ND Miata & Fiat 124 Spider Drivetrain Comparison

Side by side comparison of the entire drivetrain (engine, transmission, suspension etc) from both a 2017+ Fiat 124 Spider and 2016+ ND Mazda Miata. Once we took these drivetrains apart we were able to compare everything, piece by piece to what's the same, what changes, and what can be used interchangeably in either car.
For a full list of which parts interchange between both cars, including interior and exterior as well make sure to check out our compatibility guide.:
www.redlineautoparts.com/blog...
For quality used parts for your Miata and Fiat 124 Spider check out our selection:
www.redlineautoparts.com/mazd...
www.redlineautoparts.com/fiat...

[@ChutneyInc.]

I'm sure the work in this video will help many for a century

[@marios449]

Omg just make a little tube frame for rigidity, as light as possible, put a seat in it, it will go like hell!!

[@krazed0451]

Air, Fuel, Cooling, electronics, control inputs (steering, brakes, accelerator)... It would not be a simple job, there's a reason custom race cars are expensive ;-)

[@marios449]

@@krazed0451 yes that too 😂😂😂

[@keltic74]

Locost/Caterham clone. One of my dream toys.

[@eaenlle]

Been done. Check out UK kit car scene; Mazda's are the most popular kit car donor.

[@playsinmud]

Look up the Exomotive Exocet.

[@cliors200]

We need more comparison videos like this!

[@recess677]

This is an awesome piece of informational content. What a great effort guys. I would love to see a comparison of mounting of the transmission to the engine (Clutch, flywheel, any adapter plates). Keep it up

[@hayksamvelyan]

Seeing these side by side, I appreciate the simplicity of the Miata engine bay setup a lot more. Like you said, Fiat had to figure out how to work with the existing design to route their exhaust system, whereas the Miata was designed from the ground up so everything has a place for it. I think that will go a long way when it comes time to do maintenance/repairs when the cars go out of warranty.

[@huntsbychainsaw5986]

Awesome to see a true body off comparison video! Thank you.

[@ralphaverill2001]

It's easy to see why some people refer to the new Fiat 124 as a Fiata.

[@CardboardSliver]

Miat

[@TheWolvesCurse]

i like the abarth 124, but here it was almost 10.000€ more than the mazda. i wouldn't spend that kind of premium on basically the same car. the regular 124 was also a bit more expensive than the mx5.

[@ecorico22]

@@TheWolvesCurse pretty sure the Mazda engine is more reliable than a fiat engine

[@TheWolvesCurse]

@@ecorico22 i think so too, since it's not turbocharged and therefore less complex.

[@jabrother]

@@TheWolvesCurse In the USA the used Fiata is 3-5 grand cheaper than a comparable Miata!

[@teminia]

I would love to see a channel that does this for all kinds of cars, not just miatas and fiats. a whole series dedicated to breaking down sizes, styles and build break downs of drivetrains would be an invaluable tool for anybody looking to do swaps, fixes or modifications and needs a starting point for guidance.

[@jabrother]

It wouldn't be as entertaining though as the ND is the most thoughtfully engineered modestly priced car on the market right now, that's an opinion but I'd imagine seeing the shit being churned out for say Nissan and seeing what that junk looks like when you strip all the plastic crap away would be super depressing lol! Seeing the level of design and engineering here is really fun!

[@Gentleman...Driver]

As an Abarth 124 Spider owner I appreciated this. Subscribed. :)

[@kanatsizkanatli]

Abarth? wtf is that?

[@seanin1990]

@@kanatsizkanatli Abarth is Fiats in house tuning company. As AMG is to Mercedes Benz

[@beefstew4]

Thank you for the time to make this. This kind of automotive info presented in HD and a great explanation of everything is awesome. It helps so man aspiring Mechanics.

[@WHOMEWHOYOU]

Great comparison of the cars & YOU NEW WHAT YOU WERE TALKING ABOUT! Good job.

[@throbby24]

Great comparison video; never really see videos like this so this is pretty refreshing. Thanks and hope you do more like these!

[@alexm4515]

This is one of the coolest videos I've seen this year! More please!

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thanks!

[@john_dee1431]

Bought some NC OEM parts from you guys recently. Glad you're doing what you do!

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thank you very much, we appreciate it!

[@BenEllisFL]

This is great Esteban! You always helped me enjoy my miatas more!

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thanks man!

[@Bcharns]

Great video! Looking forward to following up with this comparison.

[@BookAutowerks]

Great comparison. Looking forward to the compatibility guide.

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thanks. Here you go: www.redlineautoparts.com/blog/fiat-124-spider-to-nd-miata-compatibility-interchange-guide/

[@X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X8X]

This is the kind of information I like to find on prospective cars! I cannot help but think the MX-5 is the somewhat more "organic" construction whereas the Fiat is the car developed from the MX-5 with the use of Fiat parts.

[@RedlineAutoParts]

It does seem that way for sure! I will give some credit to Fiat though, if you overlook a couple of the workarounds like the exhaust and some of the engine bay plumbing, they did a good job of making everything look like it belongs.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

Both cars are made from 87% chinese parts, disposal junk with the lifespan of an inkjet printer

[@randyhebb9272]

@@Schlipperschlopper My 1991 is still going strong after 28 years. Maybe the new ones are made from Chinese junk , but the originals werew built well.

[@Schlipperschlopper]

@@randyhebb9272 Yes the old Miatas are 100% Japanese made and reliable but the newer ones are made with 80-90% Chinese parts and suck as hell

[@GA-wq8xq]

@@Schlipperschlopper really? They are built in Japan with a high Japanese content like the Skyactiv engine and transmission.

[@heincarpenter]

The Fiat engine looks over complicated, compared to the natrally aspirated Mazda. Great video, thank you!

[@AntKardano]

yeah, working on it seems like a major pain in the ass

[@LaSouthernGemini]

That was my thought as well.

[@Windof]

But is a very good motor.

[@LaSouthernGemini]

@Lu: is it? I don't really know but I would like to think it is superior. I would hope it would outlast the 'standard' naturally aspirated Mazda engine but who knows?

[@spk8989pl]

LaSouthernGemini who cares. It is obvious that car must last till end of warranty period and then you get new car.

[@MattSchmader]

Fantastic video! I wish there was a video like this comparing trucks

[@Russ1367]

I don't understand how you haven't got more subscribers!

[@ureviews]

I don't understand how he has 2 dislikes... who would dislike this?!

[@froggy0162]

That’s the normal Fiat exhaust route anyway from where it sits sideways in a FWD car, be it a Dodge Dart or an Alfa Romeo Guilietta or a Fiat 500 or a Jeep Renegade. Exhaust is on the front side so goes down and past the sump anyway ;)

[@brandonmitchell7218]

that would explain the mopar badge on it lol.

[@froggy0162]

Brandon Mitchell Yep. It’s very weird and very very wrong seeing Mopar labels on things on my Alfa Romeo!!

[@OpenRoader]

EXCELLENT VIDEO! Top Work!

[@abolfazlg8666]

Awesome video!! Keep these kind of videos coming up

[@samyb2834]

Pretty amazing. Great video my dude!

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thanks!

[@ivorwm2291]

Thank you. I have been curious about these cars

[@kaiwenli3432]

Very Very informative!Good to know the difference, so that means I’ll be able to use the FM’s ND diff cooler for my 124.

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Good to hear!!

[@Dornpunzel]

How FREAKING awesome is that? Epic video. Greetings from an Abarth 124 Owner :)

[@Mikeoohhh]

Awesome video! Thank you for breaking it down so well

[@jamesnickel4748]

SUPER analysis! Great presentation too....thanks! 👍

[@Oblithian]

A great side by side walk-through of both.

[@Oblithian]

... So if you put the fiat body on the MX-5 components, That would be be my preferred combination. ...Though those hard top MX-5s...

[@MrButtonMonkey]

This was so cool!

[@drivesanoldcar]

Thank you. Just what i was looking for

[@haydn-db8z]

Nice video. Thanks, Redline.

[@Dave.S.TT600]

Wow! Brilliant video Guys. Thank you very much. Very interesting. That's a lot of work, just so i can sit here eating my muffin in Australia and watching this comparison.

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thanks! Now I want a muffin too haha!

[@ag4allgood]

2016 MX-5 Club owner & its rally interesting to see where everything is on my car. Didn't think the Fiat 124 would share the same suspension parts but being built on the same production line in Hiroshima Japan it does make sense. Great job showing how they differ.

[@jamesdean8951]

Tremendous work - thank you

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thank you!

[@chi_kin997]

I enjoyed that a little too much. Thank you

[@alexandarpatsov5578]

Great video, really enjoyed it

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thanks!

[@troyriderzsquad2158]

Great job dude!

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thanks!

[@99ron12]

Great effort truely!

[@FuqUYouTube]

You telling me that Fiat is more Mazda than my MazdaB2300?! Ive got more Ford badges than Mazda ones..😧 (B2300 Ford Ranger clone)

[@antoniobragonzoni9296]

yes

[@AntKardano]

awesome video man

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thanks!

[@cokevspepsi516]

Very interesting. Great Vid🤙🏼

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thanks!

[@tomkirchhoff4672]

Man I miss my 2001 miata what a great car it was.

[@opmike343]

This is an incredible video.

[@nfyfirst6993]

Wow. Great info. 👍🏻💪🏻

[@savagecub]

Nicely done !

[@Gardus82]

Very interesting, thanks!

[@SeanOBryanZZ]

Sweet! That was awesome!

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thanks!

[@RichieRouge206]

Interesting video!

[@Buckshitboys]

Since the 124 Spider will end in 2021 in production, the great part is that if the engine is no long available, you can always just swap in an ND motor/transmission and it will fit no problem. So your 124 Spider will just be a different looking, 100lb heavier, MX-5! Also.. we are all pretty sure the ND Miata will get a V8 swap kit from Flyin Miata like the rest of the predecessors MEANING it will always fit in the 124. :)

[@AmrothPalantir]

Amazing video 🏆

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thanks!

[@CP110]

that's cool Showa usually makes motorcycle suspension parts, didn't know they made automotive power steering racks, also these subframes remind me stock corvette c4 chassis

[@KedsomhedDK]

Showa also made the race suspensions for the JTCC Civic's in the 90's.

[@MrPazuzu1991]

Exelent work

[@cowtailcalvin]

I saw y’all had 666 subs ... I’m 667 .. happy 😃 to move that number forward

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Lol, thanks Calvin!

[@dominiquevanwyk518]

extremely informative video thanks so much! do you have the part number for the fiat bellhousing adapter for the NC gearbox? do you also have the part numbers for the fiats engine mounts? if you could help me with those part numbers i would greatly appreciate it. kind regards

[@kellyturley8295]

Nice!

[@mikeb1039]

Wow! Nice! I'm trying to decided between these 2 cars right now. The amount of hoses sticking out of the Fiat motor is a bit concerning in comparison.

[@CyclingSJH]

This. Video. is. Amazing.

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thanks!

[@NinadBelokar]

This guys is information and the real shit underneath the cabin!

[@MrMladen942]

Wow, they’re not that similar at all when you start looking at the engineering of it all.

[@xXturbo86Xx]

What video did you watch? They're identical. The only difference is the engine and peripherals placement.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

They're both built in Japan

[@schellingrs]

Love the MX5 Miata!

[@marlonmeiklejohn2403]

Whoa.... what's that at the 6:06 mark? Is that a Mopar part on the Fiat? Great video by the way. Nice to see a side-by-side comparison. Well done!

[@milk240cat]

catalyst

[@Hermetic_]

I wonder if that O2 sensor is difficult or easy to access for replacement?

[@soshilow]

very nice movie !

[@C.I...]

How straightforward would it be, in your opinion, to fit the 1.5 ND Mazda MX5 engine+gearbox into a 124 spider? Would it be a relatively simple swap onto existing mounts/fixtures, plus a replacement gauge cluster, or would there be more to it?

[@RedlineAutoParts]

We explored that possibility when doing these comparisons and it looks like the route with the most chance of success would be to source a crashed ND donor car so that you can use the engine, transmission, ac system, exhaust, cooling system, entire wiring harness, and all electronic modules. Basically you would keep the entire Fiat exterior, interior, and suspension /brakes, but replace everything electronic with the ND parts. At that point the only electronic "adapting" left to do would be to get the Fiat lighting to work with the ND wiring.

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Awesome!!!!!👍👍👍Absolutely cool😎😎😎

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thank you!

[@DaveGringo]

I like the body style on the Fiat, but not the mechanical design (engine). Fine if you don't have one past factory warranty I guess! Better and wiser to stick with the Mazda for reliability and ease of maintenance....

[@FinnishCarGuys]

Yeah even without the bodywork in place the FCA engine looks somewhat of a pain in the butt to work on, where as the Mazda one looks simple.

[@super00su]

Use the Ferrari F154 engine

[@carlos-m20]

Looks

[@DaveGringo]

@@FinnishCarGuys Exactly, so maybe the smart thing to do is buy a used Mazda and swap the Fiat body parts onto it!!! Then you got the best of both worlds! ;-)

[@JuanTorres34]

I have to come to your new location and show my new ND

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Yessir, come on by!

[@valepex]

Interesting!

[@ThatAintGud]

Any idea if the 2.0 Mutiair from the jeeps would ) fit in the 124, and 2) bolt up to the NC trans? thinking of swapping

[@RedlineAutoParts]

That's a very good question! Even if they did physically fit, I'd be more concerned with the electronics. These cars have their engine management so closely tied in with the rest of the chassis (ABS, power steering, stability control. etc) that getting it all to work cohesively would probably require someone who's an electronic guru in both Fiat/ Chrysler and Mazda.

[@lieberfreialsgleich]

Totally different engines. You can push the 1.4 up to 300 hp.

[@duckbizniz663]

Really enjoyed your presentation of 2 similar cars. I had no idea that Fiat would use so many Mazda parts. In fact the 2 cars look almost exactly the same with their bodies removed. The addition of the turbo seems to add a lot of complexity to the Fiat Spider engine air-intake and exhaust system. The Miata seem to have a simpler engine (without a turbo component). The Miata engine seem to sit lower in the Miata. Does Fiat and Mazda have some type of agreement where they share parts and Miata-Spider design?

[@acchaladka]

GREAT video. As a prospective 124 buyer, I'm curious to know which setup you as a mechanic would prefer to work on? If the 124 engine blows up in ten years, what would make a good swap? I know Fiat did a rally prototype with an Alfa 1.7l engine, wondering if a Mazda engine might be a good swap. Seems a good platform for fun shall we say.

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Thanks! Hmm, if I had to choose which one to work on, it would be the Miata. As far as engine swaps go, hopefully there are some advancements in Can-Bus integrations that are more DIY friendly in the coming years. That would really open up the door for more possibilities.

[@ralphaverill2001]

Why buy the Miata wannabe? Get the Miata! Full disclosure; I am the owner of a 2004 Mazdaspeed Miata with 165+k miles that just wants to go go go!

[@takemebacktothen]

the 124 engine is extremely reliable it literally can not blow up

[@acchaladka]

@@takemebacktothen glad this is a popular topic but all engines can blow up. I agree the cast-iron multiair is super solid but even so.

[@acchaladka]

@@ralphaverill2001 Pshaw, I have a 944 turbo in pretty mint condition - there's always a better choice, innit?

[@rvsteve583]

that watch your waring is huge

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Watch is normal sized, small wrists lol

[@8coibaf]

Hi, I own a 124 abarth, did you have the chance to measure spring rates and antiroll bar rates? Thanks

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Hello, unfortunately we don't have the equipment necessary to measure those rates. Flyin Miata might have that info on their website though.

[@8coibaf]

@@RedlineAutoParts thank you anyway

[@towlie911]

What’s the difference in weight?

[@Soravia]

Can you guys see how 2.5L SkyActiv will fit into ND frame, please?

[@RedlineAutoParts]

We don't currently part out any cars with the 2.5 SkyActiv engine, but that would probably be one of the first things we check we we do!

[@Soravia]

@@RedlineAutoParts thanks. I'm sure oil pan will have to be swapped. 2.5L swap is very popular with NC Miata now that supercharger is out of production. Forum.miata.net is where most of us are at. If you advertise there let Gary know I sent you

[@RedlineAutoParts]

@@Soravia The 2.5 swap in an NC is a great deal, especially considering how cost effective and straightforward it is. I have a feeling an ND would be a bit more difficult due to the electronics, but worth a shot. We're actually a sponsor on Miata.net already :)

[@Kacpa2]

It is possible to fully swap drivetrain(1.5 and 2.0) and jnterior from ND2 to 124? I dont really like how ND looks. 124 looks how 4th gen Miata should be like, but i like drivetrain and interior of MX-5 more.

[@petermonti4676]

That clearly helped, but has the 124 an LSD? Me knows that just for the Abarth.

[@HardlinersParadise]

Is there any engine mount brackets I can get for ND, what don't break ??

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Goodwin Racing sells some aftermarket ones that are reinforced steel

[@xxxy9928]

was the frames also damaged?

[@fishyfool]

Hey, did you miss the big "M" stamping on the heat shield for the turbo exhaust? Mopar baby!

[@KevinSmith-qi5yn]

I like Mopar parts. I was going with aftermarket parts before because I had a 2005 Dodge and the OEM parts looked of worse quality than the after market parts. Then I replaced some stuff with Mopar parts and they feel way better than the after market parts. Not sure what happened and the quality of parts improved.

[@altergreenhorn]

Nope its Abarth not Mopar maybe they (Fiat) print a few letteres for US market but this are pure Abarth (Fiat) parts

[@LAlberoNero]

*GRAPHIC*

[@CHAD-pj8rx]

I've been in the market for the Fiat 124 spider and was wondering what type of fuel you put in it. I know the owner manual states that the car should receive premium, but can it take regular. Furthermore, I think the car has a knock sensor which changes the timing of the ignition caused by the difference in the fuel quality. Still, I would like to eliminate knocking altogether to preserve the engine.

[@lilyride7865]

I never put anything but premium in mine.

[@ddrum121]

why are the engine mounts meant to break during an accident?

[@user-kk1hg8sn7i]

So that inertia doesn't tear mounting bolts out of an engine block, compromising its integrity, I'd guess. Same goes for the mounting points in a subframe. Having a cheap and easily replaceable part inbetween, that is intentionally weakened to break instead of engine block or subframe, prevents that.

[@Doc_Anderson01]

You didnt mention that the exhaust heatshield/catalytic converter cover is a Mopar part.

[@andrewsunderman259]

i believe the only real difference between the cars is engine and related systems, so you'll get FIAT/MOPAR starters, A/C, radiators, and other engine related accessories on the 124 and all mazda parts in the MX5. Chassis are exactly the same and suspension and drivetrain are specced a bit different but essentially identical

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@andrewsunderman259 Nothing worse than CHRYSLER quality or lack of it. They destroyed Mercedes Benz. I am a former factory rep ( District Manager) with M-B. I know first hand.

[@RandomlnternetGuy]

Easy sub!

[@derstrohmann7450]

Hello, can you tell me if the Mazda Wheels would fit the Fiat? Because i search for nice 124 wheels but cant find much that would fit asteticaly!? so im considering searching for Mx5 Aftermarket Wheels instead. Plenty out there but would the fit? Thank you.

[@RedlineAutoParts]

Yes, all of the 2016+ Miata wheels and 2017+ Fiat 124 Spider wheels are interchangeable between the two cars. The only concern is if your car has the Brembo brakes on it, in which case the ND BBS wheels and Fiat Abarth wheels would be the only OEM ones that fit.

[@derstrohmann7450]

@@RedlineAutoParts Thank you very much and i own the regular Fiat 124 as a Lusso so no Brembos i have to worry.... yet! Have a good Day.

[@jabrother]

@@derstrohmann7450 The Lusso is a pretty car. I have a 2017 "Classica" yet I aspire to own a Lusso one day! :)

[@Tourist1967]

Where is that? I'd guess west coast. Ayrshire? Maybe Fife?

[@hemenkareamg6957]

So as a technician wich one you recommend ? Which one you think will last longer?

[@RedlineAutoParts]

I'd personally have to go with the Miata on this one

[@atw7582]

@@RedlineAutoParts wy the miata and not the fiat ?

[@atw7582]

Do you prefer the nd 2.0 to the abarth ?

[@jeroenkerstens4139]

Il need to say. Fiat. Good job.... Making a car. Thats totally not maintanble..........

[@youtubeisbroken241]

Nonsense. The rear end, suspension, brakes are all maintainable. It’s just the stuff with mopar logos on it that you need to look out for

[@jeroenkerstens4139]

It's more the engine I whas talking about.. The setup... In a mechanic perspective not ideal.

[@Windof]

@@jeroenkerstens4139 it is compact, lighter, better balanced in the center of the car and no particular technical issues are reported.

[@drivesanoldcar]

@@Windof nice to. Knw

[@mlucasGrindstone]

How about an Audi A6? I got a 2012 to sell to you. With a Super charger this was actually quite a quick car

[@timothythompson3029]

So the 124 is a new trim level for the Miata.

[@eligorheidra314]

Miata 4ever❤️❤️❤️

[@maltainu3621]

I love the fiat 124spider more than the mx5. The 124spider sounds better and looks better

[@ZacGolus]

Malta inu I enjoyed owning the Abarth 124. I had the record monza exhaust it sounded like a beast haha.

[@jabrother]

I have a Classica 124 and I love it. it does sound really nice, mellow but a little raspy and roarty lol.

[@expautojv]

I wish the dislike button showed their faces. Great video!

[@derstrohmann7450]

I feel free to subscribe. Good Day Sir.

[@leslielevitan8767]

The biggest difference is probably the reliability factor.

[@captnjaygreybeard6394]

I missed some basic info.... Why are you comparing these two together? are they based on one company's design? does masda own fiat? ... maybe more info at the end of the video

[@captnjaygreybeard6394]

Mazda logos on the Fiat, I guess that is the answer

[@RedlineAutoParts]

The Fiat 124 Spider is based on the Miata platform, thanks to a partnership between both companies. It has a restyled exterior, slightly restyled interior and the mechanical differences shown in the video.

[@captnjaygreybeard6394]

@@RedlineAutoParts Thank you for taking the time to explain, learned a bunch, cheers

[@richardtargett4128]

Redline Auto Parts the Fiat is also made in Japan on the same Mazda production line as the MX-5.

[@captnjaygreybeard6394]

@@richardtargett4128 Great info, thanks : )

[@jackwicker]

How does the Fiat have a manual transmission if its an abarth? I thought the Abarth trim only came in auto.

[@RedlineAutoParts]

The Abarth was available in both auto and manual

[@user-sm3cm8vf6e]

@@RedlineAutoParts Good night: How much does it cost, the entire drive train of the fiat 124 spider, with manual transmission? I want to install it on a 1974 fiat 124 sport coupe. Greetings