Is the 2019 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth a BETTER sports car than the Miata? 

Just took delivery of a 2019 new, leftover Lusso trim Red Top edition yesterday, (Aug 5, '20), LOVE it. Love your reviews, Joe, and always look forward to them. Keep up the great work.

The manual top is REALLY impressive. More cars need it that way.

I prefer the miata

Have this car (MY18). It’s fantastic. Makes me smile/laugh every time behind the wheel. Smiles per dollar is unmatched.

You know its a good day when Joe drops a video

The Raiti unimpressed face when "on throttle!"

Have a 2020 MX-5 GT, it is the most fun car I’ve ever driven.

Have you ever done a 500 abarth? I bought a new one back in 2017 for $13,900 out the door sticker was $20k. I loved that car!!!! First brand new car I had ever bought.

Great video like always. Love the daily uploads :)

With simple bolt-ons and a tune, the 124 rips. Great car that can be found used for much less than most MX-5's. If you don't care about having an NA engine, this is the one to get. Only problem is the dealer network. After 5 years of my 500 Abarth, the service departments just don't care anymore. Chrysler dealerships won't even look at them despite shared parts. The only people who know what Fiat is are Boomers who got burned by them in the 70s. The Fiat brand was already in trouble before COVID, until we even get the electric refreshes it's all over for Fiat in the US.

Great review. Legend has it, that the Miata is working on a compartment for a Big Mac too

Appreciate the review! Leaning towards a ND2 miata now.

Keep up these awesome videos, Joe!

That is a good question Joe, I like the looks of the 124 Spider more but can count on the Miata's power plant to be reliable. So, I don't know.

I don't think everyone will notice this but Love the New Camera 😉 and as always raiti's reviews Quick / Informative & Enjoyable Hope everybody is enjoying their Twinkies. 😂😂

I’ve seen that car in person ! Maus Nissan is where I get my oil changes done and I usually walk the lot and see what’s sitting in the used section. I wouldn’t buy it but it did catch my eye.

I like how Joe looks at cars as pieces of true art along with road handling. If I was 25 and single that would be one fine ride. 👍

Hey Awesome video Brother, Love Fiat Abarth New Cars . You forget one thing to show Behind both seats there are storage space on each (secret)☺️

welcome back!!!

Joe, I really like how this car looks. Very aesthetically pleasing, just wish it had more power in general and I wish this particular unit had the manual on it. Great review as always and thanks for showing us this unique piece! I see one on the road here in CA. about once a month, so really rare.

Driven my buddy’s spider thing was a blast to drive! Sounds pretty good and it was fun messing around with the paddle shifters. Just a little small for a bigger guy like me but still an enjoyable car all around!!!

Never really a fiat fan but this car looks nice 👍

Great video for an awesome car! Thanks man!

What a neat little ride!

So essentially a "FIATA" 😬👍 Tough decision though, I like both models. Also, I'd like to see a video on top 10 most zonked cars. That'd be a fun video I think. 🤗

i love your videos man keep up the good work

Such a great video and great channel. I chose to get a Mustang Ecoboost because of Joe's review.

Seem to have another couple of thousand subs with each vid!

I prefer my 2019 MX 5 RF with 181 hp over a 164 hp turbo charged 124.

This does look way better than the Miata IMO🤷🏾‍♂️

Nice ride. The red looks good with the black rims. Judging from the video it’s not as good as it looks. This would be a good car for the Mrs but we need awd in Minnesota. Entertaining review as always Joe. 👍

Fiat,that "iconic" italian brand , if Scotty was watching this he'd fall of his chair :D

I own a 2018 124 Abarth. Fun car to drive, but I suggest only the Abarth model as it has the sport mode option. Quality seems ok, so far. It does get a lot of looks as mentioned due to not having many on the road. Yes, it's not fast, but it's a blast to drive! You feel like you're going faster than you really are. I like that it's like 70% Mazda so it has that reliability. With regards to the engine, I got a 7 year extended warranty for like $1,100 just in case I have issues with it in the future. I've always liked roadsters. Had a 350z roaster prior. Tested a 2016 Mustang convertible because I liked the way they look, but drove like a boat. Also, the manual top on the 124 is amazing! Great design. On the 350z roadster, the convertible motor started to go out towards the end. You can get great deals on the 124 right now. You shouldn't be paying more than $25k for one in near new condition. Got mine for $23.5k with like 87 miles.

Let's go!!! Nothing like some 124 Spyder on throttle tiiiiiiiime!!!! Personally I'd get a Miata, but I can appreciate Mazda for partnering with Fiat on this project so that this lil machine could be brought to fruition. Epic review as usual Joe!! #OnThrottle #RaitisRides #ToTheDoorPanel #WhereMyTwinkiesGo #CrownVic #FixItAgainTony

The Fiatda looks a tad bit nicer, but I'd take the Miata any day of the week and twice on Sunday. Great review, as always Joe.

In Germany we say to FIAT: "Fehler In Allen Teilen" what means: Errors in all parts (of the car). But it's just a joke. 😂 Greetings from Berlin.

Very pretty, but I think the Miata is the one to choose here. After watching your vids on the Miatas, I just purchased a 2020 Club edition with the Brembo, BBS, and Recaro packages. Keep up the great videos!

Thanks for giving the Fiat 124 some love Joe! In my honest opinion, Fiat did almost everything right with this car besides one big thing: POWER. The Abarth trim should have 220 or more horses to go with that high price tag. Reason why I don't have one.

I'd love this with more HP, black & red exterior, & i need to know what the sound system is like.... Great review 👍🏼

How are you Joe? Currently at Costco right now for supplies. Will tune in soon, but... STELLANTIS!!!

Just bought a 2019 with 2000 miles today. Fun car

I have a 2018, red with the black stripe, stick shift with red leather seats. I think it's absolutely gorgeous, although I appreciate that this is subjective. People ask me what it is everywhere I go (I live in the Orlando area). The trunk is significantly larger than comparable cars. I can fit a full cart full of groceries in it. I can also fit my baseball equipment bag AND a cooler in the trunk. My wife and I went away for 4 days, packed my baseball stuff and all of our clothes and other stuff, and it still all fit. It ain't gonna win any races, and I do wish it had a bit more HP, although the power curve with the "sorry I'm late" turbo torque coming on at 4,500 rpm is fun. But it's *gorgeous* and fun fun fun to drive. My wife and I love it.

It's settled then: I'm getting the manual!

I test drove the Abarth but ultimately chose a RF GT MX5. Absolutely ❤️ the car. Abarth was a bit loud and stiffer suspension.

I will give it this, it is a beautiful looking car, a little bit more style then the Miata, that style though will attract more younger people to it vs the Miata has a little bit more elegant styling more meant for older people and overall just more mature styling. I’d buy the Miata all day long, I’m not a huge Chrysler/fiat guy and am a little skeptical about the quality and reliability of it. Mazda is a great reliable brand, and they definitely know how to make a car even if it doesn’t have that much power, there always fun to drive. Great video as always! 🤙🏻

It's like a really adorable Miata!

Fiat looks better, but the Miata's engine and handling seems to be better Regards from Chile!!!

Joe..am not a fan of Fiat as a Manufacturer..but I'd. have to admit I like this drop top...👍👍 the one Fiat I'll drive..👏👏👏

Can't wait to see you review the new McLaren T50.

Looks good but would be better with more power. I think the Mazda is a bit better overall. Nice job Joe! 👍🏻👍🏻🇺🇸

Fiat 124 Spider is fully assembled in Hiroshima, while Abarth final assembly takes place in Italy, Turin (Officine Abarth).

A guy I know runs one on the track with nothing more than lower springs and good wheels & tires. On a tight track he’s crazy fast.

I’m sure this things holds up well. Knowing the Italians.

If you where to take one low power car Civic si coupe, Miata, 124, brz, 86 in a stick shift which would you choose?

The car looks better than the miata imo. But what you get from the miata is far superior. Thanks for the video!

Right on point with the zonks....all that money and design and fake vents and what's with that antenna looks like the 1 I had on my '88 GrandAm. Triple Zonk on that stuff and should have more horsepower another zonk right there and no stick boooo. Great Review as always Joe.

It definitely looks very nice!

JOE ~ FIAT Fix It Again Tony lol. in Arkansas they call the trunk, the back seat heehee. I think I'd hop on the Miata (ragtop) because in high school I drove a 1970 MGB Orange & loved it, easy to open/close top (one handed) I installed a really decent stereo/amp/speakers & that baby was in showroom condition . . . until a guy hit me broadside coming out of a store parking lot - yeah it was totaled - it drank more oil than it did gas haha but I loved it & told myself if feasible I'd always get another convertible - so Miata it is for me. great review - tony

So if a dealer thinks the RC antenna is wonky, why not replace it with a shorty before showing/selling?

Joe, I wonder if your opinion would be different with a manual transmission

Got a Miata in April and used to consider this car. I don't know...something about Miata's shape is just way more fascinating for me. Still appreciate this Fiata though🤣

If this car had a slightly bigger truck for a little more luggage I would definitely buy one! It is one of the last distinctive looking vehicles on the road.

If you want to drive in the twisties: No. Turbo lag. Not as nimble. Regardless of whether Mazda shared chassis tech, Spider is heavier, slower to get power on. Doesn’t act cohesive and fully connected like the MX-5. Mazda has got their kit together!

Joe what’s yur Twinkie rating. Is this the Spanky edition??

I was looking at a Miata and the 124 spyder, but since I play ice hockey the hockey bag probably would not fit 😂

It seems like Fiat could have done more with that car. Great review!

Great review. I test drove one and that windshield is dangerously close to your head 6:10, it's also a very tight fit inside the car and not comfortable at all. Better off with a first gen BMW Z4. Much more comfortable and a straight six engine.

For anyone looking at this car I have the exact model (and color) and it's the most fun car I've ever owned. Tip: Use the paddle shifters, turn off the traction control, keep it in sport mode and replace the diverter valve.

While the 124 Abarth is a great convertible, it pales in comparison to the much more contemporary Miata, especially when the 124 is based off the Miata. Nothing beats the original version.

I daily drive an ND Miata, but an "ND1," so it's the 155 hp version, not the newest one. I really dig the style of the Fiat, especially in the Abarth trim, and I haven't driven the 124 Spider, but I think I'd prefer my car over the Fiat. The biggest reason is the NA engine instead of the turbo. The turbo would be nice for its torque, but once the car is in its powerband the NA engine really shines. The other reason I'd rather have my Miata is Mazda's dealer network vs. Fiat's. Granted, most of the parts are Mazda and you can get them anywhere, but if I had to take my car to the dealer for service or repair, there are tons of Mazda dealers, and very few Fiat. I will hand it to Fiat, however, for making a great looking and sounding car! By the way, I absolutely love my ND Miata. Of the dozen cars I've owned or daily driven this is my favorite, hands-down. It's not the nicest or fastest car I've owned, but it's the most fun, and the top is down every chance I get. Over 30k miles and counting!!

I would personally take this Fiat over the Mazda. Sadly however, I would have preferred the 124 Spider to have been made by Fiat. I used to sell Fiat's in the US back in 1979 and I sold the 124's new back then. I have a long history with Italian vehicles. Great review Joe. The styling is better than the Miata by a wide margin. This should have an engine with at least 250 bhp. This is underpowered.

Your Snickers, Twinkies and Paydays will be a total melted mess after an hour in the Tampa heat. lol

I think this Fiat alternative-Miata was more relevant when the ND1 Miata had lower horsepower. But since the ND2 came out (181 hp), the Fiat makes less sense, unless one *really* prefers its looks (I'm on the fence there).

Great Video which I appreciate because I'll never get the chance to drive most of these cars, but through the eyes of Auto Journalist, one gets a good impression of what to expect. I would personally NEVER buy a car without a roof, mainly because I wouldn't feel safe everywhere against would-be bad pedestrians; and no rollover protection. Also, if my normal car with windows rolled up and AC 100% of the time is so hard to keep clean, I cannot imagine how hard a convertible is. OK, now to the real car stuff. I would buy the 1.4 turbo over the 2.0 n/a every time. You notice that on this 1.4L engine, the torque is more than the HP; well any time you see this on a small engine, it means the car is severely under-tuned deliberately, I'd be surprised if this car is running more than 10 psi of boost. 20 psi is going to increase the HP by at least 40% on the same turbo, then the Miata has no chance. For someone like me, I'd be doing tuning stuff which would perhaps involve a large turbo and intercooler and a remap, injectors, fuel pump thats more going to deliver 300 HP without worrying it daily driven and daily pedal to the metal. You can't do that sort of increase with a 2 liter n/a. Turbo is always going to be better. For $30K however, if I wanted a turbo car, I'd just buy a WRX STi and just walk away with a factory 320 HP plus everything else the WRX does soooo much better. The Spider looks much better than the Miata.

Great review Joe. But would prefer the Miata all way.

Personally I always loved the miatta ... from its simplicity , and just fun to drive however this car takes it further with better styling has a more sporty car look rather then a kids toy

Abarth model should come with same straight pipe exhaust as the abarth 500. Really needs that amazing growl.

dude, that's where I store my Big Mac in my Miata Cmon its a secret

Went you drive the new Nissan Rogue 2021?

Like the 124 look. Wanted to buy one. Radio didn’t work on test drive. Went to another dealer the car overheated on test drive. Water pump failed. Bought mx5 club instead. Had my checkbook, if the fiat would have worked. I was gonna buy it. Prefer the 124 turbo. More torque and sounds better. Monza exhaust system. Just felt a little nervous about a car that doesn’t work while on the dealer loot. Beautiful car though!!

Drink 5 20oz bottles of Mountain Dew with two Twinkies, and one can kinda pretend it's a Ferrari!

I’ve driven both. The 124 is meant to be modded with an exhaust and a tune and will be infinitely more enjoyable than any Miata ever

I like the Fiat better than the Miata. It just looks better overall and that's what I care about. Probably going to pick one up next summer. Saving for a down payment now.

Do you think it’s worth buying the 124 or lease it?

That car is nice but a 1.4 doesn’t give much room for power, sure it has a turbo but you can only give it so much boost before the 1.4 blows

Any XC90 videos dropping soon?

The Miata has the better driving dynamics, I do like the design though.

Expected more from the interior.

Fiat's Multi-Air technology is really interesting and no one talks about. Pretty much the only people besides Koenigsegg doing camless engine for 1/3 of the price. From an engineering perspective and reliability perspective, it's more efficient and has less moving parts than the Skyactive engine. I also think it looks better and he an equally impressive heritage as the Miata. If there's a fixed roof model or aftermarket part, i'd take this over the miata.

The 124 spider is discontinued after the 2020 model year. That tells you they didnt sell as well as they expected

I would think a bigger 4 cylinder engine would be simpler for that kind of horsepower. Maybe this has more torque?

Still better then the Miata. I’m sure that turbo has potential. Intake injectors fuel pump and cat less DP will open her up nicely.

👍 like always!!!😃

were you driving in sport mode? non sport mode will run 18psi boost while sport will push to 22psi. You'd be missing out on 17lb ft torque in the low rev range 🤔

This car with a LS3= perfect weekend toy

Review a 2020 Lotus Evora GT, Please

Biggest zonk was the fact it isn't a manual. Looks great otherwise. Great to pick up the Fiat slightly used and save big.

I would go with Miata

Good looks is an absolute must as the FIX IT AGAIN TONY will be “looked at” quite a bit.

500 Abarth sounds much better with it’s no muffler setup but I still prefer this over an ND.