The Fiat 124 Spider might be based on one of the most popular roadsters of all time but still has a ton of stuff to prove out there, in the real world.

Badge-engineering is a popular practice in the automotive world; it allows car makers to save huge amounts of money while customers get a wider variety of models to choose from. It’s also one of the most hated practices too, as this sort of cross-breeding has produced some of the most unwanted and laughable cars ever made (that’s you, Alfa Romeo Arna).

This is not going one of those cases though as Fiat has clearly spent a lot of effort into creating a product with its own distinct character, both visually and on the road. Add to that one of the most enjoyable platforms ever used in a two-seater convertible and the 124 Spider should make the difference needed.

The different suspension setup and the small turbocharged 160hp 1.4-litre also highlight two key areas where the Fiata can teach its Japanese sibling a few tricks. Does it though? Motor Trend believes they have the answer in their latest Ignition episode.

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