The Fiat 124 Spider, also known as the Fiata, aimed to bring together Italian romance and Japanese finesse in the automotive world. However, it struggled to compete with the dominant Miata MX-5 ND in the limited sports car market, as mainstream consumers were increasingly leaning towards SUVs.
Fiat’s reputation for reliability and build quality in the US also worked against the Spider’s success. Despite this, the Fiat 124 Spider has the potential to become a future classic. It offered an affordable option for roadster enthusiasts, with three trim levels and prices starting from $25,990.
Built alongside the Miata at Mazda’s Hiroshima plant, the Fiat 124 Spider shared many components with its Japanese counterpart. However, it had different tuning for steering and suspension, as well as a distinct engine.
One of the drawbacks of the Fiat 124 Spider was its weight. The 1.4-liter turbocharged inline-four engine provided 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque, but the car was 130 pounds heavier than the Miata. Turbo lag was another issue, resulting in slower acceleration compared to the Miata.
Fiat engineers tried to address some of the Miata’s flaws, such as roll control, but this compromised the Spider’s agility. The manual transmission received positive reviews, while the automatic option was less favored. Additionally, wind noise with the soft top down was a downside, although the car excelled in highway driving due to its compliant suspension and sound-deadening padding.
The top trim level Abarth model stood out with its unique Record Monza exhaust, evoking the growl and snarl typical of Italian cars. Safety features included antilock disc brakes, side airbags, stability and traction control. Additional safety options could be added through packages on higher trims.
Inside the Fiat 124 Spider, there was a touch of European class with soft-touch plastics, simple climate controls, and a Mazda-sourced touchscreen. The car boasted a slightly larger trunk compared to the Miata, although the difference was minimal.
The ideal example of the Fiat 124 Spider would be the Abarth model, considered the performance variant. While it faced competition from the Miata’s more powerful engine, the Abarth still offered more torque and a punchier feel in lower rpms. It also came with a rear limited-slip differential, upgraded shocks, sharper tuning for steering and suspension, and a distinctive exhaust note.
The price difference between the Abarth and the base Classica model was reasonable, making the Abarth a more compelling choice. Its sporty design elements, such as the gunmetal matte hood and scorpion badges, added to its appeal.
For those considering alternatives to the Fiat 124 Spider, used models can be quite pricey. The Subaru BRZ and Toyota 86 offer affordability and refinement in terms of ride quality and amenities. The Audi TT and Mini Cooper Roadster are pricier options with similar levels of fun and German engineering.
In conclusion, while the Fiat 124 Spider faced challenges in the market, it possesses the potential to become a future classic. Its blend of Italian and Japanese influences, along with its affordability and distinct characteristics, make it an appealing choice for enthusiasts.