Abarth 124 Spider vs Mazda MX-5
A detailed look at how two of Australia's most popular Convertibles compare on price, running costs, safety, and everyday livability.
Specifications and pricing correct at time of publishing. Prices are RRP before on-road costs unless stated otherwise. Always confirm with the manufacturer or dealer before purchasing.
Reference image · overseas modelAbarth 124 Spider
Price TBC
Convertible
Unleaded 95 RON
—
125kW
6.4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
—
Mazda MX-5
From $41,520
Convertible
Petrol
2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G)
135kW
6.8 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
130L
Abarth 124 Spider: we're still completing price, kerb weight, ground clearance, turning circle and braked towing.
A blank cell below means we don't have that figure, not that the car scores badly on it. We leave them empty rather than estimate, so any row where one car is blank isn't a like-for-like comparison yet.
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Price Breakdown
Pricing for one or both models is yet to be confirmed for the Australian market. We will update this comparison when official RRPs are announced.
Safety Rundown
ANCAP safety ratings have not been published for both models yet. We will update this section when crash test results are available.
Feature Showdown
The Abarth 124 Spider features a 7-inch touchscreen, while the Mazda MX-5 gets a 8.8-inch display.
The Abarth 124 Spider stands out with heated front seats — features our data doesn't list for the Mazda MX-5. The Mazda MX-5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Interior trim differs: the Abarth 124 Spider gets leather & microfibre (abarth sports seats) upholstery while the Mazda MX-5 offers black cloth with synthetic suede.
Drivetrain
The Abarth 124 Spider lines up producing 125kW and 250Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed manual to a RWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 6.8 seconds.
The Mazda MX-5 responds with a 2.0 litre in-line 4 cylinder 16 valve DOHC S-VT petrol (Skyactiv-G) making 135kW and 205Nm, paired to a 6-speed manual (skyactiv-mt) driving the rear wheels. It gets to 100km/h in 6.5 seconds.
The Mazda MX-5 has the clear power advantage at 135kW vs 125kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda MX-5 is 0.3s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Abarth 124 Spider measures 4,054mm long on a 2,310mm wheelbase, 139mm longer than the Mazda MX-5 at 3,915mm (2,310mm wheelbase).
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m diameter
Excellent
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Interactive simulator: U-turns, parking & towing
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns are easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
Excellent
Clears the U-turn in one swing
Needs about 8.2 m of road; you have 9.0 m.
U-turn on a wide street
≥ 10 m: clears in one
U-turn on a standard street
7 m: 3-point turn
Standard parking bay
1.7 m wide: fits with room
Tight carpark aisle
6 m: swings in
Narrow laneway
3.5 m: no room to turn
Turning circle ratings
Standard widths: AU local streets carry ~5.5–7 m of carriageway; main roads ~9–12 m. AS 2890.1 carpark aisles are ~5.8–6.6 m for 90° bays (2.6 m wide × 5.4 m deep).
Road, aisle, swing and off-tracking figures are indicative estimates from the published turning circle. Verify in person before relying on them.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $1,824/year for the Abarth 124 Spider and $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5. That is a $114 annual difference in favour of the Abarth 124 Spider.
Warranty: 3 years / 150,000km (Abarth 124 Spider) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda MX-5). The Mazda MX-5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Abarth 124 Spider if: You want lower running costs, or prefer Abarth's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You prioritise performance, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The Mazda MX-5 takes 3 of 4 key spec categories. The Abarth 124 Spider will save you roughly $114 a year in fuel. The Mazda MX-5 adds peace of mind with a longer 5-year warranty. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Abarth 124 Spider and Mazda MX-5?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $41,520 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Abarth 124 Spider uses the least fuel at 6.4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Abarth 124 Spider and Mazda MX-5 carry a published ANCAP rating yet, so there is no crash result to compare. Check back as they are tested.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda MX-5 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Mazda MX-5 makes the most power at 135kW. The Mazda MX-5 is quickest to 100km/h in 6.5s.
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Disclaimer: All information in this comparison was believed to be correct at the time of publishing (20 April 2026). Prices are manufacturer recommended retail prices (RRP) and may vary by state, dealer, and options. Driveaway costs include estimated on-road costs for Victoria. Fuel economy figures are WLTP/ADR combined cycle. Specifications can change without notice. Always verify with the manufacturer before making a purchase decision. CarSorted does not accept payment for recommendations.
Auto-generated from CarSorted's specification data · 20 April 2026
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