2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Fiat Spider

If you’re looking for a thrilling drive with the wind in your hair, you might be looking at the Fiat Spider and the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata. Curious about the differences between these two vehicles? Keep on reading to hone in on what vehicle is the perfect fit for you and your lifestyle.

2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata vs. Fiat Spider

The new Mazda MX-5 Miata promises fun-filled adventures cruising around the city streets or tackling the curves of the mountain roads. The Fiat Spider also delivers a fun ride, being built with the thrill of the drive in mind. As both vehicles offer similar experiences, it can be helpful to learn the key differences and similarities between the two so you can make an educated choice on your next vehicle purchase. Things from handling and appearance to seating and cargo capacity are all things to keep in mind so you can match the right sports car to your lifestyle.

Differences

While there are many things similar across both vehicles, the differences are what really matters when narrowing down what vehicle to lease or buy. Here are some key differences between the Mazda MX-5 Miata and the Fiat Spider:

Appearance

Both vehicles have similar appearances with their low profile, rounded edges, and two-door design. The differences lie in the little details. With more edgy lines, modern headlights and taillight designs, and a simple barred grille, the 2024 Mazda Miata keeps it sleek and stylish with its exterior appearance. The Fiat Spider has slightly more rounded edges everywhere you look, from its headlight designs to its rounded honeycomb grille inserts.

Wheels-wise, both vehicles start with 16-inch wheels that move up to 17-inch wheels at the higher-end trims. Where these differ is their coloring, as Mazda mainly focuses on black alloy designs and the Fiat Spider has a more dated silver-alloy design. The roll bar covers on the Spider also use this silver color, which can take away from the cohesive feel of the car’s design.

Handling

Because of its near 50/50 perfect weight distribution, the Miata has stable and responsive handling. This year’s model also gets a new steering rack and revised software calibration, making your ride even more responsive and enjoyable. Some trims also get an additional limited-slip differential that promises improved stability and can handle sharp cornering with ease. The Fiat Spider has somewhat underwhelming handling, allowing road vibrations to make their way into the cabin which can affect your riding experience.

Price Point

Different trims have different starting price points. Here is the MSRP for the three Miata trims:

• Mazda Mx-5 Miata Sport: $28,985.
• Mazda Mx-5 Miata Club: $32,485.
• Mazda Mx-5 Miata Grand Touring: $34,285.

The Fiat Spider also has different price points for its different trims. Here is what the original MRSP was for each trim:

• Fiat Spider Classica: $25,390.
• Fiat Spider Urbana Edition: $26,385.
• Fiat Spider Lusso: $28,145.
• Fiat Spider Abarth: $29,390.

Dimensions

Both vehicles have somewhat similar dimensions, but in a compact sports car, the inches do matter. Here is a breakdown of the various exterior dimensions of the 2024 Mazda Miata:

• Length: 154.1 inches.
• Wheelbase: 90.9 inches.
• Front track: 58.9 inches.
• Rear track: 59.17 inches.
• Width: 68.3 inches.
• Height: 48.8 inches.
• Minimum ground clearance: 4.92 to 5.32 inches.
• Legroom: 43.1 inches.
• Headroom: 37.4 inches.
• Cargo volume: 4.59 cubic feet.

Offering slightly different dimensions, here’s a breakdown of the Fiat Spider:

• Length: 159.6 inches.
• Wheelbase: 90.9 inches.
• Front track: 58.9 inches.
• Rear track: 59.1 inches.
• Width: 68.5 inches.
• Height: 48.5 inches.
• Legroom: 43.1 inches.
• Headroom: 37.4 inches.
• Cargo volume: 4.9 cubic feet.

Safety Features

With more advanced driver assistance features, the Miata is perfect for those who want better insight into the world around them. Some standard safety features on the Miata include dual front air bags, three-point seat belts, and side-impact door beams. Driver assistance features include rear cross-traffic alerts, a blind spot monitoring system, lane departure warnings, a rearview monitor, an engine immobilizer, and a tire pressure monitoring system.

This is where the differences are evident between the two vehicles, as the Fiat Spider really only has those standard air bags that cushion the driver and passenger in the event of a collision. It doesn’t contain any standard active safety or driver assistance technology. You can find some optional features in trims, like adaptive headlights, blind-spot monitoring, rear parking sessions, and rear cross-traffic alerts. Even these optional features seem underwhelming to the multitude of standard features in the Miata.

Technology

The Fiat Spider comes with a 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system that includes Bluetooth streaming but the coveted Apple CarPlay and Android Auto are not available. The Miata not only has a larger 8.8-inch touch-screen infotainment system but also has Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integrations. It even comes with Alexa, easily taking it up several notches for convenience while on the road.

Similarities

Understanding where these two sports cars collide can help you have a more simple comparison when it comes to critiquing their differences above. It can also highlight just how important those small differences are. Here are the similarities between these two stylish sports cars:

Seating

Both vehicles are two-seater convertible sports cars — perfect for a fun getaway with your partner or a thrilling ride with your friend. Both vehicles have sporty bucket seats that focus on delivering a comfortable riding experience while also keeping you and your passenger more securely in your seat.

Colors

Both vehicles have six different color options to choose from, allowing you to customize your ride to fit your personality. Color options include red, blue, gray, black, white, and sand. Interior colors revolve around black, but the Miata does offer a tan nappa leather in its upper-level Grand Touring trim.

Ready To Find Your Next Ride?

As you can see, while these two vehicles have their similarities, the 2024 Mazda MX-5 Miata is a league above the Fiat Spider. Come take this fun sports car out for a spin at Capistrano Mazda to see what the hype is all about. Our team of experts can answer questions you might have about this vehicle and can help you find the perfect ride. We look forward to helping you find your next vehicle soon.