condition 6) Abarth two mode selector, ( Sport mode, changes control parameters in transmission lockup and shifting, throttle response and eletronik power assist, for improved handling dynamics and lateral stability add to a sportier driving experience 7) Elektronic stability control (ESC) can be turned off completly - which should be a very important feature to people that wants a vehicle which is well suited for an occasional racetrack excursion, This Abart 124 Spider not only drives very well, it's also easy to tune (responsable mild tuning up 220-230 hp it's possible for very cheap money), and last but not least it's looking fantastic.

Great video, and it satisfied my curiosity with this variation of the MX-5. If the sound of the Abarth exhaust from your video is accurate, then this car must sound amazing in person. It's a shame that the cost of the Abarth is significantly greater than the two lower trims in your market, as 40,000 euros seems rather costly for what is essentially a toy. Here in the US, a Classica is $26,000, a Lusso is $28,500, and the Abarth is $29,200, so for most buyers here the choice of trim will depend more on personal taste rather than affordability. To be honest, I didn't have very high expectations of the 124 when it was originally announced, but after watching this review it seems that I'll have a difficult decision choosing between the MX-5 Club and the 124 Abarth when the time comes to replace my current MX-5.

Great Review which has confirmed my purchase decision. I bought the Red Classica (manual of course) and can't wait for it to arrive on Saturday. Cloth seats. Base model. The increase price for the Lusso or Abarth do not seem worth it to me. I'm buying for the pure thrill of throwing this into corners along the coast, where I live and also to have some fun during my daily commute. Perfect for my needs. Definitely prefer the styling to the Miata and the Miata has a bit of a reputation for being a feminine car in the US. Possibly not justified but it's very prevalent here.

Wow. Amazing video for this car. Thank you for making this!

Incredible review

I think I like the 124 more than the miata in terms of looks but it's not even close to the original. Like the miata, really the downer is the front fascia. The side profile and rear view are much better.

I enjoy this review. Overall fiat spider ís fantastic roadster though í would have liked to see more headroom so taller people would feel more comfortable. Also dont like Arbath black paint job. Prefer one colour paint job.

I love my abarth spider 124.. fun fun fun.. great to drive..and pulls very well for a 1.4 turbo. I have auto version and shifts are quick in manual mode..better than other cars ive driven with it.. (evo gta) (ford falcons) ..sports mode actually does do something too.. again unlike other manufactures. 👍👍👍👍 from me for the abarth spider 124!!

Funny how Paolo G. refuses to say the word "Mazda."

Thank you for this! Excellent review. Would you still recommend this car now? I know that they have stopped selling it in the UK.

Toller Bericht! Danke schön, Thomas!

And I'll leave the appreciation of the MX-5 front end to the snake handlers. But who styled the standard 124 turn and fog lights? Mr. MaGoo? The line from the upper and lower grills is off and the shapes of the lights are not complimentary. The Abarth is an improvement on symmetry.

i like this fiat , good job.