Fiat 124 Spider vs. MX-5 ND
Discussion
TameRacingDriver said:
The only real disadvantage is the lack of LSD, but I'm not sure it's a huge loss on a car with that power.
You can also get these up to 200 bhp at BBR with their Turbo conversion, if you got bored!
Yup, I don't think outright grunt is why you buy an mx5. I adored both the mk 1 models I owned, pure, quite low levels of ultimate grip but so biddable. I think the wee 1.5 is the modern incarnation of this vibeYou can also get these up to 200 bhp at BBR with their Turbo conversion, if you got bored!
The 1.5 is fairly similar power to my old mr2 roadster and that was absolutely fine. I think as long as you have another more powerful car to use you can't really go wrong.
I had a look at the 124 on AT. Not sure about spec but there are some Lusso models about at fairly tempting prices. For me the mx5 is a better looking car and having a revvy NA engine is quite appealing. But the Fiat does look great too.
Drive both and buy the one you like. Job done.
I had a look at the 124 on AT. Not sure about spec but there are some Lusso models about at fairly tempting prices. For me the mx5 is a better looking car and having a revvy NA engine is quite appealing. But the Fiat does look great too.
Drive both and buy the one you like. Job done.
ChrisH72 said:
The 1.5 is fairly similar power to my old mr2 roadster and that was absolutely fine. I think as long as you have another more powerful car to use you can't really go wrong.
I had a look at the 124 on AT. Not sure about spec but there are some Lusso models about at fairly tempting prices. For me the mx5 is a better looking car and having a revvy NA engine is quite appealing. But the Fiat does look great too.
Drive both and buy the one you like. Job done.
I'd not bother with a more powerful car, but then I've done tens of thousands of miles in Smart 450s and air cooled beetles and the like. Its the journey for me man, the slow one...I had a look at the 124 on AT. Not sure about spec but there are some Lusso models about at fairly tempting prices. For me the mx5 is a better looking car and having a revvy NA engine is quite appealing. But the Fiat does look great too.
Drive both and buy the one you like. Job done.
Trevor555 said:
Which ever one you buy OP have a good nose underneath as they can suffer bad subframe corrosion.
They were 2/3 years old when I was looking, and two cars I viewed were heavily corroded on the subframes.
I dread to think what those two cars would look like now underneath.
I ended up buying a second one after the first one went, I missed it.
I'd recommend the Abarth version though, I'm sure the residuals will be good on them, 5,000 of them in UK?
Abarth gets
LSD
Bilstein suspension
Brembo brakes
Monza exhaust (a bit farty for some)
Nicer seats (seat bases can collapse over time)
Early cars had Ltd edition plaque
A bit of alcantara inside
Rumours were around that all the Abarth 124's for the UK market were built in 2016 and shipped over here.
The later registered ones having been sat in a compound somewhere near the sea.
There was more than one forum member reporting they'd bought brand new 2018 cars that were waxoiled underneath by the supplying dealer to cover up the rust.
As I said, have a good look underneath.
I can’t believe a modern Fiat could have a rust problem. I know they had a slight problem back in the early 80’s with 131’s that had been stockpiled, but I thought that was way behind them now. They were 2/3 years old when I was looking, and two cars I viewed were heavily corroded on the subframes.
I dread to think what those two cars would look like now underneath.
I ended up buying a second one after the first one went, I missed it.
I'd recommend the Abarth version though, I'm sure the residuals will be good on them, 5,000 of them in UK?
Abarth gets
LSD
Bilstein suspension
Brembo brakes
Monza exhaust (a bit farty for some)
Nicer seats (seat bases can collapse over time)
Early cars had Ltd edition plaque
A bit of alcantara inside
Rumours were around that all the Abarth 124's for the UK market were built in 2016 and shipped over here.
The later registered ones having been sat in a compound somewhere near the sea.
There was more than one forum member reporting they'd bought brand new 2018 cars that were waxoiled underneath by the supplying dealer to cover up the rust.
As I said, have a good look underneath.
Edited by Trevor555 on Friday 27th October 12:34
Rob 131 Sport said:
Trevor555 said:
Which ever one you buy OP have a good nose underneath as they can suffer bad subframe corrosion.
They were 2/3 years old when I was looking, and two cars I viewed were heavily corroded on the subframes.
I dread to think what those two cars would look like now underneath.
I ended up buying a second one after the first one went, I missed it.
I'd recommend the Abarth version though, I'm sure the residuals will be good on them, 5,000 of them in UK?
Abarth gets
LSD
Bilstein suspension
Brembo brakes
Monza exhaust (a bit farty for some)
Nicer seats (seat bases can collapse over time)
Early cars had Ltd edition plaque
A bit of alcantara inside
Rumours were around that all the Abarth 124's for the UK market were built in 2016 and shipped over here.
The later registered ones having been sat in a compound somewhere near the sea.
There was more than one forum member reporting they'd bought brand new 2018 cars that were waxoiled underneath by the supplying dealer to cover up the rust.
As I said, have a good look underneath.
I can’t believe a modern Fiat could have a rust problem. I know they had a slight problem back in the early 80’s with 131’s that had been stockpiled, but I thought that was way behind them now. They were 2/3 years old when I was looking, and two cars I viewed were heavily corroded on the subframes.
I dread to think what those two cars would look like now underneath.
I ended up buying a second one after the first one went, I missed it.
I'd recommend the Abarth version though, I'm sure the residuals will be good on them, 5,000 of them in UK?
Abarth gets
LSD
Bilstein suspension
Brembo brakes
Monza exhaust (a bit farty for some)
Nicer seats (seat bases can collapse over time)
Early cars had Ltd edition plaque
A bit of alcantara inside
Rumours were around that all the Abarth 124's for the UK market were built in 2016 and shipped over here.
The later registered ones having been sat in a compound somewhere near the sea.
There was more than one forum member reporting they'd bought brand new 2018 cars that were waxoiled underneath by the supplying dealer to cover up the rust.
As I said, have a good look underneath.
Edited by Trevor555 on Friday 27th October 12:34
It’s true, a lot were built in 2016 and then sat dockside so exposed metal can look a bit scabby underneath but nothing a brush off and seal won’t sort. The brake disks are a real weak point for corrosion on the insides so worth a look at as a potential discount negotiation.
The mx5 is no better for a lack of rust protection, both would benefit from a day spent with under seal or rust protection.
The mx5 is no better for a lack of rust protection, both would benefit from a day spent with under seal or rust protection.
SIMON67 said:
Waiting to hear what you think ??
Well gents, semi successful day. First up was the 124 and up close in the metal they look stunning in my opinion. Much better looking than the MX-5 but are colour sensitive. The one I looked at was a base spec classica but even with the smaller 16s just looked bang on.Unfortunately as soon as I saw where the car was parked (buried in the showroom behind three rows of cars) I knew what was coming… no test drive until deal was done and deposit paid
Very odd never had this before but I can only guess they have a lot of time wasters rather than genuinely interested people (like me).Bit bemused I drove over to the Mazda dealership and thankfully they had a cancellation and could fit me in. After an inspection of my part ex CUPRA 290 I was given the keys to this raspy little gem and given a proper half hour test by myself. Ideal.
As you can probably tell by the small wheels this is a base spec 1.5. Initial thoughts:
- It was a bit of a shock how raw it felt! Very, very similar feel in my head to my old NA MX5
- Really quite tight inside. I’m a slim(ish) 5’11” and wouldn’t want to be any taller, plus my back rested ON rather than IN the seat if that makes sense
- Gear change is as glorious as you imagine. Once warmed up it’s so mechanically precise with no slop. Insert bolt rifle cliche here
- That 1.5 engine is an absolute star. Despite coming from a 300bhp hatch it didn’t feel at all slow once past 4krpm, and it has a metallic howl at high revs. Brilliant
- I felt everything was a bit harsh in terms of ride, cabin noise. The gear knob vibrated quite noticeably at idle. Not sure if that is normal as I was expecting a nuggety, possibly smooth ride and it was anything but
- The steering either side of centre felt sort of leaden, and almost difficult to keep in a smooth line. It followed road camber and felt fidgety
Overall bloody enjoyed it but I’m just not sure if this one, despite only having 20k miles, was right. Or maybe it is, they’re all a bit harsh unless ‘on it’ and that’s where the 124 feels more refined. Damn it I need to drive one but there’s so few around here!
We’ll see how the 2.0 ND2 is tomorrow - especially considering the 1.5 is the ‘softer’ of the two engines!
irish boy said:
My 2020 nd2 184 with 17k has dropped on wbac from £22k to £9k in 8 months.
Seriously?That's a bit ridiculous. At least these lowball offers are giving sellers more incentive to sell privately which I think is a good thing. As a private sale you'd be looking at significantly more for your trouble.
Snow and Rocks said:
Are any of you guys on the taller side? I'm 6ft 2 and can fit in our ancient 986 Boxster but apparently the MX5 is pretty tight.
Could be quite tempted if I can fit now that prices are coming down a bit.
I'm around 6'2", inside leg around 34" and fit in OK. My wife's had all iterations of MX5 and we've travelled abroad in them with no ill effects.Could be quite tempted if I can fit now that prices are coming down a bit.
ChrisH72 said:
Seriously?
That's a bit ridiculous. At least these lowball offers are giving sellers more incentive to sell privately which I think is a good thing. As a private sale you'd be looking at significantly more for your trouble.
Yeah, cap clean is still sitting at 20k but it’s just a case of wbac not wanting it, especially at this time of year. I think the gap between trade and retail is currently very high.That's a bit ridiculous. At least these lowball offers are giving sellers more incentive to sell privately which I think is a good thing. As a private sale you'd be looking at significantly more for your trouble.
irish boy said:
Yeah, cap clean is still sitting at 20k but it’s just a case of wbac not wanting it, especially at this time of year. I think the gap between trade and retail is currently very high.
A sign of price corrections in the market looming?I'd hate to be a dealer right now sitting on a load of stock if that's the case.
My ND 2 trade in price has dropped by about 2k in as many months.
I seem to recall the same happening at the same time last year before it rallied again in spring.
I used to think this was a myth with convertibles.
To the OP,I’m looking forward to your views on the 184,I’m still loving mine after 18 months.
I seem to recall the same happening at the same time last year before it rallied again in spring.
I used to think this was a myth with convertibles.
To the OP,I’m looking forward to your views on the 184,I’m still loving mine after 18 months.
Interesting to read your comparison when you’ve tried all three
The only one I’ve driven was the 124 which I must admit left me a bit cold
Admittedly it was a rental car in Lanzarote and had about 40km on the clock, and had probably never been serviced but it felt quite wooden and gutless .. but probably not representative really as it was a shagged Canarian rental car!
I did find it quite cramped (6ft 16st) with very little space/storage, well none really. It made my Z4 seem very comfortable and spacious in comparison and I kind of felt I sat on the seat rather than in it if that makes sense
Based on the week of trundling back and forth to the go kart track in it I wouldn’t be rushing to buy one
I had tried to get and abarth version but they were all sold out, perhaps that would have been a much better choice
I think it was a base car, but I do still like the look of them
The only one I’ve driven was the 124 which I must admit left me a bit cold
Admittedly it was a rental car in Lanzarote and had about 40km on the clock, and had probably never been serviced but it felt quite wooden and gutless .. but probably not representative really as it was a shagged Canarian rental car!
I did find it quite cramped (6ft 16st) with very little space/storage, well none really. It made my Z4 seem very comfortable and spacious in comparison and I kind of felt I sat on the seat rather than in it if that makes sense
Based on the week of trundling back and forth to the go kart track in it I wouldn’t be rushing to buy one
I had tried to get and abarth version but they were all sold out, perhaps that would have been a much better choice
I think it was a base car, but I do still like the look of them
Scotter said:
My ND 2 trade in price has dropped by about 2k in as many months.
I seem to recall the same happening at the same time last year before it rallied again in spring.
I used to think this was a myth with convertibles.
To the OP,I’m looking forward to your views on the 184,I’m still loving mine after 18 months.
Bloody loved it. Absolutely fantastic.I seem to recall the same happening at the same time last year before it rallied again in spring.
I used to think this was a myth with convertibles.
To the OP,I’m looking forward to your views on the 184,I’m still loving mine after 18 months.
Looks like this thread is going to come to an unsatisfying conclusion and the 124 will remain untested. Whilst I love the look, I can’t see how it will drive better than an ND 2.0!
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