New 124 Spider
Discussion
MitchT said:
I rather like it, but it'd bug the OCD part of me to death that the coloured portion of the dashboard, that runs from under the vent on the passenger side to the centre, is not duplicated under the vent on the driver's side.
That is probably a typical fiat style "hey, we can just re-use the panel with the foglight switches from a punto for that side!" type of thing, doesnt make it less off putting, but its what they doVitorio said:
And there is probably more in it with some small hardware mods, a dutch alfa dealer did a special version of the 155 horse mito which had been upgraded to 200hp, and that was before all the fancy multi-air tech came up.
That fancy MultiAir tech does make it harder to tune. But Abarth values or a bit more (180hp, just as the Abarth Punto Evo with MultiAir) should be possible.
Have you tried the Abarth 124 yet?
It's equally impressive, if not more so, but for different reasons. It feels less relaxed than its sister, but is much more aggressive in terms of sound, acceleration (it does feel appreciably quicker, despite the modest 30bhp power hike) and the whole car seems more alive in response to driver input. It feels very special indeed.
It's equally impressive, if not more so, but for different reasons. It feels less relaxed than its sister, but is much more aggressive in terms of sound, acceleration (it does feel appreciably quicker, despite the modest 30bhp power hike) and the whole car seems more alive in response to driver input. It feels very special indeed.
pixelpimp said:
ziontrain said:
Am I right in thinking the normal and abarth versions both have the same engine, and therefore you could remap the normal one to 170hp?
yes there's nothing stopping you tweaking the 1.4tb to 230 really, I imagine the Mazda gearbox will be strong enough.Interestingly, the 124 has a Fiat gearbox as well as engine. Some are suggesting this implies that Mazda/Fiat were aware of the Mazda gearbox's limitations...
I'm still planning on getting an RF, despite this issue.
[quote=dxg]
Interestingly, the 124 has a Fiat gearbox as well as engine. Some are suggesting this implies that Mazda/Fiat were aware of the Mazda gearbox's limitations...
quote]
I have read in a few places that the Fiat uses the previous generation Mazda MX5 gearbox, not a Fiat one.
Maybe wrong, though...
Interestingly, the 124 has a Fiat gearbox as well as engine. Some are suggesting this implies that Mazda/Fiat were aware of the Mazda gearbox's limitations...
quote]
I have read in a few places that the Fiat uses the previous generation Mazda MX5 gearbox, not a Fiat one.
Maybe wrong, though...
JONSCZ]xg said:
Interestingly, the 124 has a Fiat gearbox as well as engine. Some are suggesting this implies that Mazda/Fiat were aware of the Mazda gearbox's limitations...
quote]
I have read in a few places that the Fiat uses the previous generation Mazda MX5 gearbox, not a Fiat one.
Maybe wrong, though...
Maybe, but I do know they use a stronger box because of the higher engine power.quote]
I have read in a few places that the Fiat uses the previous generation Mazda MX5 gearbox, not a Fiat one.
Maybe wrong, though...
I had a look at one in the local dealership this past weekend. Having owned 2 classic 124 Spiders in the past, I was curious to see how they interpreted these cars in the new version.
Showroom Impressions (as a drive wasn't possible on the day)...
1. The cabin seemed a tight fit (I'm 5'10"). The rear deck is quite high, so this coupled with the headrest / hoops and air deflector between headrests means reversing might be a bit of a challenge. It is hard to determine where either the front or rear ends of the car terminate. Lots more overhang than the MX5.
I was a little disappointed in the materials used in the cabin, especially the centre console. Felt cheap and plasticky to me.
Seats were comfy, and I eventually found an adjustment that suited me. Steering wheel can also be adjusted for rake, so that helped.
2. I would be concerned about corrosion in future. It seems that this is a killer for MX5, as they litter the classifieds as MOT failures due to corrosion. The wheel arch liners in the 124 seemed quite thin and flimsy, and I wonder how much dirt etc will accumulate in the wheel arches as a result.
3. The top is nicely designed, with a heated glass back window. It folds in seconds with just a single release lever, and latches into place solidly behind the seats. Must admit, it felt a bit claustrophobic with the top up. I would also be concerned about rain rolling off and into the passenger compartment, due to the steeply sloped side windows.
4. Limited colour pallet for both interior / exterior - perhaps this will change once it gets rolling and sales volume is established.
5. Boot is relatively generous (much deeper than the original 124 Spider, that's for sure !). No spare, just a can of goo. Opening is a good size, so should hold a couple of pieces of soft luggage no problem for a weekend getaway. (everything has to go in here, as there is precious little space in cabin, save a few small cubby holes between the seats. No glove box.)
6. The windscreen frame / A-pillar seems rather large in section, and does restrict the view out. There are tiny fixed quarter windows that let you peak out between mirrors and windscreen frame.
I really wanted to like this car, but I think the cabin is just a bit too small to be comfortable for any duration of travel.
Having said all that, is a nice looking car, well-finished, with what sounds like a decent engine and gearbox package. I intend to go back and do the test drive, to give the car a fair shake.
Showroom Impressions (as a drive wasn't possible on the day)...
1. The cabin seemed a tight fit (I'm 5'10"). The rear deck is quite high, so this coupled with the headrest / hoops and air deflector between headrests means reversing might be a bit of a challenge. It is hard to determine where either the front or rear ends of the car terminate. Lots more overhang than the MX5.
I was a little disappointed in the materials used in the cabin, especially the centre console. Felt cheap and plasticky to me.
Seats were comfy, and I eventually found an adjustment that suited me. Steering wheel can also be adjusted for rake, so that helped.
2. I would be concerned about corrosion in future. It seems that this is a killer for MX5, as they litter the classifieds as MOT failures due to corrosion. The wheel arch liners in the 124 seemed quite thin and flimsy, and I wonder how much dirt etc will accumulate in the wheel arches as a result.
3. The top is nicely designed, with a heated glass back window. It folds in seconds with just a single release lever, and latches into place solidly behind the seats. Must admit, it felt a bit claustrophobic with the top up. I would also be concerned about rain rolling off and into the passenger compartment, due to the steeply sloped side windows.
4. Limited colour pallet for both interior / exterior - perhaps this will change once it gets rolling and sales volume is established.
5. Boot is relatively generous (much deeper than the original 124 Spider, that's for sure !). No spare, just a can of goo. Opening is a good size, so should hold a couple of pieces of soft luggage no problem for a weekend getaway. (everything has to go in here, as there is precious little space in cabin, save a few small cubby holes between the seats. No glove box.)
6. The windscreen frame / A-pillar seems rather large in section, and does restrict the view out. There are tiny fixed quarter windows that let you peak out between mirrors and windscreen frame.
I really wanted to like this car, but I think the cabin is just a bit too small to be comfortable for any duration of travel.
Having said all that, is a nice looking car, well-finished, with what sounds like a decent engine and gearbox package. I intend to go back and do the test drive, to give the car a fair shake.
Neil - I've got the Abarth version and had it since October and I am loving mine.
It's just a great, quick roadster - not an all out performance car - and it constantly gets great reactions from people.
It's quick enough to have fun without entering license losing territory, handles fantastically and sounds brilliant.
I was lucky enough to drive a demonstrator one 'in anger' around Brands last year and, particularly in the hands of the instructor who took me around in it after I drove it, it really can perform, handle and brake well.
I've had much quicker and more 'extreme' cars before, but I really rate it - it's just a superb all rounder and is all I want in a 2nd car these days.
If you're on Facebook, then search for the 'Abarth 124 Owners Club' - there are many helpful posts and a few people have 'modded' them with tuning boxes and lowering kits.
There are also many posts on this site if it's more the regular 124 spider you're asking about (although it's predominantly a US forum - http://www.124spider.org/forum/ )
It's just a great, quick roadster - not an all out performance car - and it constantly gets great reactions from people.
It's quick enough to have fun without entering license losing territory, handles fantastically and sounds brilliant.
I was lucky enough to drive a demonstrator one 'in anger' around Brands last year and, particularly in the hands of the instructor who took me around in it after I drove it, it really can perform, handle and brake well.
I've had much quicker and more 'extreme' cars before, but I really rate it - it's just a superb all rounder and is all I want in a 2nd car these days.
If you're on Facebook, then search for the 'Abarth 124 Owners Club' - there are many helpful posts and a few people have 'modded' them with tuning boxes and lowering kits.
There are also many posts on this site if it's more the regular 124 spider you're asking about (although it's predominantly a US forum - http://www.124spider.org/forum/ )
Mine's got 12,500 miles on it now, nothing's gone wrong or fallen off. The only warning light so far has been tyre pressure (yes, I picked up a puncture). It's averaged 43 mpg so far and been serviced once at 9000 miles, doesn't use a drop of oil.
Likes:
The way it looks, lots of unsolicited nice comments too. The view across the bonnet from the drivers seat is worth the price of the car alone.
Goes well, got plenty of grunt and as much go as you need in a car like this.
Handling and grip are excellent, yes you can kick the tail out if you try.
Ride is a real surprise, soaks up quite big bumps well.
Very little wind noise roof up or down, Much less than expected.
Roof operation is a doddle, well done Mazda.
Heated seats and excellent HVAC mean you can drive it roof down all year.
Dislikes:
The fuel tank is supposed to be 45 litres but even though I've run it beyond empty and zero miles I've yet to get more than 38 litres into it. If you're not quick the car locks itself before you've popped the filler flap open! Probably not an issue for most people but I do 500 miles a week...
Some road roar from the rear tyres but better than the MX5.
I'd prefer to have a real spare wheel than a compressor.
Pistonheads bores who slag it off because it's not an MX5 so must be no good.
Likes:
The way it looks, lots of unsolicited nice comments too. The view across the bonnet from the drivers seat is worth the price of the car alone.
Goes well, got plenty of grunt and as much go as you need in a car like this.
Handling and grip are excellent, yes you can kick the tail out if you try.
Ride is a real surprise, soaks up quite big bumps well.
Very little wind noise roof up or down, Much less than expected.
Roof operation is a doddle, well done Mazda.
Heated seats and excellent HVAC mean you can drive it roof down all year.
Dislikes:
The fuel tank is supposed to be 45 litres but even though I've run it beyond empty and zero miles I've yet to get more than 38 litres into it. If you're not quick the car locks itself before you've popped the filler flap open! Probably not an issue for most people but I do 500 miles a week...
Some road roar from the rear tyres but better than the MX5.
I'd prefer to have a real spare wheel than a compressor.
Pistonheads bores who slag it off because it's not an MX5 so must be no good.
Edited by Mound Dawg on Tuesday 16th May 20:15
thanks for the real life updates, possible plan is to buy a 1 yr old circa £15 - 17k and do an aftermarket abarth ish engine mod - chip, abarth power but saving @ 5k.
These's could be an excellent car to mod up and improve at low or reasonable cost.
Agree with you all regarding the anti Fiat badge brigade going on that "its not good as the MX5" is becoming a bit pathetic IMHO.
These's could be an excellent car to mod up and improve at low or reasonable cost.
Agree with you all regarding the anti Fiat badge brigade going on that "its not good as the MX5" is becoming a bit pathetic IMHO.
Edited by whiteonyx on Tuesday 16th May 22:22
Reviving an old thread, some 124 Spiders are now touching the 15K price range making a potential good second hand buy, wondered how owners have experienced the Spider during the winter months and if any niggles - issues arised.
Have anyone modded - uprated their cars and what improvement was made, thanks in advance
Have anyone modded - uprated their cars and what improvement was made, thanks in advance
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