Alfa Romeo 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.
Data checked: specs 1 Oct 2026, price 14 Oct 2026
Driver assistance, as the maker lists it
Swipe across. Tap a feature to see what it does and each car's source.
StandardOptional: printed price, +pack or NCO (no-cost)No, not offeredNo dataCounts beside each car use the same colours; ? is no option data.
From each manufacturer's Australian equipment list. No data means that car's document does not say. The drawings are our own illustrations of how each kind of system works.
Alfa Romeo Spider: we're still completing price, kerb weight, ground clearance 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.
No price
- no option data for this car
$44,590RRP
- no option data for this car
Printed option prices only. A pack is counted once and makes the figure a floor when it carries no printed price. Nothing is inferred from the other car.
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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.
Recalls on our record
Alfa Romeo Spider
None open on our record
Mazda MX-5
- REC-006355 · published 4 Jun 2025Due to a software programming issue, the Dynamic Stability Control (DSC) module may fail to illuminate the visual warning lights.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2025
- REC-006248 · published 23 Jan 2025Due to a software issue, the parking assist control unit in the vehicle that detects obstructions when reversing may not operate as intended.Year range on the notice: 2023 - 2024
- REC-005009 · published 2 Dec 2021The low pressure fuel pump impeller may become deformed and cause the fuel pump to stop working.Year range on the notice: 2017 - 2019
- 2 more on the model page.
A recall covers the builds its notice lists, not every car of a model. Check your VIN at vehiclerecalls.gov.au.
Feature Showdown
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Alfa Romeo Spider stands out with heated front seats, Bose audio and ambient lighting — 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 Alfa Romeo Spider gets leather upholstery while the Mazda MX-5 offers black cloth with synthetic suede. Climate control is 2-zone in the Alfa Romeo Spider and 1-zone in the Mazda MX-5.
Drivetrain
The Alfa Romeo Spider uses a 3.2-litre V6 petrol producing 191kW and 322Nm of torque, sent through a 6-speed qtronic automatic to a AWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 7.2 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 Alfa Romeo Spider has the clear power advantage at 191kW vs 135kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda MX-5 is 0.7s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Alfa Romeo Spider measures 4,410mm long on a 2,528mm wheelbase, 495mm longer than the Mazda MX-5 at 3,915mm (2,310mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Alfa Romeo Spider generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 235L in the Alfa Romeo Spider and 130L in the Mazda MX-5, giving the Alfa Romeo Spider a 105L advantage.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.4m to 10.7m
Based on 10.7m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Based on 9.4m turning circle:
- U-turn on standard street (7m+ wide)
- Standard parking bay
- Tight carparks
- Narrow laneways
Turning circle ratings
Compare U-turns side by side
Turning Circle · U-turn compare
kerb-to-kerb, 2 cars0 of 2 clear a 7.0 m street in one sweep
Green cars complete the U-turn; amber need a 3-point turn. Drag the slider to test tighter streets.
Standard widths: AU local streets ~5.5–7 m; main roads ~9–12 m.
True Cost to Own
Based on 15,000km of annual driving, fuel costs roughly $3,477/year for the Alfa Romeo Spider and $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5. That is a $1,539 annual difference in favour of the Mazda MX-5.
Warranty: 3 years / 100,000km (Alfa Romeo Spider) vs 5 years / 999,999km (Mazda MX-5). The Mazda MX-5 has longer coverage.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Alfa Romeo Spider if: You prioritise performance, need more boot space, or prefer Alfa Romeo's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You want lower running costs, value a longer warranty, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
The CarSorted Score calls this a draw (38 vs 66). The Alfa Romeo Spider and Mazda MX-5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Mazda MX-5 will save you roughly $1,539 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Alfa Romeo Spider has a clear edge. 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, Alfa Romeo Spider and Mazda MX-5?
The Mazda MX-5 is the cheapest at $44,590 before on-road costs.
Which is the most fuel-efficient?
The Mazda MX-5 uses the least fuel at 6.8L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Alfa Romeo 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 most boot space?
The Alfa Romeo Spider has the largest boot at 235L with the seats up.
Which has the best warranty?
The Mazda MX-5 has the longest warranty at 5 years / Unlimited.
Which is the most powerful?
The Alfa Romeo Spider makes the most power at 191kW. 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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