It’s Italian elegance versus Japanese intelligence.

Two cars, two difference personalities, same chassis.

But which is better? Or more importantly, which would you own?

To look at them, side by side, Fiat’s 124 Spider and Mazda’s MX-5 are very similar cars, yet also distinctively unique.

On one half you have the European roadster, a reimagining of the 1966 classic sports car. It’s a machine designed to look beautiful, with its long bonnet and short rear end. Gem-like sunken lights add to its charm.

In a word, it’s sophisticated. Something you’d picture cutting through wine fields in Tuscany.

Daily Echo: (Mazda)(Mazda)

But, on the other side is the menacing MX-5.

Having received a sharp makeover, the new model – although small in size – holds its own on the road.

Sharp edges, short bonnet, and dagger-like headlights give a very different persona to the softer styling of the old model.

Mazda also offers a hard-top convertible RF guise for the first time too. Fiat does not. Bigger isn’t always better, you see. And in this case, that’s exactly the point.

Inside you’ll find the exact same interiors, barring badges, of course.

Cubby holes are a rarity, and there are no doors pockets which can get annoying. But a bigger-than-you-think “glove box” that sits behind the driver’s left shoulder.

Practicality shouldn’t be in your tick-box when you’re looking at these.

Daily Echo: (Mazda)(Mazda)

So, where are the differences?

Well, apart from the stylings, the main one is under the bonnet, unsurprisingly.

Mazda gives the choice of running either a 1.5- (130bhp) or 2.0-litre (160bhp) naturally aspiring Skyactiv engine, whereas Fiat ops for a 1.4-litre (140bhp) turbocharged MultiAir. All three are noticeably different.

Take the 124. You can potter around town, low revs, and it’s as easy as a Ford Fiesta. But, take it out onto a country road, put your foot down, and you unleash its wild side.

Its civilised when you want it to be. And isn’t when you don’t.

This is a characteristic the MX-5 doesn’t have. But that is very, very far from a bad thing.

The Skyactiv 2.0-litre is an animal. There is no lag when you dab the accelerator. Push a bit too much turning out of a bend and you may end up facing the wrong way.

It is a beast that needs to be tamed.

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But, the big question. Can you take them shopping?

Well, yes and no.

As I said before, these are not practical cars, but there is more space than you may think.

I took both for a weekly shop. Two full bags of shopping, plus my satchel barely filled half of the boot space.

Heading away for the weekend? You could easily fit all you need in either car.

There is even a secret area behind the driver’s seat. Granted it's not very big, but it's handy.

So, the question remains, which should you have?

A tricky answer to give. It all depends on what you want – which sounds like a cop-out, but give me a minute.

If you’re after power, the 2.0-litre Mazda delivers that. It is crazy fun too. But, if you want stop-in-your-tracks beauty, the Fiat is for you.

That’s really what you look at. Both have the same interior. Both are rear-wheel drive. Both have the same luggage space. Both are priced around the £20,000-mark.

Personally, if the Fiat had that 160bhp Mazda engine, it would be a no-brainer. It is genuinely one of the most beautiful vehicles I have ever seen on the road.

But, that lack of power starts to grind you after a while. I had it from Fiat for a week, and although it excited me every time I got behind the wheel, the turbo-lag and desire for more oomph got to me.

I could live with having to pay for delivery rather than pick up large items. I can deal with having to take two cars to a family outing. But that lack of power. It seems harsh to say, but that was the tipping point.