Fiat 500C 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.
Fiat 500C
Price TBC
Convertible
Petrol
—
63kW
4 L/100km
ANCAP: no data
182L
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
Fiat 500C: we're still completing price, warranty, 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.
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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
Both come with modern infotainment systems.
The Mazda MX-5 counters with wireless Apple CarPlay/Android Auto. Which feature set matters more depends on your daily routine and priorities.
Drivetrain
The Fiat 500C lines up producing 63kW and 145Nm of torque, sent through a 5-speed manual to a FWD layout. It covers the 0-100km/h sprint in 11 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 63kW. In the 0-100 sprint (manufacturer-claimed), the Mazda MX-5 is 4.5s quicker. For most buyers, the way each car feels day-to-day matters more than outright acceleration.
Space & Comfort
The Fiat 500C measures 3,546mm long on a 2,300mm wheelbase, 369mm shorter than the Mazda MX-5 at 3,915mm (2,310mm wheelbase). The longer wheelbase on the Mazda MX-5 generally means more rear legroom.
Boot space is 182L in the Fiat 500C and 130L in the Mazda MX-5, giving the Fiat 500C a 52L advantage. The Fiat 500C seats 4 vs 2.
Turning Circle
Kerb-to-kerb diameter. Smaller turns easier in tight carparks and U-turns.
9.3m to 9.4m
Based on 9.3m 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 $1,140/year for the Fiat 500C and $1,938/year for the Mazda MX-5. That is a $798 annual difference in favour of the Fiat 500C.
Who Should Buy Which?
Buy the Fiat 500C if: You need more boot space, want lower running costs, or prefer Fiat's approach to design and ownership experience.
Buy the Mazda MX-5 if: You prioritise performance, or prefer Mazda's approach to design and ownership experience.
The Verdict
This is genuinely close. The Fiat 500C and Mazda MX-5 trade blows across the spec sheet, and neither runs away with an outright win. The Fiat 500C will save you roughly $798 a year in fuel. If boot space matters, the Fiat 500C has a clear edge. The best pick depends on what you value most. Explore the full specs for each model below.
Common questions
Which is cheapest, Fiat 500C 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 Fiat 500C uses the least fuel at 4L/100km on the combined cycle.
What are the ANCAP safety ratings?
None of Fiat 500C 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 Fiat 500C has the largest boot at 182L.
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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