@Marrk expressed interest & asked if there is a thread about this car here. So far, there hasn't been, and I know that several current and former members are/were owners, so it might make sense to have a thread for owners and past owners to relate their experiences. @Liquidsnake is one who comes to mind, and @csierra.
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I was initially looking at the MX-5 and had never heard of the 124 Spider, since it was so poorly marketed in the US by Fiat. I was reading all the MX-5 reviews I could find, and I started running into mentions of this other variant being sold by Fiat. I started looking into it, and the more I did, the more intrigued I became about the 124 as a viable alternative to the MX-5. The primary attraction for me was first and foremost the styling. I just think the Spider is a much better-looking car than the MX-5. I also likd the idea of an Italian engine in an Italian-styled car, coupled with the proven sports car underpinnings and build quality of the MX-5. Both cars were built on the same production line in Hiroshima.
Some of the 124's unique selling propositions vs. the MX-5:
Personally, I love the turbo four. The engine is just so Italian. As mentioned, I have an automatic, but be aware that with a manual, the turbo will dump boost unless you are great at managing the throttle. You can also install an aftermarket diverter valve from Go fast Bits (GFB) in Australia that will delay the boost dump and allow you to complete the shift without losing boost. I installed one on my AT car just to see if it would help anything, not that I noticed any issue. It improved the speed of the shifts and lowered the rpm that boost is available.
The Classica is the base, which personally I would avoid. It's just too rudimentary on the infotainment, base interior, and 16" wheels I believe. I have the Lusso, which is the classier GT-focused package (mine has heated leather seats), and then there's the Abarth which is the more sport-focused. The Abarth has a limited slip differential, strut tower braces, and Brembos but comes with overly in-your-face styling that I don't care for. I never could warm up to the front end styling or colors of most 124 Abarths, but I do think the rear styling looks better than the base Classica and luxury Lusso rear treatment. My ideal car would have the standard front bumperand the Abarth rear bumper.
As mentioned, the Abarth 6AT has a Sport button, missing from the Lusso and Classica 6AT. Actually, I believe the 6MT Abarth also gets a Sport button. I think the Abarth has a slightly firmer suspension (not sure) and it comes with a louder factory exhaust. The Abarth has TPMS sensors; the Classica / Lusso do not, but instead detect low tire pressure based on differential wheel speed (works amazingly well). Classica / Lusso manage rear-wheel traction with an open differential but selective braking for wheel slip control (also works amazing well). Adaptive LED headlights are an option on all trims I believe; the car is better-looking with the LEDs by far. The Spider exhibits less body lean than the Miata because the suspension is tuned by Fiat, but neither of them feels as taut and controlled as the GR86/BRZ . A little-known factoid is that the 124 was originally going to be badged as an Alfa Romeo Spider, but someone in management stepped in and said that all Alfas must only be built in Italy. So, being assembled in Hiroshima on the same line as the Miata was a no-go for it being called an Alfa.
![Image]()
![Image]()
I was initially looking at the MX-5 and had never heard of the 124 Spider, since it was so poorly marketed in the US by Fiat. I was reading all the MX-5 reviews I could find, and I started running into mentions of this other variant being sold by Fiat. I started looking into it, and the more I did, the more intrigued I became about the 124 as a viable alternative to the MX-5. The primary attraction for me was first and foremost the styling. I just think the Spider is a much better-looking car than the MX-5. I also likd the idea of an Italian engine in an Italian-styled car, coupled with the proven sports car underpinnings and build quality of the MX-5. Both cars were built on the same production line in Hiroshima.
Some of the 124's unique selling propositions vs. the MX-5:
- Italian styling
- Italian engine, the 1.4L Multiair turbo. Torque is basically a flat shelf from 3000-5500, and boost comes on around 2800. Once on boost, imperceptible turbo lag
- Italian suspension tuning (less body roll, more compliant over bumps)
- Stronger transmissions; 6MT & 6AT derived from stronger NC Miata variants
- Thicker windshield glass, more sound insulation in the top
- Slightly nicer seats, door panels, and dash
- Larger usable trunk space
- More exclusive...the 124 Spider was not sold in huge numbers
- It's out of production, so can't be purchased new
- Parts: the Fiat-unique parts (non-Miata) will become scarce in the future, mainly body and trim panels, front and rear light assemblies, etc.
- Parts: Stellantis markup on Mazda parts. Wherever possible, buy the equivalent Mazda part and save 50% or more over Fiat price
- Dealer service: if you don't have a dedicated Fiat / Alfa Romeo dealer nearby, you're stuck with Chrysler Dodge Jeep RAM "Fiat" lunkheads
Personally, I love the turbo four. The engine is just so Italian. As mentioned, I have an automatic, but be aware that with a manual, the turbo will dump boost unless you are great at managing the throttle. You can also install an aftermarket diverter valve from Go fast Bits (GFB) in Australia that will delay the boost dump and allow you to complete the shift without losing boost. I installed one on my AT car just to see if it would help anything, not that I noticed any issue. It improved the speed of the shifts and lowered the rpm that boost is available.
The Classica is the base, which personally I would avoid. It's just too rudimentary on the infotainment, base interior, and 16" wheels I believe. I have the Lusso, which is the classier GT-focused package (mine has heated leather seats), and then there's the Abarth which is the more sport-focused. The Abarth has a limited slip differential, strut tower braces, and Brembos but comes with overly in-your-face styling that I don't care for. I never could warm up to the front end styling or colors of most 124 Abarths, but I do think the rear styling looks better than the base Classica and luxury Lusso rear treatment. My ideal car would have the standard front bumperand the Abarth rear bumper.
As mentioned, the Abarth 6AT has a Sport button, missing from the Lusso and Classica 6AT. Actually, I believe the 6MT Abarth also gets a Sport button. I think the Abarth has a slightly firmer suspension (not sure) and it comes with a louder factory exhaust. The Abarth has TPMS sensors; the Classica / Lusso do not, but instead detect low tire pressure based on differential wheel speed (works amazingly well). Classica / Lusso manage rear-wheel traction with an open differential but selective braking for wheel slip control (also works amazing well). Adaptive LED headlights are an option on all trims I believe; the car is better-looking with the LEDs by far. The Spider exhibits less body lean than the Miata because the suspension is tuned by Fiat, but neither of them feels as taut and controlled as the GR86/BRZ . A little-known factoid is that the 124 was originally going to be badged as an Alfa Romeo Spider, but someone in management stepped in and said that all Alfas must only be built in Italy. So, being assembled in Hiroshima on the same line as the Miata was a no-go for it being called an Alfa.
