The Abarth/Mx5 debate is interesting.
All I can add is that a friend who has had a series of Mx5's wanted an Abarth so bad, he sold his Mx5 (in two days privately), travelled a huge distance to road test an Abarth (both autos), and was so underwhelmed by it that he came straight home and bought another Mx5.
He was a bit vague about why but did say he didn't rate the engine. Funny old world, because on looks the Abarth is streets ahead.
It’s interesting Dave, but very much down to personal choice…
One of our SIL’s has an Abarth and I must admit I do like it a lot - it has character and easily tunable too, being an old-fashioned turbo. Standard it has 168 bhp, but could do with a bit more imho.
SWMBO has had an MX5 in the past, but currently has an Abarth 500 Competizione with 180 bhp, it’s her second Abarth 500 and I must say we both like it. Now that his Abarth is out of warranty, SIL is having it chipped to bring it over 200 bhp with attendant brake and suspension updates!
I think that it makes a super “fun car” and personally, I would prefer it over an MX5…
