Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. FIAT 124 Spider
iSeeCars' unbiased and data-driven comparison of the Mazda MX-5 Miata and FIAT 124 Spider contrasts the two cars across a broad spectrum of vehicle specifications to determine which car is better. In addition to comparing pricing and specs, iSeeCars uses all the ratings, rankings, and insights from its comprehensive analyses of each vehicle model, including calculations of reliability, safety, depreciation, value retention, and the vehicle's projected lifetime recalls (based on analyzing over 25 billion data points). This in-depth evaluation is used to identify which vehicle represents a better overall choice for shoppers who are considering both the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the FIAT 124 Spider.
When we compare the Mazda MX-5 Miata's and the FIAT 124 Spider's specifications and ratings, the Mazda MX-5 Miata has the advantage in the area of base engine power. The FIAT 124 Spider has the advantage in the areas of typical lower range of pricing for one- to five-year-old used cars, and fuel efficiency and resale value. Based on this comparison of the Mazda MX-5 Miata's and the FIAT 124 Spider's specifications and ratings, the FIAT 124 Spider is a better car than the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Pricing: A used 2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata ranges from $20,423 to $30,480 while a used 2020 FIAT 124 Spider is priced between $18,813 to $31,162.
Resale/Retained Value: Looking at the 5-year depreciation rate for both models, the Mazda MX-5 Miata loses 33.5 percent of its value and the FIAT 124 Spider loses 31.3 percent of its value. This means the FIAT 124 Spider retains 2.2 percentage points more of its value and has the advantage of higher resale value versus the Mazda MX-5 Miata.
Engine Power and Fuel Efficiency Comparison: For engine performance, the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s base engine makes 181 horsepower, and the FIAT 124 Spider base engine makes 160 horsepower. The MX-5 Miata is rated to deliver an average of 29 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 405 miles. The 124 Spider is rated to deliver an average of 30 miles per gallon, with a highway range of 417 miles. This gives the FIAT 124 Spider the fuel efficiency and maximum range advantage over the Mazda MX-5 Miata. Both models use premium unleaded.
Passenger Space Comparison: The Mazda MX-5 Miata and FIAT 124 Spider are comparable in regards to front head room and front leg room.
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$26,580
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
$28,504
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
$25,000 - $33,045
New Car Pricing
Asking Price:
-
Starting MSRP:
$25,390
Category Avg Starting MSRP:
(Sports Cars)
$28,504
Category Starting MSRP Range:
(Sports Cars)
$25,000 - $33,045
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$25,968
Price Range:
$20,423 - $30,480
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
$28,476
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
$24,294 - $36,416
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
31
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
23,921
# Good or Great Deals:
9
Used Car Pricing
Avg Used Car Price:
$25,142
Price Range:
$18,813 - $31,162
Category Avg Price:
(Sports Cars)
$28,476
Category Avg Price Range:
(Sports Cars)
$24,294 - $36,416
# Used Cars for Sale Nationally:
13
Avg Mileage of Used Cars for Sale:
23,051
# Good or Great Deals:
3
Mazda MX-5 Miata Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
8.2 / 10
Reliability:
8.0 / 10
Retained Value:
8.4 / 10
Safety:
Not available
FIAT 124 Spider Scores & Rankings
Overall Score:
Not available
Reliability:
Not available
Retained Value:
8.6 / 10
Safety:
Not available
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for Mazda MX-5 Miata
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
11.3
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
8.7
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
4.9 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0.5%
iSeeCars Reliability Insights for FIAT 124 Spider
Remaining Life Expectancy (years):
11.7
Typical Category Remaining Life Expectancy:
(Sports Cars)
8.7
Category Remaining Life Expectancy Range:
(Sports Cars)
4.9 - 11.7
Chance of Reaching 200k Miles for a New Car:
0%
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
1.5
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
0.6 - 6.9
Expected 30-year Lifetime Recalls
Expected Lifetime Recalls:
0.6
Typical Category Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
1.6
Category Range for Recalls:
(Sports Cars)
0.6 - 6.9
Mazda MX-5 Miata Rankings
Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 9Ranking
1 out of / 7Ranking
1 out of / 5Ranking
1 out of / 4Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
1 out of / 3Ranking
2 out of / 15Ranking
2 out of / 10Ranking
2 out of / 7Ranking
3 out of / 15Ranking
3 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
4 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 15Ranking
5 out of / 14Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
7 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 15Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
11 out of / 15Ranking
13 out of / 15FIAT 124 Spider Rankings
Ranking
2 out of / 9Ranking
5 out of / 9Ranking
8 out of / 15Ranking
8 out of / 9Ranking
9 out of / 9Ranking
10 out of / 15Ranking
11 out of / 15Ranking
15 out of / 15Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Body Styles
Convertible
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Available Drivetrain Options
Gasoline
Mazda MX-5 Miata Trim Levels
Sport, 100th Anniversary, Club, Grand Touring
FIAT 124 Spider Trim Levels
Abarth, Classica, Lusso, Urbana Edition
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
5 years / 60000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
3 years / 36000 miles
Warranty Information
Warranty, Bumper-to-Bumper:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Powertrain:
4 years / 50000 miles
Warranty, Roadside Assistance:
4 years
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Safety Ratings
NHTSA Safety Rating (last 5 year average):
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Front Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Side Crash Overall Rating:
Not yet available
2025 NHTSA Rollover Rating:
Not yet available
IIHS Safety Rating:
Not yet available
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
181 hp @ 7000 rpm
Torque:
151 foot-lbs @ 4000 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.077 hp per pound
Base Drivetrain Specs
Horsepower:
160 hp @ 5500 rpm
Torque:
184 foot-lbs @ 3200 rpm
Power-to-Weight Ratio (higher is better):
0.066 hp per pound
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
2 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 34 / 29
Range (city/hwy):
309 / 405 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Engine Specifications
Engine Size:
1.4 liters
Engine Configuration:
Inline
Number of Cylinders:
4
Transmission:
Manual
Standard/Optional Drivetrain Type:
RWD
EPA Fuel Economy
(City/Highway/Combined MPG):
26 / 35 / 30
Range (city/hwy):
309 / 417 miles
Recommended Fuel Type:
Premium Unleaded
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Android Auto:
Available
Apple CarPlay:
Available
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
Available
Satellite radio:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
N/A
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Standard/Optional Features
Alloy wheels:
Standard
Bluetooth:
Standard
Internet Radio:
Standard
Keyless Entry:
Standard
Keyless Ignition:
Standard
Power outlet:
Standard
Roadside assistance:
Standard
Voice Recognition:
Standard
Android Auto:
N/A
Apple CarPlay:
N/A
Heated Seats
Available
Leather Upholstery:
Available
Navigation System:
Available
Paddle Shifters:
N/A
Satellite radio:
Available
Adaptive Cruise Control:
N/A
Air Suspension:
N/A
Automatic Parking:
N/A
Bench Seats:
N/A
Captain's seat:
N/A
Cooled/Ventilated Seats:
N/A
Front Bench Seats:
N/A
Heated Steering Wheel:
N/A
Massage Seats:
N/A
Panoramic Sunroof/Moonroof
N/A
Parking Sensors:
Available
Power Lift Gate:
N/A
Quad Seats:
N/A
Roof Rack:
N/A
Sunroof/Moonroof:
N/A
Trailer Hitch:
N/A
Wifi:
N/A
Wireless Smartphone Charging:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
Standard
Forward Collision Warning:
Standard
Lane Departure Warning:
Standard
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
Standard
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Safety Features
Backup camera:
Standard
Blind Spot Monitoring:
N/A
Forward Collision Warning:
N/A
Lane Departure Warning:
N/A
Rear Cross-Traffic Alert:
N/A
360-Degree Camera:
N/A
Driver Attention Monitoring:
N/A
Lane Keeping Assist:
N/A
Pedestrian Detection:
N/A
Rear Seat Reminder:
N/A
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
52.2 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
4.6 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Interior Dimensions
Front Head Room:
37.4 inches
Front Leg Room:
43.1 inches
Front Shoulder Room:
52.1 inches
Rear Head Room:
Not yet available
Rear Leg Room:
Not yet available
Rear Shoulder Room:
Not yet available
Cargo Space:
4.9 cubic feet
Overall Interior Volume:
Not yet available
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2341 lbs
Width:
68.3 inches
Height:
48.6 inches
Length:
154.1 inches
Wheelbase:
90.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
4.9 inches
Exterior Dimensions
Curb Weight:
2436 lbs
Width:
68.5 inches
Height:
48.5 inches
Length:
159.6 inches
Wheelbase:
90.9 inches
Ground Clearance:
Not yet available
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.0 inches
Wheel Type:
painted aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
P195/50R16
Standard Wheel/Tire Information
Wheel Size:
16.0 x 6.5 inches
Wheel Type:
aluminum alloy
Tire Size:
195/50R16
Exterior Colors
Black
Jet Black Mica
Red
Soul Red Crystal Metallic
White
Arctic White
Blue
Not available
Gray
Not available
Silver
Not available
Exterior Colors
Black
Forte Black Metallic
Red
Hypnotique Red
White
Brillante White
Blue
Mare Blue Metallic
Gray
Ceramica Gray Metallic
Silver
Chiaro Silver Metallic
Interior Colors
Black
Black
Interior Colors
Black
Black
