Why is the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider a BETTER sports car with a 6-speed manual?
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- Опубликовано: 1 авг 2024
- The 124 Spider is one of the most underrated sports car on the market today. Fiat teamed with Mazda to bring back this iconic nameplate an infuse some Italian styling without a high budget price. Under the hood is a 1.4L turbocharged inline-4 that is producing 160HP and mated to a 6-speed manual. The exterior has uniques styling separating it from the Miata including a front fascia, rear bumper and wheels. On the inside you will find special interior colors and materials. Why is the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider a BETTER sports car with a 6-speed manual?
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We have one of these and absolutely love it. It's been two years and it's still special. Love all the FL retirees trying to get into the car.........priceless
Thanks for letting me share this one with you. It is great to hear about your ownership experience!
@@RaitisRides first
,,,or get out! However, my mom could get in and out of my Miata a few years back at 100! (She went to fitness classes at her assisted living community. Use it or lose it.)
I have seen one in person, wether you agree with me or not but this is the sexiest fiat I have ever seen
No I agree!
It's a super sleek looking car. I agree on with you!
That's not saying much though. Have you seen the other models Fiat offers. 😂
Thats not a very big accomplisment
Yeah, until it breaks down.
I bought one 3 weeks ago as I am struggling with a midlife crisis at 35yo. 2018 124 Abarth. I have owned and driven a lot of cool cars, this one is my favorite.
ya getting any ?
I LOVE my 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth! I had to sell it in March 2020, because we were buying a house and the increase in house payment was equal to my car payment + insurance. Fast forward 5 months, I got a promotion at work and some family expenses decreased, it was summer and I missed my roadster. I was ready to pull the trigger on a 2016 MX-5 when the fellow I sold the Fiat to, messaged me, asking me if I wanted to buy my old car back. His left foot was giving him issues and he could no longer drive a manual transmission. I had to cancel my Mazda purchase and, instead, flew to San Diego to get my beloved Fiat back. He drives a Golf R now, and loves it, but misses the handling of the Fiat. My wife and I are ecstatic to have my Abarth back.
Thanks David for sharing your input from your ownership experience!
I have one of these in the UK and absolutely love this car. The reason these have the previous generation MX5 gearbox is that it is a stronger box. It is used because of the extra torque that the 1.4 turbo produces.
Really nice review. I have one of these and it’s my daily driver. I can’t stop smiling when I drive it. Beautiful car inside and out.
Great review, Joe! After taking a test drive my wife and I bought a 2020 Lusso, black with saddle tan interior. To your point, it puts a smile on my face each time we drive it! Too bad Fiat is discontinuing it, but that just makes it all the more unique. Thanks again, I really enjoy your your channel and reviews!
2017 Manual A124. Intake, full Cat-back exhaust, 4C coils, g.f.b. diverter valve, lowering springs. That's it. Takes care of all the issues you mentioned. I love mine. She's a keeper. I believe they are also going up in value
I love my 2018 Spider. I agree with you about the antenna. I ended up taking it off and replacing it with a "stubby" antenna. Looks MUCH better now. Agree with you about the trunk as well. I'm able to fit all of my groceries in it with no problem at all. Even though I've owned mine for awhile, I never get tired of watching reviews of it. Loved this review. It's great to see other people enjoy the car as much as I do.
How did you replace your antenna?
@@kingcrizzley I unscrewed the stock antenna and screwed on my custom one.
Just got the 2018 model used, same trim, color and seats and love it. Wife and I gave up the motorcycle for this and have no regrets, this is the perfect car for Florida. Thank you for your amazing reviews, they are informative AND entertaining, no one does it better!
You made a great decision. Congrats!
You made a great decision. Congrats!
Miata in a Italian suit......looks classy !
That is a good way to put it!
Very true hahaha
Yup! You get the reliability of being built in Japan, the sexy Italian styling, and the Italian engine (which has proven itself in the Fiat 500). Just got my 124 Abarth about a week ago and can’t stop driving it 🚗💨
With an italian engine. That multi air with minor upgrades will give you 200+ at the rear wheels. This car is amazing.
That's what I say!!! Awesome
Excellent Review!
We recently bought a nearly new 2018 124 Spider just like the one in the review, except with black leather interior. Absolutely the most fun car I have ever had to drive. It literally puts a smile on everyone's face who rides in it, with almost everyone making that same specific comment 😁
When I bought this several months back, I was also looking at some used SLK's and Z4's in a similar price range, and even commented to my wife that the Spider was the most fun to drive compared to those cars. It was newer, with similar performance specs to the SLKs and Z4s on both 0-60 and top end speeds.
Since buying it I've driven it over 200km/h with the top down on the German Autobahn ( we live just across the border in Switzerland), but where it really shines is in the local roads around where we live ( very hilly and windy) as well as the Alpine passes. I have not found power or lack there-of to be an issue on these roads.
Style-wise I much prefer the looks of this over the MX5, and as one other reviewer stated -- and to which you alluded, if you want a track car go with the MX5, but if you want to cruise the Alps and French Riviera, go with the Spider - The Alps are in our backyard, Italian Amalfi coast and the French Riviera await 😉
A winner on looks alone. Thanks Joe - love those test drives with passion ( Italian ) 🔥
Thanks my friend!
"Slot big enough for two Twinkie's"
Never stop Joe, loving the reviews!
Thanks Sean! I appreciate you letting me share some laughs and the cars with you!
this is one of my cars and i absolutely love it. i have the 2020 fiat 124 abarth with the monza exhaust and the brembo brakes. mine is black with the red/blk abarth leather seats. i saw your video on that model and i decided to purchase it. put some aftermarket wheels and tires. this is my weekend car to drop the top u feel so connected to the road as if u were wearing the car like an outfit. it growls with the monza exhaust on sports mode. the neighbors will hear u.
Is it just me or the quality of the video was so dang good! 👌🏼
That means a lot Dom. Thank you!
I liked the intro my dude very informative.
Thanks Matt!
Finally I'm early for another Raiti's Rides review!
Nice to have you here always.
If FCA had a marketing person with a brain, they could have sold 10x more of these. I've had one for 4 years and LOVE IT! (The boost kicks in around 2500, not 4500 by the way.....). The Classica, in my opinion is the way to go. Much less expensive. I paid around $25,000 for mine.
Nice review Joe, FYI - there are also additional storage compartments behind the seats. Something we realized a year after we owned it
Anther very enjoyable review Joe!
By the way. My first car ever, was bought in 1972. It was a 1966 Fiat 1500. Red convertible with a 5 speed. Paid $500.00 bucks for it. :)
Thanks Frank! That is so very cool! You got it for a steal!
COACH ~ I really like the color scheme - gorgeous tones. nothing like old school stick - man it's fun driving a car when you can feel it communicate with you, love the wheel spins & chirps, ya know what's really cool about a Euro soft top? is driving at night with the top down, the cool air, the stars, your song on the stereo - for FIAT this is a nice car. fun report, - tony
I can't agree with you more Tony!
I bought a 124 Lusso over 4-1/2 yrs ago, because I owned two Fiats way back when and loved them. Both met untimely ends, but not because of Fiat quality (the 1978 Monte Carlo I had between them was way worse than either). The hardest thing was finding someone who knew how to work on them, so I learned how to do a lot of it myself.
So it was a nostalgia purchase, but I also love this car. It's comfortable, fun to drive -- even the exhaust burble sounds right. My husband prefers Miatas but has fun driving the 124, too. The ONLY problem I've had with it is the console/display on the center dash, which is constantly malfunctioning -- and that's a MAZDA part.
The point about dealerships is valid, though. The dealer we bought it from always has cars on hand, but the service dept sucks big time. Probably why that console has never been permanently fixed...
I feel in love with the styling and performance sold me!
You have a fabulous personality. I enjoyed every minute of this. LOVE the car, too. It's so me. :)
Joe, I wasn't the biggest fan of this car when you did the automatic version. I definitely like this one with the manual better! Yeah I wish it had more power, but as you know... a manual can really help a slower car be way more fun! Also, the interior is pretty tasteful as well!
Same here man!
Back in the day when cars came without dead buttons, even with a simple interior setup, companies still can’t find a way to eliminate them...
I know right! I think it will only get worse as a way to cut costs.
My biggest zonk in the whole automobile industry.
Yeah, back in the old day when AC was considered a feature. Realistically, you can't expect a company to be able to manufacture different parts for every different feature available. Would get far too expensive, and cars like this wouldn't be sold anymore.
Avery Holder Yea they could and should. Just put a lock all button where the dead button.
I have to go with the ND2 Miata which has more power in a NA engine at a similar price, but this is a great video, Joe
Not typically my type of car but I'll admit that thing is pretty sexy! Love the styling inside and out and it's a manual! Great video brother!
#savethemanuals
AGREED! Thanks Eric for letting me share it with you!
Great review, really considering byuying a 2020 Lusso manual.
That sounds awesome!
Love your dry humour Joe. It's almost like you're not joking!
I love the classic 124 , I've had 7 of them. And current one is a 1976. I wish the modern version hood opened like the original and was hinged in the front ...
Pretty car but it sounds like a leaf blower. Excellent review as always. You’re having way too much fun Joe. 😀
I hope you are having some fun taking the ride with me. Thanks for letting me share it with you!
Looks like a fun convertible sportster that doesn’t cost you an arm and a leg! Nice review Joe. Any one have an idea on reliability?
Love my 124 Spider, I have same seats too! Nothing like the wind blowing though my hair!!!
You are so right!
Good Morning Joe! How are you today? Woke up early waiting for a morning review. ;D
I am doing great! Went to my first local Cars & Coffee event in a while.
@@RaitisRides Sweet Man.
That is one sweet ride 👍👍
I am so glad that you like this one Charles!
One thing to add, in "normal" day to day driving, this car is easier to live with, because of the mid-range torque. The Mazda is faster, when you push it hard, but (seriously) how often are you pushing the car to redline to extract all the lovely Mazda Skyactive goodness? I seldom if ever push the Fiat that hard. But, cruising the twisties, it is a fabulous car to drive. Heck, just driving to Home Depot it was a blast to drive. Really, it comes down to looks/style. I liked the look of the 124 better. The performance is different, but I felt the Fiat's performance was better suited for normal day to day driving. Yes, you can be concerned with the Fiat engine. But, you should also be concerned with the ND MX-5 Transmission (hard drivers eating up second gear). Which one will break first? Which one will break more often? If you drive the MX-5 hard, are you more likely to break your transmission? Each has their benefits, each has their flaws. Choose the one you enjoy and never look back!
Very good points David!
Have a manual 2.0 - 2016 Miata FD here in unlimited speed Germany. No issues so far. Let me think how long ago it was I pushed my one last time to redline... ah yes it was a few minutes ago on my way back from work.
@@heikopanzlaff3789 LOL! Yes, Germany is an exceptional country for that. Skilled drivers and a roadway where people pull over to the right and it isn't so crowded that you can do that! Sadly, not the case in much of the US.
Love mine, don’t forget the storage behind the seats
FIATA
Great review as usual
* I see Type R right there
Good eyes man!
This is the classic Italdesign looks. Rich interior.
I totally agree with you!
Happy labour day weekend! Keep up the great work. Taste the rainbow lol
Thanks Jamieson! Same to you man!
sad they are discontinuing the Fiat 124 Spider forever.... :(
Sweet . Beautiful car. I know fiat has serious reliability issues in the past . Is the power train made by Toyota? Another great video 👍
Thanks George! That really means a lot!
Nice!! CAI, exhaust and tune and away you go... :-) Looks like a fun car.... :-)
It was for sure!
I really wanted one of these especially the Lusso but sadly I needed a car that was more practical but maybe in the future I'll purchase one.
I can totally understand where you are coming from Lavonte!
Used ones are getting very affordable now.
Reginald Andrews I would say aspirational, but achievable. Not exactly a Ferrari which is a Fantasy car!
Love the styling of this Fiat Spider. It REALLY has style. The Mazda Miata is known as the 'MX-5' outside America.
This is very true Rob!
Best car reviewer on RUclips 😁
Thank you Alyssa! You are so wonderful for saying that!
No doubt on that 🥇
Yep. No zonks here 😉
This car just looks so much better than the Miata! Love that you’ve done a few reviews on this. The one FCA product I would ever consider. 😍
Thanks for letting me share it with you Evan! I am so glad that you like this one.
I agree with you. And in my opinion the previous generation Miata looks better than current Miata.
Yes, it beats the Miata in style and Joe gave it a good review - that's enough for me 👍
The Miata will outlast it though.
Mike Hawk 100% agree. But, I do not like the Miata. Would never get one. It’s too cutesy looking.
Wow Joe! You caught me off guard with this one! NOBODY is aware of this thing; I was watching it for a couple years waiting for an Abarth to drop under $20K. Stop telling people about our little secret!! :-)
Thanks Trevor! I will try not to review anymore. 😉
Love the car! We own a 2019 Abarth
Nicely done Mike.
As a Lancia aficionado I truly appreciate handling. What does the Abarth version of the 124 bring to to table and difference s with the standard 124?
I never saw these car before it's different joe.since I am fan of your show ..
I am so glad that I can share it with you!
@@RaitisRides joe, where can I get that type of watches you have and also maybe one day you can do Bentley review one day.
@@gabrielgo85 You know what? I am curious about the watches too. I really like the black-and-white one.
A beautiful car. Italian looks and Japanese build quality should be an appealing combination. Unfortunately, it hasn't worked out that way. In the first half of 2020 sales of the 124 in the US were down 37% to an almost unbelievable 969 units. Of course, the 124 is in a niche category but Mazda Miata sales in 2020 are actually UP by 10% to 4320 units.
The good news? It might be a good time to buy one (assuming you can find a dealer who took a chance and ordered one) and put it away in storage in the hope that it will be a collector vehicle some day.
Italian beauty my brodaaa.
I am glad that you are digging her.
Is this the last model year for this car? I really like this car, even though it doesn't have a twin cam. Nice lines.
There tiny but functional, Storage space behind both seats
And usb port on passenger side downside of dashboard (where passenger keep leg there hidden usb ports.😁
Thanks for that info your are correct!
I love your random food references! LMAO, is there any story behind them?
Check on youtube the skittles commercial that never made it. Might have been a reference to it.
Speaking of Convertibles, My 3rd Dream Car is a Convertible. 1996 Chrysler Sebring JXI.
Very cool!
It looks nice, pretty good styling. I was excited to hear it has a turbo but barely 160 hp? Is that just at the crank? Thats also a really slow 0-60 time. How are you going to excel through twisties with that? I'm not trying to sound negative, but theres more they could have done with that motor especially for 34k. Still another great review nonetheless 👍
I know I feel your pain.
Without the partnership of FCA, the ND MX-5 Miata might not have ever happened according to Mazda. That fact alone, makes me appreciate the mere existence of the 124 Spider, even though this car is overlooked, and underbought. The Miata has edgier looks but the 124 has much more class, almost reminds me of the old-school 1986 Mercedes-Benz 560SL R107 with some of the seat colour options and interior trim. (Raiti you gotta review a 560SL!).
Thanks for sharing that input!
Japanese car with a sexy Italian body and engine and Mopar parts. Only sold in the US from 2017-2020. An instant classic and interesting branch in the Miata legend. Just wish the hardtop GT version had also been sold here in the states
Great car , does anyone know the name of that colour of blue , I don't see it available in the UK , was it a special paint to order
9:33 spotted a Honda Civic Type R at the back 👀
Damn you have the eagle eyes!
@@RaitisRides Thanks!
ruclips.net/video/a41fweaM8lw/видео.html
New one one off Aston Martin Victor
Will you review the new ram trx when it comes out joe?
Of course Jeffrey!
Love it thanks
Great review the Abarth version is even better
I test drive an Abarth before I bought my MX5. I found it doggy in comparison, it just felt laggy to me. The benefit is it can be tuned for way more power, but for me I prefer the naturally aspirated 2.0 in the Mazda.
Thanks for sharing that great input from your experience!
yep the turbo lag is painful..pulling away in traffic or just parking is an utter pita..worst selling car in the USA for a good reason..IT'S JUNK
buy the miata
That’s a cute/Italian fun car🐿😻! Personally, l find this car better looking than the Alfa Romeo 4c (you can say the opposite)! And this color configuration would be my choice if I would have to buy myself a 124 spider! I feel like this design would be timeless🎼🕰!
Thanks for letting me share this one with you!
Great review as always. I test drove this car and I really wanted to buy it but the windshield is scary close to your head and it's really tight inside. Too claustrophobic for me. See here 9:30
yep
plus bouncy harsh suspension and terribly weak motor with about 3bhp below 2000rpm makes this car a joke
Raiti... I don't believe you can get FM signal with the shark fin sir. The other antenna is there because it's a convertible, they do not have the FM antenna in the rear window as most cars do.
Well in Lori's BRZ she gets FM and that has a shark fin antenna.
@@RaitisRides You're right... I thought they also has the antenna in the rear glass but I when I looked it up they don't. So why do they have that extra one? Weird.
Looks like a Honda S2000 had a kid. Nice car bro
I wish the miata looked this good!
Great review Joe!! Personally, I would take the new Mazda Miata RF in red with a tan interior. Also, I spy a Boost Blue Civic Type-R in the background
I would go Miata in a heartbeat. Good eyes!
When a small engine produces more torque than HP, it means it is artificially restricted by low boost. Were this car to receive the correct amount of boost, it would most likely exceed 200 HP and about 190 lbft of torque. Then it would be quicker than the Miata. I wonder if they deliberately governed the boost so it would be slower than the Miata? An awesome combination would be that 2 liter engine with this turbo. I love how this car looks. Kind of looks like the S2000 Honda
Beautiful car but would be even cooler if they made it more like the original with the back seat .
So very true!
Never been so early love from india
Thanks for making it and being so awesome!
@@RaitisRides tank you bro you should care about your camara positions. don't do vedio in fround of the sun we can notice shado when you show inside of the car
Can we get a review of the 2020 Kia Sorento ( S trim or higher) please? None of the top car review channels have covered it
I will track one down for you.
I know florida has America's largest kia dealer, cuz I googled it lol..
The top channels have covered the Telluride (including you) but not the Sorento and the Telluride is practically unavailable in Orange county california.
I feel like the deal I got in motion for the Sorento Sv6 is looking like a good deal but I need a pro like you to sell me on it or change my mind lol..
I test drove it a few times and I quite enjoy it, my big zonk would be the dated and not so attractive infotainment area, tho it is very responsive.
I appreciate your consideration tho
98 HP in 1966..
1976 Pontiac Grand AM with 6.5 litres was with 200 HP
You are so very right!
Love mine I have same exact
Joe are you a telepath? I was literally building one yesterday on the fiat website!
That is awesome! Great minds think a like!
bravo ragazzo buy italian buy fiat ciao ciao amico mio god bless you
Fix It Again Joe, I mean Tony 😂
You are freaking hilarious!
@@RaitisRides :)
Its actually really reliable because its outdated. This doesn't get the new 1.3T unfortunately, but on the plus side the old 1.4T multiair has been around for ages and is bulletproof albeit not that efficient and if you redline it a lot it uses a bit of oil but it won't break on you and its not direct injection so it'll never foul on you. The rest of the car mechanically is reliable Japanese. Check the 500 Abarth forums, people rag on the cars and as long as you don't run it with oil below the fill line or way above max, most people go to 100K miles with no maintenance other than oil and filter changes.
These are SO much cheaper used than a Miata. I started dreaming about an LS3 swap in one of these. Anyone know if Flyin' Miata has done one?
That is a great question.
I believe they would run into an issue with the Canbus system. I actually have one and just an intake, exhaust, coils, and DV+3. It really steps it up a notch. And I haven't even tuned it yet. I do have the Abarth version with all the goodies and it was $20,000. Under 30,000 miles
engine swaps are a dumb idea with modern cars. too much trouble for little results. if u want a ls get a decade old Corvette.
So Joe, which car would you buy, if you were in the market for a two seat, drop top roadster, the Fiat Miata, or the Maxda Miata??
Miata all day and twice on Sunday.
The 2020 124 spider Abarth is the only model i would get tbh. Buy for around 35k there is alot of other options
I love the looks but where's the power for a manual shifter ?
You have to go Abarth.
Personally I still prefer the Miata, but this thing is beautiful.
I agree with you!
I like it. I think I would be less embarrassed to be seen in this than a Miata!
Thanks Robert for letting me share it with you!
Oh damn. That's actually a nice looking car. Now if Flying Miata could get ahold of one and drop in an LS3...Flying Fiat has a nice ring to it, right?
Theyve out Miata'd Miata lol
Now we are talking!
@@RaitisRides "On throttle!!"
Would definitely move the soul, the body and much more Hahaha
Love the styling of the 124, specifically the Abarth (hence why I just picked one up 😉). The car has so much character and is a blast to drive! Plus having a factory turbo allows for some easy power with bolt-ons and a tune. And yes gotta get it in a manual 😃 Got big things planned for mine...will be posting a lot about it on my channel as well. If anyone is interested consider Subscribing 🚗💨💥 Love to keep engaged with the community!
This car is completely impractical for me and where I live and now I want one really bad. Curse you sir. :)
Thats a good looking fiat
Squirting cream everywhere in your new Fiat 124 Spider is definitely not the business.
I guess it depends what business you are in! LOL
That’s a very nice 👍 car 🚗 joe the interior and those seats 💺 are awesome 👏 and the color with the manual roof is so cool 😎 you handle that baby like a boss joe give it up to crown 👑 Vic your wonderful team Lori and you joe much love ❤️👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍💪💪💪💪💪💪💪✊✊✊✊✊✊✊✊👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👌👌👌👌👌👌👌🚗💺💺💺👑👑💣💣💣🧨🧨🧨🧨🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥👊👊👊👊👊💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯💯
I had a felling you would like this one.
I'd take this over the Mazda anytime.
Today, after following a old guy in my neighborhood who always parks it in his driveway hella fast when he pulls in, I found out it was a Fiat 😱
This car look good
You have good taste!
Hey my brother what’s up
Hey Matt! I hope you have a great weekend!
Sup Joe, sorry I'm late Joe I was busy.
Hey Jay! I totally understand.
@@RaitisRides Thanks Joe
I live in Toronto and I recall trying to look up a Fiat 124 a few years ago. The Fiat Canada web re- direct me to some local Chrysler dealers that did not have any in stock. Fast forward a few years later I can’t even find ONE for sale here in a city of 3 million with a large Italian population. What does that tell you? Just yesterday I went to Fiat Canada web again and it did the same thing re-directing me to a dealer 60-70 km away only to have a sales lady email me back stating they don’t have any Fiat 124 but she would gladly sell me something else. I give up!!!