[Ernster500]

Hello All,

I recently found myself contemplating that I am in need of a sports car. I started looking at the Miata and then came across the Fiat 124 Spider. I read about them when they first came out a few years ago but never followed through. Now, I find myself obsessively researching to see if this car will fit me and my style of driving.

Is there any reason I should not be looking at an Abarth over a Miata? I would like to hear firsthand from you owners to see what your experience is so far. I like both cars, but, think I like the Abarth styling a little more. If I am going to go through the trouble of buying one, I do not want to look back and have any regrets.

I live in Southern California, on the edge of suburbia. So, that gives me the majority of the year to drive a convertible sports car and on nice curvy back-roads where plenty of fun is to be had year-round. I am coming from 25 years of enjoying motorcycles and have found myself not having as much fun riding as I use to. It seems everyone around me is trying to kill me these days. I am kind of thinking that my fun will be less stressful with a nice agile and not-so-expensive hobby car like a Spider or Miata.

My biggest concern about the Abarth today is that they seem a lot more expensive than they should be. I know, I know, market, covid, chip shortage, inflation, yada yada yada... But, is an Abarth worth the price they are right now?

What do you all think out there?

Thanks!

Ernie

 

[LongShao]

Deep inside you already want Abarth 🍻

 

[SteveP.]

2018. No regrets whatsoever, and plan on keeping it as long as I can still legally drive - maybe longer! Best, s

 

[Dancap]

Hello All,

I recently found myself contemplating that I am in need of a sports car. I started looking at the Miata and then came across the Fiat 124 Spider. I read about them when they first came out a few years ago but never followed through. Now, I find myself obsessively researching to see if this car will fit me and my style of driving.

Is there any reason I should not be looking at an Abarth over a Miata? I would like to hear firsthand from you owners to see what your experience is so far. I like both cars, but, think I like the Abarth styling a little more. If I am going to go through the trouble of buying one, I do not want to look back and have any regrets.

I live in Southern California, on the edge of suburbia. So, that gives me the majority of the year to drive a convertible sports car and on nice curvy back-roads where plenty of fun is to be had year-round. I am coming from 25 years of enjoying motorcycles and have found myself not having as much fun riding as I use to. It seems everyone around me is trying to kill me these days. I am kind of thinking that my fun will be less stressful with a nice agile and not-so-expensive hobby car like a Spider or Miata.

My biggest concern about the Abarth today is that they seem a lot more expensive than they should be. I know, I know, market, covid, chip shortage, inflation, yada yada yada... But, is an Abarth worth the price they are right now?

What do you all think out there?

Thanks!

Ernie

I recommend driving both. Then you can see if the Abarth is worth the extra money. Being on the 124 site of course people will be biased and tell you to go for the Abarth.😂
Also take into account the styling. People tend to choose one over the other just based on looks due to them being drastically different from the exterior point of view. Regarding the interior, they're pretty much the same.

 

[Augerhandle]

With the inflated prices, is the car worth it? Carvana offered me more than what I paid 2 years ago for mine. I won't sell it. Yeah, I think it's worth it

Also, I've owned 2 MX-5s, my present one is a 2008 (ND). My Abarth 124 was the right choice.

 

[rec911]

For me looks alone I would go 124 Spider whatever trim you get. I hate to say that I bought mine new and at $6k below sticker. There was a small window before covid that they were dumping stock all over the US. I also road street bikes and this is almost as fun and for sure 100% less stressful. Rain comes, put up the top. Cold, turn on the toosh toasters. Nobody trying to kill you!
I cant think of another convertible sports car that would be a better value than one of these. Maybe a used M235i? I had one just before the Spider. Spider is more fun to drive IMO.

 

[BGcAnAdA]

You can buy a beautifully italian designed true roadster....or you can buy a miata. Your choice.

 

[madfiat]

The only reason not to buy the Fiata is if you care about dealer service, or long term availability of parts that aren't shared with either Miata or with other Fiats. For example, people have had a lot of trouble finding certain body parts already that are on infinite backorder and have to be sourced used. They sold less than 20,000 124 Spiders in the US.

 

[Scajacuada]

I agree with the posts here that dealer service and parts are a problem with the 124. But then, it's a rare car and that's part of the appeal. Thing is, if you are practical-minded, you wouldn't be looking at a 124 or this site. So, you have to buy the 124 or you'll regret that you didn't. It's really that simple.

 

[Aldo]

I test drove the MX-5 and the Spider before buying. The Spider won me over with the exotic Italian styling, the turbo kick, the engine sound, the perfectly tuned suspension. That was 38 months ago. One of the best purchases I ever made. I'd do it all over again.

 

[Scajacuada]

Aldo - I like your aftermarket wheels and tires. The tires look a little fatter than the usual Abarth OEM. Can you recommend?

 

[Aldo]

Aldo - I like your aftermarket wheels and tires. The tires look a little fatter than the usual Abarth OEM. Can you recommend?

Yes, I love them!

The wheels are König Dekagrams 16x8; the tires are 225/50R16. The wheels weigh an astonishing 14.7 lbs.

Goodwin Racing is a vendor on here: Konig Dekagram 16x8 4X100 ET35 Matte Black for Miata , 16x8 He offers free shipping within the contiguous 48.

 

[Aldo]

Some closeups

 

[Scajacuada]

Thank you, they look fantastic. No mods required to fit?

 

[Cannoli]

I have driven both the older ND and the newer with the 1.8 as well as the 2017 abarth, and now an owner of a 2020 abarth.

My TL;DR is: just fkn buy the abarth. The engine is better, the trans is better, the looks are better. Its just better.

I mean… you want a catfish in your garage? Or one of these? 😎

 

[mtnghost]

View attachment 94027
I have driven both the older ND and the newer with the 1.8 as well as the 2017 abarth, and now an owner of a 2020 abarth.

My TL;DR is: just fkn buy the abarth. The engine is better, the trans is better, the looks are better. Its just better.

I mean… you want a catfish in your garage? Or one of these? 😎

Hey I think your copying my car collection of the past three years! 😂 assuming you meant you had an NA Miata with the 1.6, then NA or NB 1.8? Then the 2017 Abarth and finally the white with velino package 2020! What are the odds of that? All great cars too, loved all of them differently.

 

[pikeman]

I’m for the Abarth. All used cars are overpriced, so you may as well get something special. Being in California provides an advantage for 124 owners because there is a large community, and you’re not far from Brian Goodwin racing. Even if you aren’t going to auto-cross, he’s the expert with this car.
Best regards
Pete

 

[Cannoli]

Hey I think your copying my car collection of the past three years! 😂 assuming you meant you had an NA Miata with the 1.6, then NA or NB 1.8? Then the 2017 Abarth and finally the white with velino package 2020! What are the odds of that? All great cars too, loved all of them differently.

No not quite lol Just driven them
Im pretty picky when it comes to cars thus i dont actually buy that many of them. The abarth is the first pleasure car ive bought in a decade and change, since my 2011 mustang (which i still have).
Then, instead of trading cars in all the time and blah blah blah i settle in one a narrow group of cars i like, pick one and then mod the fawk out of it. So im still wasting money 😂 just not on trade-ins 😅😅😅