I love that each members of the og trio have different style of reviewing cars. Hammond talks lots about the excitement of the cars, clarkson talks lots about the sentimental values and may talks lots about facts and his opinions about the cars
I got one myself a couple months ago and let me tell you... best decision of my life. I don't care about speed, I care about how much fun I'll have driving to my destination, and man oh man do I have fun. Only thing I don't like is how much attention it gets.
@@michelemariotti8198Exactly. I don’t give a rip what’s 3mph faster or .2sec quicker to 60. I don’t have that much road, skill, or speeding ticket money, and it’s not practical to get to the track. I want to go fast, have fun, and make an adventure out of getting groceries, taking the longest, twistiest route possible.
I do too. Having the balance of the cocking about specials and the 'serious' car reviews was one of the best things about the old tg/gt episodes. Don't get me wrong I love the specials, but one special every few months is getting a bit boring tbh
Got mine yesterday, a low mileage pristine 2019 Abarth 124 with Monza exhaust. I’m just going to the garage for no reason, to just look at it. I’m in love!
Having had one for the past 5 years almost to the day, I can attest to the fact that with the windows rolled up, it's quieter in there than with the top on. It's also quieter than a couple of cars I owned throughout the years. Definitely quieter than any convertible jeep.
Rented one of these on a vacation in Sardinia, the perfect place for a car like this! Amazing, smiled everytime I started it. Turned heads and took attention. Soooo much fun!
I own a fully restored 1978 124. Did the engine up with performance cams, larger pistons and dual 40 IDF carbs and headers. Sounds so throaty. It's still not the fastest sports car around but it is such a great classic Italian car. I literally can't go anywhere without people approaching me and asking questions. Love my little 124 👌
@@leytonjones8138 if it's the same as the 500 (595/696), it also gets ya 20 more torques (which is a lot at that level) and stiffens the steering wheel. Now the 500 has a separate traction control button which does offer a significant difference but it's fwd so can't speak about the fiata there
It was this episode that motivated me to get the Abarth 124 spider. I was on the fence about getting it but Richard’s enthusiastic review convinced me!
@@rameshshinde1193 This car did cost me 26,000 EUR inlcuding tax. Which, in some parts of the world, would be quite a lot I guess. But I believe this is somewhere in the average range of new car prices in Germany. A VW Golf GTI for example is more expensive, and not even the top of the line model. There are also other manufacturers that have much more expensive models in their lineup. I am wondering if you are writing the same comment under a Porsche video. I know the Abarth looks more expensive, but it is actually not.
I love this new 124. Seriously thinking of getting one. I've also liked the original ones from the 70's too. My Fiat 500 has the same heart (engine) as the 124 so I know what Hammond means about the sound. And when the turbo spools up, fun, fun, fun!
I have an abarth. It's a great solo cross continent road trip car. Had it for a year and has 50k miles on it. Gone from Canada to central Mexico with it. I think the spider would've held on if they released it in Mexico. The car is perfect for the tiny winding streets down there and reacts quickly and effortlessly
Had any major problems with it? I’ve been obsessed with them for years but every single person I talk to thinks it’s financial suicide to get one here in the states 😣
Glad you asked! 1 year later and my car is totaled. hole in the engine. Too exotic to get parts easily and cheaply for. Bougjt for 30k. Sold it for 10k. Although not awful resale considering the car wasn't drivable. It got 100k miles. Drove it up to Alaska. As far south as Puebla, south of Mexico City. It went offroad all the time so I was asking for it. Down all these mountain roads, horrible highways in Mexico. Not a good investment. But I ran the poor thing into the ground. If you want to take one epic, two year road trip, it'll hold up fine for those two years. RIP my fiat Spider. June 2020-June 2023
Back in 2018 I test drove an MX5 1.5 RF, MX5 2.0 soft-top ND1, Fiat 124 and Abarth 124. I have had the Abarth for nigh on 4 years, now.....and I love it! I will never sell it!
Hammond saying the MX-5 does not have a Limited Slip Differential is wrong 2:27 ! Across the pond in the US the MX-5s do come with a LSD in certain packages. Back in the 1st week of March 2017 I test drove a 2017 124 Spyder Abarth after watching a video review. It looked nice / the interior was well done with a nice Red tach in the instrument cluster. However the heavy clutch & turbo lag were not fun ! As my test drive hit many Red Lights. So I left the Fiat / Alfa Romeo dealer feeling let down. Even that exhaust was muted - not the record exhaust. Next day I went to the Mazda dealer. Sitting in front a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Club soft top almost exactly optioned as that 124 Abarth in Artic White. It was so much better with a super light clutch pedal & instant throttle response that muted the 124's reflexes. In the corners the MX-5 Club felt lighter - more athletic. As a daily driver in traffic so much better off the line where it counted with the LSD giving traction ! So after 6.5 years with the MX-5 Club with Brembo / BBS package its had a better active exhaust added which sounds much more aggressive. Also what Hammond does not tell you is that the 124 Fiat is a PITA to do an oil change because Fiat engineers buried the elemental oil filter under the air intake & put it UPSIDE DOWN ! So its a messy involved process. BTW I drive my MX-5 daily in 4 season weather so I change out the summer performance tires for the winter performance wheels / tires when the snow & ice season hits. Awesome car all the way around !
It is a very good car, and it does a lot of fun, but they sold it too expensive in the beginning and they didnt do like any advertising for it AT ALL. There were some company politics involved in this.
Been 0retty good so far-it did all 500 miles of the NC500 without any problems 😁 filling the tank is about 60 quid, yet even with it's quickness you can get at least 40mpg-so far all she's had is oil filter and injector cleanse-all standard servicing. In one word:Brilliant!
But you do have to use her at least once a week, otherwise the engine starts to make a chugging sound after non-use-not that that's a problem cuz I always look for excuses to drive it 😁
@@lisakaz35 I have one since 2019. Its okay for a sportscar. I expected it to be much worse. Those things have broken: - rooftop (Mazda part - construction failure, was replaced under warranty) - lambda probe (2 times), caused also the catalytic converter to break (2,000 EUR including tax). Other then that, after 3 years and 45,000 km my tires have to be replaced in a few months. I have to say that I am a very abusive driver, doing a lot of harsh driving on mountain passes.
@@bghoody5665 multiair engines are amazing, they are also used in Alfaromeos. The 1.4 Multiair Turbo is a beast of an engine. Rock solid and reliable. Dunno what u talking about.
@@nico5179 Alfas and Fiats don't really have a reputation for reliability - even Clarkson, Hammond and May, who generally only discuss how well a car drives and not things like cost of ownership, will and have admitted as much and any reputable website that discusses the subject will confirm it. But whatever. A car like this is not meant to be used as a daily driver. I'm sure if it's only taken out a couple dozen times a year it would probably be okay. Probably.
@@bghoody5665 Alfas and fiats dont have a reputation for reliability.... what are you stuck in the 80s? That notion that these cars are still unreliable even after decades that demonstrates the contrary is just baffling. These cars are as reliable as any modern car in todays standards. This BS needs to stop already, its getting ridiculous.
I've drove an abarth 500 with that Monza exhaust, it's a really lovely sounding exhaust and sounds a lot better than the other aftermarket or alternatives stock. I don't know if this 124 is a face lift or not standard as no other 124 I've watched had a sporty sounding stock exhaust untill you changed it. There was next to no sound, even the 500/595 had sporty stock exhausts and they all have the same engine.
There is the baseline model called the Fiat 124 Spider. And then the Abarth 124 Spider (in the US called Fiat 124 Spider Abarth). Only the Abarth has the Record Monza exhaust. The standard Fiat has basicly no sound, which is okay because its another approach to a roadster (more comfortable).
It was a Mazda MX5 in a posh Giorgio Armani suit. I thought the 124 Spider had a far more attractive appearance than the Mazda, but i much prefer the less complicated naturally aspirated petrol engine,
I think this was filmed before the release of the ND2 Miata with the extra revs. The ND RF hits 60 in less than 6 seconds, and that’s a while second faster. Plus you can tell they have the old screen from the infotainment in this abarth…
Anyone thinking about reliability issues with this car or any other with a Multiair Engine read the following: Use recommended oils only (Selenia, AGIP etc with the right viscosity. I prefer AGIP and don’t use any other brands even if they are “the same”) with 1 extra oil change between the recommended interval (EG: Proper annual servicing and a 6 month oil change in between) and never EVER leave it without turning it on for more than 7 days or you will have to prime the engine (search for multiair brick or multiair priming). This is why people talk about reliability issues because the engine just won’t turn on without priming it properly if sitting for long periods without use (it can literally take 30~40 tries to move tiny bits of oil to the upper engine so it’s lubricated enough to turn on safely as it’s a safety feature. I learned this the hard way during lockdowns) and even mechanics get frustrated and just give up and say the engine needs to be replaced. Worst case scenario the oil pump will need to be changed but that’s about it. If you follow these 2 things you will have a car for life. I’ve owned a 124 since 2020 and it’s the most fun car I’ve had.
Only cool cars have a black bonnet, not so sure on that one because near my house unfortunately someone has decided to put a black bonnet on his fiesta 1.2 eco boost
The Abarth 124 Spider have a black bonnet because it is a well known feature of the original FIAT Abarth 124. The normal FIAT 124 Spider have a regular bonnet.
@@lhb82 They sold the Abarths without the mat black bonnets as well. Mine is metallic black all around (without the red mirror caps and lip stick, too). ;) The mat black bonnetts are because of rally sports back in the day. Having a large bonnett in front of you with glossy paint isnt good for sun reflections. At least not when you want to do some precision driving.
I learned how to drive on a 80s fiat 124 was a total rust bucket but it was such a blast to drive id love to get behind the wheel of its more modern day brother and fall in love with it all over again
Como has no good streets to drive it. Go to France instead and do the Routes des Grandes Alpes. Do it maybe in May or early October. I literally did this with my Abarth 124 and the car was perfect for this environment. Italy has better food, tho.
@@Gentleman...Driver Como is less about the driving and more about the open top experience. How could it be anything else, the roads really are not suited for fun driving. The French Alps are on my definitive bucket list, as I have seen so many wonderful roads there, so I will wholeheartedly heed that suggestion!
@@AndorRadnai Do it. I also recommend the smaller alpine italian lakes, as Como and Garda are really crowded. However, driving in Tuscany was also a nice experience. Just stay on the mountains if you want to have fun. Drive down into a village or town for meals. Italy has the best food and the best architecture and the best feel of life. La dolce vita. But the best roads are definetely in southern France. They are not only twisty, but also empty.
Well I have a Black Bonnet and the same 0-62 time. Rear Wheel Drive that will drift especially if I turn off stability control. All that’s missing is the Sound. 😬
It's a he get looking than the Mazda. I looked at them, I ultimately picked up 59 Sprite and am in the process of completely restoring it to better than new. I plan on doing the great American roads in it. Overseas Highway, beartooth-chief joseph loop...
Remember in 2006 when the 'new' Fiat 500 was released... I never once looked at it because I always thought it was a girls car, and having owned a Grande Punto, which I didnt like, I just assumed the 500 would be rubbish.... BUT I have recently driven a couple of fiat 500s and I'm telling you guys... Clarkson was right when he said "this car makes you feel happy". Fiat somehow managed to make the interior of the 500 feel so bright, airy and special, even though its a cheap car. Sitting in it is just so lovely compared to all these sombre german interiors. Honestly, I have driven a shittonne of different modern cars for my job, and ever since driving a 500, I now want one in my life. If the 124 Spider is anything like the 500, then I can totally understand Hammonds viewpoint.
Prices went up for them. Better sooner then later. They dont get any better now. What makes them not attractive by now would be that a similar kitted out used Miata will cost you much, much less money. Ive got mine for 26,000 EUR (including tax) factory new three years ago, because the dealers couldnt sell them off.
It's a shame that FCA botched how the 500 and the 124 were marketed (and priced) in the US. We still have our '12 500 Sport. It's affectionately called the family pet, and it's a blast to drive!
….an Italian Sports car, built by Mazda, in Japan! A great car, as is the MX-5, but apart from it being badged as Italian, and owned by an Italian company, it’s way more Japanese and Italian - and that’s not a bad thing!
I had the chance to buy a 124 for £7000 plus my 68 plate Mazda RF. I loved the sound of the 124. I decided to keep my Mazda and get a racing exhaust. 😁
I have the standard 124 spider non-Abarth which is only about half a second slower to 60. It's a real shame they didn't put the Fiat / Alfa 1.8 Multiair engine in the Abarth - I would have bought it in a heartbeat.
Im thinking of buying one within these next few months, fairly late but its got low miles on it and im in need of a RWD little 2 seater. Any heads up on some issues i might run into ??
Funny-- My Kia Forte GT Manual has the exact same acceleration and speed figures. That's not to say "Fiata bad" but more to compare and take notes. Very interesting.
Like, I have never been into cars. I'm actually terrified of driving (maybe because I have rarely gotten to and so haven't built up confidence for it), but Richard's enthusiasm is contagious.
You gain abilities from training / doing something. This applies also for other things, not just driving a car around. :) Keep doing it and you will have a much better time and it will free you up. ;)
![BLACK BAG - Official Trailer [HD] - Only in Theaters March 14](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/Du0Xp8WX_7I/mqdefault.jpg)
Which do you prefer: the Mazda MX 5 or this Abarth 124 Spider? 🤔
Mx 5 well depends on the car if it mazda
Definitely Abarth
Abarth
Mazda reliability off course.
The Abarth 124 Spider
I love that each members of the og trio have different style of reviewing cars. Hammond talks lots about the excitement of the cars, clarkson talks lots about the sentimental values and may talks lots about facts and his opinions about the cars
I got one myself a couple months ago and let me tell you... best decision of my life. I don't care about speed, I care about how much fun I'll have driving to my destination, and man oh man do I have fun. Only thing I don't like is how much attention it gets.
Its propably not the car but your awesome looks 😉👍🏻
To be fair, I think that cars are getting too fast for the road, and this has plenty for you to have fun with
@@michelemariotti8198Exactly. I don’t give a rip what’s 3mph faster or .2sec quicker to 60. I don’t have that much road, skill, or speeding ticket money, and it’s not practical to get to the track. I want to go fast, have fun, and make an adventure out of getting groceries, taking the longest, twistiest route possible.
I truly miss car reviews from these guys. You can’t have that sort of things with specials format we have today 😢
I do too. Having the balance of the cocking about specials and the 'serious' car reviews was one of the best things about the old tg/gt episodes. Don't get me wrong I love the specials, but one special every few months is getting a bit boring tbh
They need to do this just for RUclips. Car after car.
Tbh, people weren't interested in that. Their specials is all what everyone wanted.
@greatnoodle But still a minority. Rather like the Twitter snowflakes.
carwow with mat is close :) highly recommend
Got mine yesterday, a low mileage pristine 2019 Abarth 124 with Monza exhaust. I’m just going to the garage for no reason, to just look at it. I’m in love!
how much brother? 20k dollars? 15k?
@@romachoz $25k- at time was 4.5k on the clock
CONGRATS MAN!
props to the sound team for filtering out the wind noise
Having had one for the past 5 years almost to the day, I can attest to the fact that with the windows rolled up, it's quieter in there than with the top on. It's also quieter than a couple of cars I owned throughout the years. Definitely quieter than any convertible jeep.
Rented one of these on a vacation in Sardinia, the perfect place for a car like this! Amazing, smiled everytime I started it. Turned heads and took attention. Soooo much fun!
Abarth has to be one of the coolest emblems ever 🤩
I own a fully restored 1978 124. Did the engine up with performance cams, larger pistons and dual 40 IDF carbs and headers. Sounds so throaty. It's still not the fastest sports car around but it is such a great classic Italian car. I literally can't go anywhere without people approaching me and asking questions. Love my little 124 👌
"...which relaxes the stability control....quite a lot."
I felt that.
Couldn't have been all that much though ... he didn't crash it!
I had one of these ... Pretty certain that the sport button only trimmed the throttle response ... Doesn't change anything else.
@@leytonjones8138 if it's the same as the 500 (595/696), it also gets ya 20 more torques (which is a lot at that level) and stiffens the steering wheel. Now the 500 has a separate traction control button which does offer a significant difference but it's fwd so can't speak about the fiata there
@@leytonjones8138Maybe just maybe you didn't push it hard enough... *Grabs popcorn*
@@ANDREWSAMY562Probably so! Wish I'd kept it ... Mine was all white with red mirrors ... An absolute beauty.
Got mine last week and I have to admit. I love it.
Wow. Content from SIX YEARS ago. Can’t believe TGT has been going that long. Time really flies.
Is it just me or does the Abarth 124 look exactly like Richard Hammond. Like it even has a goatee.
You ain't wrong
Can people please stop asking if it's just them? You know damn well you're not. 😝
I am with ya a bit.
Now i can't unsee it
HaHAhahaha.... yes!
It was this episode that motivated me to get the Abarth 124 spider.
I was on the fence about getting it but Richard’s enthusiastic review convinced me!
@@rameshshinde1193 This car did cost me 26,000 EUR inlcuding tax. Which, in some parts of the world, would be quite a lot I guess. But I believe this is somewhere in the average range of new car prices in Germany. A VW Golf GTI for example is more expensive, and not even the top of the line model. There are also other manufacturers that have much more expensive models in their lineup. I am wondering if you are writing the same comment under a Porsche video.
I know the Abarth looks more expensive, but it is actually not.
@@Gentleman...Driver you are indeed a gentleman.
and Jeremy Clarkson's motivated me to get 500 Abarth lol
I want one so badly because of this Episode. Maybe in a few years
I’m looking at one right now for $21,000 usd. Which honestly a decent car starts around $18,000 anyways so it’s not too expensive
I've had mine for almost 5 years now and every time I get in it, it makes me smile!
Me too
Any problems with it?
I love this new 124. Seriously thinking of getting one. I've also liked the original ones from the 70's too. My Fiat 500 has the same heart (engine) as the 124 so I know what Hammond means about the sound. And when the turbo spools up, fun, fun, fun!
It also looks miles better than a miata
Still hard to believe even Mazda manufactured these for FCA
I have an abarth. It's a great solo cross continent road trip car. Had it for a year and has 50k miles on it. Gone from Canada to central Mexico with it. I think the spider would've held on if they released it in Mexico. The car is perfect for the tiny winding streets down there and reacts quickly and effortlessly
Had any major problems with it? I’ve been obsessed with them for years but every single person I talk to thinks it’s financial suicide to get one here in the states 😣
Glad you asked! 1 year later and my car is totaled. hole in the engine. Too exotic to get parts easily and cheaply for. Bougjt for 30k. Sold it for 10k. Although not awful resale considering the car wasn't drivable. It got 100k miles. Drove it up to Alaska. As far south as Puebla, south of Mexico City. It went offroad all the time so I was asking for it. Down all these mountain roads, horrible highways in Mexico. Not a good investment. But I ran the poor thing into the ground. If you want to take one epic, two year road trip, it'll hold up fine for those two years. RIP my fiat Spider. June 2020-June 2023
God, I love this car.
Someone owns one of these near me, and I find myself gravitating towards their house regularly.
I'm gonna steal it someday.
Hold on, maybe I can ask for a test drive. That's probably a better idea.
Lol! If it's me, come on over and take a drive. It's a fkn blast!
Back in 2018 I test drove an MX5 1.5 RF, MX5 2.0 soft-top ND1, Fiat 124 and Abarth 124. I have had the Abarth for nigh on 4 years, now.....and I love it! I will never sell it!
Absolutely Correct Richard.. What a great little car that is.. 💕💕💕💕
Best 124 Spider Abarth video I've seen. My brother and I both bought one and we couldn't smile more when driving them.
My dad owns this car and i just got insurance on it at 17 years old. Words cant explain how excited i am to driving this!
Hammond saying the MX-5 does not have a Limited Slip Differential is wrong 2:27 ! Across the pond in the US the MX-5s do come with a LSD in certain packages. Back in the 1st week of March 2017 I test drove a 2017 124 Spyder Abarth after watching a video review. It looked nice / the interior was well done with a nice Red tach in the instrument cluster. However the heavy clutch & turbo lag were not fun ! As my test drive hit many Red Lights. So I left the Fiat / Alfa Romeo dealer feeling let down. Even that exhaust was muted - not the record exhaust. Next day I went to the Mazda dealer. Sitting in front a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Club soft top almost exactly optioned as that 124 Abarth in Artic White. It was so much better with a super light clutch pedal & instant throttle response that muted the 124's reflexes. In the corners the MX-5 Club felt lighter - more athletic. As a daily driver in traffic so much better off the line where it counted with the LSD giving traction ! So after 6.5 years with the MX-5 Club with Brembo / BBS package its had a better active exhaust added which sounds much more aggressive. Also what Hammond does not tell you is that the 124 Fiat is a PITA to do an oil change because Fiat engineers buried the elemental oil filter under the air intake & put it UPSIDE
DOWN ! So its a messy involved process. BTW I drive my MX-5 daily in 4 season weather so I change out the summer performance tires for the winter performance wheels / tires when the snow & ice season hits. Awesome car all the way around !
absolutely love mine! the factory exhaust sounds amazing
Who else needs some Fiat Abarth engine ASMR? 🙌
I want 🤝🏻🔥❤️
Italian: "Ah-Ba-RRRRR-Te"
Richard: "A Bath"
Truly is a shame they stopped selling it here in the states. It seems like a great car.
That sucks...
It is a very good car, and it does a lot of fun, but they sold it too expensive in the beginning and they didnt do like any advertising for it AT ALL. There were some company politics involved in this.
@@Gentleman...Driver too bad, performance specs were about the same as my Ferrari 308 GTS QV
@@andybroer651 Yepp, its basicly a baby Ferrari.
They stopped even in Italy...
I love my 124 abarth. Can't live without it
Lucky enough to own one of these!!! Wasnt 100% sure until I first saw it-now it's my absolute pride and joy-a truly amazing car for amazing money!!🤩🤩🤩
How are you doing with maintenance/upkeep costs?
Been 0retty good so far-it did all 500 miles of the NC500 without any problems 😁 filling the tank is about 60 quid, yet even with it's quickness you can get at least 40mpg-so far all she's had is oil filter and injector cleanse-all standard servicing. In one word:Brilliant!
But you do have to use her at least once a week, otherwise the engine starts to make a chugging sound after non-use-not that that's a problem cuz I always look for excuses to drive it 😁
@@lisakaz35 I have one since 2019. Its okay for a sportscar. I expected it to be much worse. Those things have broken:
- rooftop (Mazda part - construction failure, was replaced under warranty)
- lambda probe (2 times), caused also the catalytic converter to break (2,000 EUR including tax).
Other then that, after 3 years and 45,000 km my tires have to be replaced in a few months.
I have to say that I am a very abusive driver, doing a lot of harsh driving on mountain passes.
@@Gentleman...Driver and yet you go by the name „Gentleman Driver“ ;D
Japanese reliability and build quality coupled with Italian design and flair. Sounds like a good match.
The 124 has a Fiat Multiair engine on it. Mechanical wise its also Italian.
@@nico5179 Ah so it uses a Fiat engine - I wasn't aware of that. Unfortunate.
@@bghoody5665 multiair engines are amazing, they are also used in Alfaromeos. The 1.4 Multiair Turbo is a beast of an engine. Rock solid and reliable. Dunno what u talking about.
@@nico5179 Alfas and Fiats don't really have a reputation for reliability - even Clarkson, Hammond and May, who generally only discuss how well a car drives and not things like cost of ownership, will and have admitted as much and any reputable website that discusses the subject will confirm it. But whatever. A car like this is not meant to be used as a daily driver. I'm sure if it's only taken out a couple dozen times a year it would probably be okay. Probably.
@@bghoody5665 Alfas and fiats dont have a reputation for reliability.... what are you stuck in the 80s? That notion that these cars are still unreliable even after decades that demonstrates the contrary is just baffling. These cars are as reliable as any modern car in todays standards. This BS needs to stop already, its getting ridiculous.
Abarth is the best tuner ever. They take small cars and make them even more fun!
❤️🔥🤝🏻
A regular Fiat 500 isn't fun.
🤣😂
Went in one yesterday. The guy bought it for £21k on a 19 plate, my what a car, its pure fun and a feels like a proper old school sports car.
Future classic for sure
I wouldn't mind one at all. It's nice seeing Hammond doing a proper TG style review.
I love the black bonnet statement. Well done Richard.
I've drove an abarth 500 with that Monza exhaust, it's a really lovely sounding exhaust and sounds a lot better than the other aftermarket or alternatives stock. I don't know if this 124 is a face lift or not standard as no other 124 I've watched had a sporty sounding stock exhaust untill you changed it. There was next to no sound, even the 500/595 had sporty stock exhausts and they all have the same engine.
There is the baseline model called the Fiat 124 Spider. And then the Abarth 124 Spider (in the US called Fiat 124 Spider Abarth). Only the Abarth has the Record Monza exhaust. The standard Fiat has basicly no sound, which is okay because its another approach to a roadster (more comfortable).
I put the record Monza in my 124 Fiat and the sound is great!
It was a Mazda MX5 in a posh Giorgio Armani suit.
I thought the 124 Spider had a far more attractive appearance than the Mazda, but i much prefer the less complicated naturally aspirated petrol engine,
I think this was filmed before the release of the ND2 Miata with the extra revs. The ND RF hits 60 in less than 6 seconds, and that’s a while second faster. Plus you can tell they have the old screen from the infotainment in this abarth…
infotainment is only shit for insane kids
I have the Abarth 500. I love that 1.4 I definitely want one of these.
Anyone thinking about reliability issues with this car or any other with a Multiair Engine read the following: Use recommended oils only (Selenia, AGIP etc with the right viscosity. I prefer AGIP and don’t use any other brands even if they are “the same”) with 1 extra oil change between the recommended interval (EG: Proper annual servicing and a 6 month oil change in between) and never EVER leave it without turning it on for more than 7 days or you will have to prime the engine (search for multiair brick or multiair priming). This is why people talk about reliability issues because the engine just won’t turn on without priming it properly if sitting for long periods without use (it can literally take 30~40 tries to move tiny bits of oil to the upper engine so it’s lubricated enough to turn on safely as it’s a safety feature. I learned this the hard way during lockdowns) and even mechanics get frustrated and just give up and say the engine needs to be replaced. Worst case scenario the oil pump will need to be changed but that’s about it. If you follow these 2 things you will have a car for life. I’ve owned a 124 since 2020 and it’s the most fun car I’ve had.
That's funny, I have a 500 that has the same engine/turbo and it has sat for 7 days without being driven and it started right up without issue.
@@Waltkat that’s great man
Only cool cars have a black bonnet, not so sure on that one because near my house unfortunately someone has decided to put a black bonnet on his fiesta 1.2 eco boost
The Abarth 124 Spider have a black bonnet because it is a well known feature of the original FIAT Abarth 124. The normal FIAT 124 Spider have a regular bonnet.
Peter Griffiths true I have a pure white 124-looks nice without the black bonnet I think
hahah....
@@lhb82 They sold the Abarths without the mat black bonnets as well. Mine is metallic black all around (without the red mirror caps and lip stick, too). ;)
The mat black bonnetts are because of rally sports back in the day. Having a large bonnett in front of you with glossy paint isnt good for sun reflections. At least not when you want to do some precision driving.
Gotta be my favorite review ever by Hammond
I learned how to drive on a 80s fiat 124 was a total rust bucket but it was such a blast to drive id love to get behind the wheel of its more modern day brother and fall in love with it all over again
One of the best looking cars ever made and also criminally underrated
No question that Mazda build a good Fiat, in fact likely the best Fiat ever - and the most reliable.
@@bzdtemp I mean, the engine is one of the most reliable and tunable engines you can find in any car.
@@ilpatongi I won't claim I know much about the FIAT engine, however I do know their engines generally can take a beating.
@@bzdtemp Yep
3:21 The reason why I bought mine.. and the cornering lol
I dont have the abarth but its tuned and lowered with goodwin's system one and man is it a fun car and breaks necks
Abarth 124 Spider, like it
I’ve driven mine since 2017, put 60k on it. I still smile every I drive it.
What a lovely little roadster…
I always worry when Hammond uses the word “car” and “fire” in the same sentence.
I also worry when he does stuff like this 2:35
Who else is here after renting one of these in Spain? Holy cow I need this car in my life
Just had to buy one, absolutely love it !! Smiles per Gallon off the scale
Yeppppppp loved mine and was sad to eventually see it go
I really want one of these and drive around Lago Como with it..!
Como has no good streets to drive it. Go to France instead and do the Routes des Grandes Alpes. Do it maybe in May or early October. I literally did this with my Abarth 124 and the car was perfect for this environment. Italy has better food, tho.
@@Gentleman...Driver Como is less about the driving and more about the open top experience. How could it be anything else, the roads really are not suited for fun driving.
The French Alps are on my definitive bucket list, as I have seen so many wonderful roads there, so I will wholeheartedly heed that suggestion!
@@AndorRadnai Do it. I also recommend the smaller alpine italian lakes, as Como and Garda are really crowded. However, driving in Tuscany was also a nice experience. Just stay on the mountains if you want to have fun. Drive down into a village or town for meals. Italy has the best food and the best architecture and the best feel of life. La dolce vita.
But the best roads are definetely in southern France. They are not only twisty, but also empty.
The first time i heard the Abarth 124, i instantly fell in love. I've only seen one on tbe road though
This video is the reason I bought a 124 Spider!
With a black bonnet?
Use to have one in 1972. Loved it than and to see todays edition bring back old memories.
Test drove one against the Mazda and I still think about getting one! So much more raw and peppy than the Mazda.
Go for it. Although in the meanwhile the prices for used Abarth 124 Spider have climbed a bit, while you can get used Miatas for much less money.
I love the abarth 124 spider
I have been gardening all,day… I am ready for A Barth.
The Abarth,definitely.
Well I have a Black Bonnet and the same 0-62 time. Rear Wheel Drive that will drift especially if I turn off stability control. All that’s missing is the Sound. 😬
Underrateted comment haha
😂😂😂😂
I agree with Richard, and this is coming from a MX-5 RF owner, the exhaust note is better with the Spider than with the Miata.
Any car that growls is ok by me 😊 if I had to choose it would be the Abarth 124 Spider 😁
Probably my favourite car tbh
I just bought a fully specced one with 800 miles on the clock for £23k. Future classic
It's a he get looking than the Mazda. I looked at them, I ultimately picked up 59 Sprite and am in the process of completely restoring it to better than new. I plan on doing the great American roads in it. Overseas Highway, beartooth-chief joseph loop...
I have the regular 124 and it is awesome.
Richard Hammond: Best car person on TV and net. Now if only could be free of other two holding him back
They are not holding him back
They are three legends pushing each other forwards
Bellissima auto!
Veramente.....
Top spec MX-5 has always had a limited slip.
Only in manual, not automatic.
@@rickardroach9075 Amazing. Glad I've never owned an automatic :D
Got mine a month ago. Perfect for a 23 yo like myself
And Hammond is the go-to person for Rimac Automobili 🔥
This is a nice, little car.
Remember in 2006 when the 'new' Fiat 500 was released... I never once looked at it because I always thought it was a girls car, and having owned a Grande Punto, which I didnt like, I just assumed the 500 would be rubbish.... BUT I have recently driven a couple of fiat 500s and I'm telling you guys... Clarkson was right when he said "this car makes you feel happy".
Fiat somehow managed to make the interior of the 500 feel so bright, airy and special, even though its a cheap car. Sitting in it is just so lovely compared to all these sombre german interiors. Honestly, I have driven a shittonne of different modern cars for my job, and ever since driving a 500, I now want one in my life. If the 124 Spider is anything like the 500, then I can totally understand Hammonds viewpoint.
Absolutely love mine, would recommend to anyone, this car is simply amaziiing!!
Abarth = fire
Autobianchi 112 Abarth had a black bonnet... Try it! 70 hp on small layer box!
That front nose section just stuck on there just kills it for me
Seeing the way it handles and the way it runs I like it also.
I am quite literally at the moment considering buying one
Prices went up for them. Better sooner then later. They dont get any better now. What makes them not attractive by now would be that a similar kitted out used Miata will cost you much, much less money. Ive got mine for 26,000 EUR (including tax) factory new three years ago, because the dealers couldnt sell them off.
It's a shame that FCA botched how the 500 and the 124 were marketed (and priced) in the US.
We still have our '12 500 Sport. It's affectionately called the family pet, and it's a blast to drive!
Well, of course. Forza Italia!
….an Italian Sports car, built by Mazda, in Japan! A great car, as is the MX-5, but apart from it being badged as Italian, and owned by an Italian company, it’s way more Japanese and Italian - and that’s not a bad thing!
Rented this and loved this car. Was talked out of getting it because of cargo space, and trade ability later on
My very first car was a 1975 Cream Yellow 124 Spider.
He looks so happy and i envy that
I had the chance to buy a 124 for £7000 plus my 68 plate Mazda RF. I loved the sound of the 124. I decided to keep my Mazda and get a racing exhaust. 😁
Apparently Richard Hammond hasn't heard of the MX-5 club model (LSD, Brembo brakes)? Ot perhaps there is no club in the UK market?
I have the standard 124 spider non-Abarth which is only about half a second slower to 60. It's a real shame they didn't put the Fiat / Alfa 1.8 Multiair engine in the Abarth - I would have bought it in a heartbeat.
Miatas can show off.
This, this is spot-on.
He's found a new Oliver
"OLIVERRR!" 😭
I have a 1982 fiat spider and a tenth gen civic si. I want one of these. Badly.
3:58 Did he really just say, "Only cool cars have black bonnets" 😂😂 You can paint absolutely any car black.
With the steering wheel on the correct side, one of these would be quite fun to drive in the USA.
Im thinking of buying one within these next few months, fairly late but its got low miles on it and im in need of a RWD little 2 seater. Any heads up on some issues i might run into ??
Richard Hammond fells in love... again!
Funny-- My Kia Forte GT Manual has the exact same acceleration and speed figures. That's not to say "Fiata bad" but more to compare and take notes. Very interesting.
Like, I have never been into cars. I'm actually terrified of driving (maybe because I have rarely gotten to and so haven't built up confidence for it), but Richard's enthusiasm is contagious.
You gain abilities from training / doing something. This applies also for other things, not just driving a car around. :) Keep doing it and you will have a much better time and it will free you up. ;)
Such good video production value