24. Fiat 124 Spider

The Fiat 124 Spider Abarth is an unusual combination of Italian styling and Mazda engineering. Built on the same basic platform as the ND Mazda MX-5 Miata, the 124 gets its own 1.4-liter turbocharged MultiAir engine, suspension tuning, styling, and a characterful exhaust note. The result is a lightweight, rear-wheel-drive roadster that feels more like a miniature grand tourer than a pure sports car. The Abarth’s relatively soft suspension, comfortable seats, useful trunk, and exceptionally easy-to-operate manual convertible top make it surprisingly livable for longer drives, while its quick steering, balanced chassis, and abundant low-end torque make it extremely entertaining on winding roads. Unlike the naturally aspirated Miata, the turbocharged Fiat doesn’t need to be revved to the moon to have fun; it delivers its performance low in the rev range, making the car particularly enjoyable at everyday speeds.

Reliability is a bit more complicated. The 124 benefits from the fundamentally solid MX-5 chassis and generally has a better reputation than many Fiat products, but its 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo introduces additional complexity compared with the Miata’s naturally aspirated engine. The MultiAir system is particularly sensitive to proper oil specification and maintenance, while turbocharger components, cooling-system components, and boost plumbing can develop issues as these cars age. The 124 also uses a timing belt rather than the Miata’s chain, making scheduled belt replacement an important part of ownership. Overall, the Abarth 124 Spider is best viewed as a charming compromise: more comfortable and torquey than a Miata, dramatically more distinctive, and generally more reliable than its Fiat badge might suggest—but with a more complicated powertrain that demands disciplined maintenance.