Summer may be winding down in North America, but there are still plenty of places – and time – to drive a convertible this year.
And which drop-top would you rather own, the spunky Fiat 124 Spider or an open-air version of the iconic Chevy Camaro? Let’s explore…
The Italian in this comparison is fluent in Japanese, being a rebadged version of Mazda’s acclaimed Miata. And you know what? There’s nothing wrong with that.
Underneath its creased hood resides a 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine that delivers 160 horses and 184 pound-feet of torque. In sporty Abarth trim, the car gains four additional ponies, though twist remains the same.
Drivers have a choice of either two or three pedals. A manual and automatic transmission is available, both with six forward ratios.
SEE ALSO: 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Review
The base engine in Chevy’s open-air Camaro is also a turbo-four, one that displaces a meatier 2.0-liters. Output clocks in at 275 stallions and 295 pound-feet of torque. Aside from this, you can also get a 335-horsepower V6, a 6.2-liter small block pumping out 455 ponies or even a supercharged V8 in the ZL1 that’s good for 650 horses. Yeah, there’s plenty of choice here.
1LS-trim Camaro convertibles, the most affordable model offered, come with a standard six-speed manual transmission, though an eight-speed automatic is also available in 1LT cars, the next step up the trim ladder.
When it comes to pricing, the little Fiat has a big advantage, starting at right around $26,000, including delivery fees. The thriftiest drop-top Camaro is about seven-grand more expensive. The 124 Spider is also more fuel efficient, stickering at 26 miles per gallon city, 35 highway and 30 MPG combined. In comparison, the turbocharged Camaro – a much larger car – is rated to average just 23 miles per gallon.
Each of these cars has its advantages, but which one do YOU prefer? Compare them directly right here and don’t forget to vote in our poll!
