If you’re a fan of the Mazda MX-5, aka Miata, but you’d also like something that looks more like a traditional roadster and sounds throatier when revved, the Fiat 124 Abarth Spider becomes the obvious choice.

According to DeMuro, the 124 Abarth, while extremely similar to the Miata, does a slightly better job at standing out as a roadster.

However, while he did like the overall look of the car, the panel gap between the front fascia and wing was definitely not to his liking – it’s weirdly vertical and more noticeable than on the Mazda.

Inside, it does have a few quirks, such as the annoyingly dim “Night Mode” for the infotainment system, but overall its cabin will be a familiar place for anybody who’s ever sat in or driven the new Miata.

On the go, the 124 Abarth feels quick, sounds good and handles very well, especially on back-roads. But does it justify its almost $30,000 price, and how does it compared to its Japanese sibling?

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