Topic: First Drive: 2017 Fiat 124 Spider

[Autos_Editor]

And then there were two...
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[ChaosphereIX]

I am an Italian fanboy, no surprise there...

That being said, you can't deny that Fiat has a little winner on their hands. Italian engine/suspension/brakes and Japanese build quality. I don't agree with the "refined" leaning of the chassis and engine, but I understand why they did that. Oh and before the comments about "worried about the reliability of the Fiat engine," look up the stats - the 1.4T is solid.

If I was buying a new convertible, this would be it, in Abarth trim. Drop in an exhaust to unleash that strangled little firecracker of an engine, tune it to 200+hp, and you have an amazing little open topped corner carver for well under $40k. Many smiles per mile.

[Aside: But I am not buying new, so for under $12k I am importing an Alfa Romeo 916 GTV 3.0V6. That is the perfect little Italian roadster for me, and so cheap! Just have to wait for the perfect one to come up for auction...]

[JohnnyMac]

I can understand why some would choose this over the Mazda sister vehicle.  Especially if you wanted to add some cheap power, I'm assuming there are tuners out there for under $1,000 that can give this car upwards of 200hp.  The added insulation and ride quality will appeal to others, as well as the Italian design.

But for me I think I'd go with the Mazda.  I like the looks better, it's lighter, I prefer naturally aspirated engines over turbo's, and it's truer to it's heritage.  But by no means do I think this Fiat isn't a excellent vehicle and envy those that drive by.

[Great_Big_Abyss]

If I was in the market for a little roadster, I would probably have to drive both vehicles back to back.  I do prefer the styling of the MX-5, but the Fiat will likely be rarer.  I imagine the little 1.4T is the more entertaining engine, especially if one does as Chaosphere recommends and adds an exhaust to allow it to breathe. 

It would be a tough call.  I imagine pricing on the two cars are similar?  I guess it could come down to which is cheaper...

[Weels]

It's fantastic there's another 2 seater drop-top roadster out there that you can get with an honest-to-god manual.   

I waaaaay prefer the looks of the MX-5, but I get the 124's design gives a nod back to the original.
Would love to try out an Abarth and that 1.4T... wonder if the gearing is any different -- my only gripe with my MX-5 is the too short first gear.
May have to pay a visit to my local FCA store.

Price wise, the 37,995 Abarth seems a deal -- it is similarly equipped as the GS with Sport Pack (minus the gorgeous BBS wheels  ).  That Mazda is around 39,400...

[Jaeger]

It's fantastic there's another 2 seater drop-top roadster out there that you can get with an honest-to-god manual.   

Agreed.  Different aesthetics will appeal to different buyers, but two winners here.

[Boff]

I hope the Canadian version of the Abarth trim drops the flat black hood and trunk...I think it looks dumb. Otherwise this trim is the one I'd get, hands down.

[evil_twin]

But for me I think I'd go with the Mazda.  I like the looks better, it's lighter, I prefer naturally aspirated engines over turbo's, and it's truer to it's heritage.  But by no means do I think this Fiat isn't a excellent vehicle and envy those that drive by.

Agreed.  MX-5 for me.   Spec'd with those sweet BBS wheels.

[whaddaiknow]

That's a roadster that immediately made it to my wish list.
Ever so slightly bigger, a little more insulated inside, a few more horses with easy tuning potential turned the Miata into something I would want.

[84im]

I like the look of the 124 and its quieter cabin, but I think I'd still go with the MX-5.
As far as extra power goes, one company that builds tunes for the new ND as dynoed one (with a tune, header, and more free-flowing exhaust system) at 174 rear wheel hp (or around 190 crank hp).
That's a pretty amazing power gain.

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=608647

[random006]

Saw one on display at one of the F1 pre race shows.  Looks very nice in person.

[ChaosphereIX]

I like the look of the 124 and its quieter cabin, but I think I'd still go with the MX-5.
As far as extra power goes, one company that builds tunes for the new ND as dynoed one (with a tune, header, and more free-flowing exhaust system) at 174 rear wheel hp (or around 190 crank hp).
That's a pretty amazing power gain.

http://forum.miata.net/vb/showthread.php?t=608647

header and big open exhaust with a dyno tune, not surprised at those numbers to be honest...good gain though, shows the factory breathing system strangles it a lot - common in many modern engines becaues of concerns about NVH

[WRX_Pilot]

Apparently the 6-speed manual is from the NC Miata.

"...designers spoke about its reconfigured seat structure.." does your friend notice any difference between it and the Mazda?  I sat in the new MX-5 and my head touches the roof as well  ... I'm holding onto hope the seats give you an extra inch or two in this thing.

[SKYMTL]

I'd buy this over the Miata every day of the week.  Different strokes for different folks but I can't stand the look of the new MX-5 and the extra oomph that comes with the turbo engine will be a nice addition.  Then again it's a Fiat so leasing is in order. 

[SailFastSimon]

I hope the Canadian version of the Abarth trim drops the flat black hood and trunk...I think it looks dumb. Otherwise this trim is the one I'd get, hands down.

The black hood and trunk are actually an option, so you can have it either way.

On the other hand, if you want even more hooliganism baked into your Abarth, there's a range of Mopar bits and pieces being developed, one being a Record Monza exhaust with a blow-off valve that dumps straight to the open air, so you get all sorts of whooshing and hissing noises whenever you back off the throttle. There was one car fitted with that exhaust and I drove it for a couple of laps. It was entertaining, but didn't add any power. Personally I think it would be fun to be able to activate the whooshing blow-off valve once in a while, but it would also be nice to have the ability to shut it off with a switch. The Fiat people nodded sagely at this suggestion, but I imagine it would start to become cost prohibitive.

[Arthur Dent]

Good to hear that black hood and trunk are optional. I'd pass on them myself.

[SailFastSimon]

Apparently the 6-speed manual is from the NC Miata.

"...designers spoke about its reconfigured seat structure.." does your friend notice any difference between it and the Mazda?  I sat in the new MX-5 and my head touches the roof as well  ... I'm holding onto hope the seats give you an extra inch or two in this thing.

As I understand things, part of the reasoning behind the changes to the seat structure was to carve out a little more space, but you'd really have to sit back-to-back in the cars to be able to quantify the differences. Frankly I was impressed that the 6'4" journalist I was driving with was able to drive at all with the top up, but we agreed that it wouldn't be his ideal winter car. My guess, having driven the car, is that you'll be good provided you're 6'1" or under. Those in the 6'2" - 6'3" range it'll depend on your proportions and seating position preferences, and above that all bets are off.

[ChaosphereIX]

I'd buy this over the Miata every day of the week.  Different strokes for different folks but I can't stand the look of the new MX-5 and the extra oomph that comes with the turbo engine will be a nice addition.  Then again it's a Fiat so leasing is in order.

totally agree, MX-5 bothers me to no end. I just don't enjoy any Japanese cars' looks. Different strokes and all that...

...and go ahead and lease it, that means when it comes off lease I could buy it with a nice dose of depreciation

But remember, it is a Mazda with a bulletproof Fiat engine. Seems like a good bet reliability wise, but time will tell of course.

[Fobroader]

To me this just sounds like a bad idea. You take the bulletproof Miata and stick an iffy Italian engine into it and give it questionable looks....ummmm, nope. I really like the Miata, after seeing this at the Edmonton car show, no thank you.

[safristi]

Love the looks of the FIATA.....butterscotch seats  Forza Italia...well done.