Fiat 124 Spider Abarth Review: Turbo Flaws or Italian Charm?

Why Consider the Underdog Roadster?

If you're cross-shopping the Mazda MX-5 and Fiat 124 Spider Abarth, you're likely asking: "Does the Italian alternative justify its premium?" After analyzing Thomas Holland's hands-on experience, I believe this question misses the Abarth's essence. While the MX-5 delivers Japanese precision, the Abarth offers something rarer—raw personality that grows on you. Priced around $50,000 CAD with options like Brembo brakes and racing stripes, it demands justification. But as Holland discovered through a week of driving, its imperfections forge an unexpected emotional connection that pure performance metrics can't capture.

The Turbocharged Reality: Flawed Yet Fascinating

Performance characteristics demand adaptation. The Abarth's 1.4L turbo engine behaves fundamentally differently than the MX-5's naturally aspirated unit:

• Aggressive turbo lag below 4,000 RPM creates a "dead zone" requiring deliberate downshifts
• Narrow power band concentrates thrust between 4,000-Redline, contrasting with the MX-5's linear delivery
• Sport mode sharpens throttle response but can't eliminate boost threshold limitations

Driving dynamics reward engagement. What initially frustrates becomes part of the charm:

• Heavy clutch and shifter (from the previous-gen NC Miata) demand physical involvement
• You learn to "dance with the turbo"—anticipating boost thresholds like a co-pilot
• The exhaust's growl and sudden torque surge create theatrical moments absent in the MX-5

Chassis Tuning: Sharper But Less Civilized

Abarth-specific upgrades transform behavior. Beyond shared Miata foundations, the Abarth variant adds:

• Strut tower brace and limited-slip differential
• Stiffer springs and sway bars for aggressive cornering
• Sport mode adjusting traction control and throttle mapping

Trade-offs emerge in daily driving. Holland notes the tuned suspension delivers:

• Ultra-sharp turn-in that feels "darty" on highways
• Increased tail-happiness encouraging playful handling
• Firm ride quality sacrificing MX-5-level compliance

The Italian Character: Quirks Over Perfection

Design polarizes but stands out. While sharing the MX-5's interior fundamentals, the Abarth distinguishes itself with:

• Cartoonishly large front badge and controversial styling
• Superior steering wheel and red tachometer enhancing cockpit drama
• Exhaust note that amplifies the driving experience

Functional quirks reinforce authenticity. True to Italian tradition, Holland observed:

• Frustratingly vague speedometer (inaccurate by ~6 km/h)
• Erratic lighting/trunk operation during his test
• Non-telescoping steering wheel and narrow seat bolsters

Why It Challenges the MX-5 Crown

Exclusivity amplifies appeal. With sluggish sales compared to the MX-5:

• You join a rare club distinct from "everybody's Miata"
• Attention shifts to your unique roadster at meets
• Future collectability potential increases

Aftermarket potential unlocks performance. The turbocharged engine:

• Responds better to tuning than the naturally aspirated MX-5
• Brembo brake option provides superior stopping power
• Transmission handles extra torque reliably

Practical Considerations: Cost vs Emotion

Value proposition requires perspective. At ~$50,000 CAD:

• Base MX-5 undercuts it significantly
• Hand-painted stripes ($3,000) seem excessive versus wraps
• Brembo brakes ($2,000) justify themselves on spirited drives

The intangible factor matters most. As Holland summarized:
"The MX-5 is perfect... you get in and it's really really good. The Abarth has more character because there's things wrong with it in a good way."

Your Roadster Decision Toolkit

Test drive checklist:

1. Deliberately lug the engine below 3,000 RPM to feel turbo lag
2. Practice heel-toe downshifts to stay in the power band
3. Push corner entry speeds to experience tail-happy behavior
4. Compare highway comfort against MX-5’s pliancy
5. Verify all electronics (lights, trunk) function properly

Modification priorities post-purchase:

1. ECU tune to reduce turbo lag (recommend OpenFlash Tablet for adjustability)
2. Aftermarket exhaust to enhance the stock growl (Good-Win Racing offers Abarth-specific options)
3. Coilovers to balance sharp handling with compliance (Ohlins DFV suits this chassis)
4. Steering wheel spacer to improve ergonomics

"Would I regret choosing character over perfection?" Share your biggest hesitation in the comments—I'll respond personally based on 12 years of sports car testing.

Final Verdict: Embrace the Flaws

The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth isn't the objectively "better" roadster—it's the more human one. Its turbo lag, heavy controls, and quirky ergonomics force engagement in an era of seamless performance. While the MX-5 executes flawlessly, the Abarth makes you a collaborator in the driving experience. For enthusiasts craving theater over telemetry, these imperfections become virtues. As Holland discovered: you don't just drive the Abarth; you develop a relationship with it. That emotional connection, forged through overcoming its idiosyncrasies, creates a ownership experience no spec sheet can capture.