Watch the solo review for the Alfa 4C >>> ruclips.net/video/nH3LvfHvyyI/видео.html Watch the solo review for the Abarth 124 >>> ruclips.net/video/yZ3GoNR2-7A/видео.html
Your video was suggested by RUclips as I’ve been shopping 124 for a year or so and plotting. This is one of the best discussions I’ve seen - I only wish you’d lose a little of the macho but I guess your style, your choice. Your video quality and approach reminds me of JayEmm on Cars - that’s the highest praise from my POV. Subscribed.
The 4C makes one feel like a "daring bad boy" on the streets.... like Joe Astor and his silver Defender. The Abarth makes one feel like "a guy who loves the wind in the hair and not feeling like a bad boy" on the streets.
love it! not enough Abarth 124 videos out there. You should consider a vlog series on the 124, it would be unique. Come drive my S2000 after I fix the diff on it.
Ok so this specific post has peaked my interest. I have a 03 s2k..but it is sick and she needs work. I want to sell her after I get her fixed. I have been looking hard at the 124 Abarth with those flappy paddles. The mods I have in mind would be a ecu upgrade for the transmission and that's it...much later (afew years) an HP upgrade to 210 HP. But I am still unsure if it will give me the same thrill of the S2k. Otherwise I may go back to a gen2 92 MR2 t-top...
Great video. Thanks for sharing your opinion. I bought the 4C before the 124 came out. I agree that the 124 has more classic looks, but the 4C is by far the more fun car to drive, although not a good daily driver. In my opinion, the 4C is a better looking car. It's price is high, but you get supercar looks, a carbon tub and pure joy every time you get behind the wheel. I've since replaced the 4C with the Giulia Quadrifoglio which is a beast of a car for the same price as the 4C. The Giulia has a more comfortable ride and a real trunk, but I miss the quirkiness, low center of gravity, fun and curb appeal of the 4C.
124 Spider is actually TECHNICALLY mid-engine (the engine's center of mass is between the front and rear wheel axis). That's what mid-engine means. It doesn't have to be mounted in the back to be "mid-engine"
I want the 124 so badly. Ever since I saw one... I wanted one. Almost paid off my jetta and I want this next. Ima save for it though. Its fairly cheap and i just want a fun car again. I had the infinity g20 1999 and that car was so fun to drive. The jetta is nice but it aint as fun. I still like the turbo though but... 124 is what my eye is on.
Did you ever get that 124? I got one after I paid off my diesel truck. My plan was similar to yours. Lol. I also have a VW too but mine is an 05 Passat TDI
"because nobody actually races from 0-60 anymore" 🤣 Thank you, THANK YOU! as someone who also does track days, I've had enough of hearing 0 to 60 times. Most people who throw those stats around only do drag racing. Boooringgggg... Keep your content going man. 👍
100% Agreed. Not to mention 0-60 is probably the most useless straightline metric. For example, Alfa 4C does 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, but so does a C7 Corvette. And guess which one is significantly faster?
I like the 124 Abarth but I love the 4c. All I've done to my 4c is stickier tires, tune, intake, proper alignment and it's very good now. I can only imagine what coilovers and rear uniballs will do to the car! 😁
you can save the $30K but Alfa is, and always be a higher quality car. The 124 is a bargain, and i would buy one, but it’s not an Alpfa. Go it Italy, and find out, and eat some incredible food while you’re at it.
Great video!! But slap a tune and pair of sticky tires on the 4c and you have a very very capable mid engine rocket!!! The rawness and the feedback of the Alfa is priceless!
Great Video, and very fair. Had an ND RF for a little less than 2 years, then got a 4C Spider. I've also had earlier variants of the MX-5. Although it is a pain in the ass to drive sometimes, I still love the 4C, but as a daily driver I would tell most people to choose the Abarth. For me though, I love the feeling of the 4C.
The 4C arguably needs more mods than the 124 out of the box in order to achieve the potential you're paying for. Mine has wider wheels, stickier tires, coilovers, a race seat (I recently found out you'll need one to achieve the car's cornering potential after upgrading tires and suspension, blame the lack of power steering and poor lateral support of the factory seats), an upgraded intercooler and tune. A stiffer/stronger lower engine mount also enhances the responsiveness of the transmission. it's a missed opportunity by Alfa out of the box but it has great potential with tuning. You are still getting a really wide, very low slung, mid-engined carbon tub car for that higher price tag, you just need to add the mods to harness the platforms potential. Also barely used 4C's go for $40ks now.
Great video! You left a few things out that I believe are needed: 1. Weight of the 124 2. Tire and suspension options on the 4C - there are two levels of suspension and tires 3. Since you mention daily driver use, you should bring up the excellent audio system in the 4C (yes, it's as bad as EVERYBODY says) 4. Which exhaust was on the 4C? There are three that I know of - Sport, Race and the $3K Akrapovic option. Looks like either sport or race in your video 5. I think you said the brakes are not power, but they are assisted, it's just the steering that isn't Totally agree with you on the price! When we picked up out 2017 Coupe, we could've walked out with a pair of 124's. Still, to me, there is no comparison in terms of beauty and raw driving feel - and I like having a "rare" car (not that I see many 124's either). I was planning on retromodding a clean 914, but then the 4C came out and gave me the same feeling, with a few modern benefits and a crash safety rating. Subscribing. :)
Will stick to my 2015 4C LE. Stock they are quick but with simple updates they become track monsters. Better tires, couple of suspension adjustments (more neg. camber, rear trailing arm unibals). If you want even more power there are several sources of ECUs that up the hp to over 300 hp and 300 ft lbs. at the rear wheels. The 4Cs have proven to be bullet proof on track and street. I like the Fiat also but it is in a different class.....I also have a problem with what it really is....a Fiata.
I have a 4C and thought to add a 124 Abarth. Completely different car. I was completely underwhelmed. Maybe with turbo mods and a tune. Top down driving is very good though.
Comparing a 4C and the Abarth 124? The 4C is far superior to the Abarth like a rabbit is to a rat. Modification is irrelevant to me, car should assessed in standard and not altered form. However, I like your presentation, excellent.
1000% disagree. Could not disagree more. The car is a “platform”. I know not one car enthusiast, keyword enthusiast, that leaves their platforms stock. From a car enthusiast perspective, car platform should always be judged by their potential. End of discussion. Nice try though. Thanks for playing. Next.
@@j.andrewwrinkle2172 Your comment makes zero sense.........You could throw buckets of money at practically any car and turn it into something it was never intended to be. There is an endless amount of "potential" in most underwhelming cars depending on the size of the check written. The Alfa was designed from the ground up with a single purpose in mind. The Fiat is a rebadged/rebodied Mazda with a corporate engine. Nice try though--Thanks for playing--Next:)
@@Ryan-cv8sn Ahhhhhhhhh????? I believe that’s what I was saying??????? Next time I’ll dumb it down for you. I’ll type a little slower. Nice try though. Thanks for playing. Next. Perhaps next time you might consider a little more originality. Just saying. Now, if you will excuse me, I’ve got some Christmas shopping to do. I’m not quite sure what car to take this morning? You see I own a 4C, as well as a Miata. Lol. SMH.
@@j.andrewwrinkle2172 LOL Andy!!--It's going to be a little hard to "dumb down" what was a truly stupid comment to begin with, but if anyone could do it, it's most likely you. Let me try and type a little slower. A car platform doesn't need to be judged by its potential when enough money could be thrown at it to improve it. Depending on the check written ANY car could have limitless "potential". Cars should be judged by what the factory delivers to the public. Nice try though. End of story. Next. Congratulations on the 4C, I have one that I really like as well--but don't get all puffy chested, little guy. It's a discontinued car that can easily be picked up for less than the typical pickup truck.....lol.....SMH.........
@@Ryan-cv8sn Man, someone has a lot of time on their hands. I get it. Not Everyone can drive Ferraris and Lamborghinis but they’re kind of like Hondas out here in Marin County. One day. Never stop dreaming. One day, my friend. Ok. Which car do I take out now?! Hmmmmmmm… I purchased a 1955 Porsche 550 about 26 years ago. Yep. An original. Not a replica like everyone else has because they can’t afford the real deal. It’s been on a battery tender most of its life because of its value. But you have inspired me to take it out today! It’s a beautiful day here in Northern California. Hopefully when I return to my compound, I will feel a little more sophisticated and ready for round 2. Perhaps that will give you a little more time to figure out how to put two sentences together? I think you’re just so cute! You’re like a little play toy?, lol. Nice try though. Thanks for playing. Next. Give me about 60 minutes. I’m gonna jump in the 550 just for you. God, I love my life!
Win at what? All around car? No, 4c lost for me in part due to the inability to road trip with it. I had a 13 club spec miata as a daily for 5 years. I am getting an abarth spider now. The 4c is within my means, but frankly it sucks for my use case. I could live with the harshness, but the trunk won't do a road trip or a trip to the store. The transmission is meh. It is faster on a track, but if I wanted a dedicated track toy I'd look elsehwere. The spider on the other hand? Not as fast, but its cheap. I can mod it and have funds left over. Its comfortable so my gf won't mind a road trip. Its got enough trunk to do 90 percent of my needs. In short, I'd end up driving it more rather than going for my beater. So no, 4c doesn't always win.
I've not driven the 4c. I just recently acquired a 124 Abarth mine is a manual and I feel like that probably wakes it up a little more than the automatic.
I wish there were more value comparisons of cars in different price ranges. I want to see a bang for the buck review of the new corvette, Cayman, Supra, and Miata.
Picking up my abarth tomorrow. Went with a new 18 manual and at 24k for a new (albeit having sat on a dealer lot for ages) I agree. I could have gotten the alfa, but for the money it doesn't make sense to me. Used prices in the mid 40's with 1-3k miles. It just isn't 20k more car to me and tbh I like rowing my own gears. May not be as fast as a modern transmission, but its more fun which was the point of the car.
Been waiting for this video for a while and oh my god you nailed it. I loved every second of this video. As someone who had this decision myself a while back, I too decided on the 124 Spider over the 4C but it was primarily the exhaust note for me and the fact that I'll sleep a lot better at night knowing my Italian roadster was built by the Japanese. All in all, amazing video. I can't wait to see what you do next
Another perfect video from the best channel on RUclips. Great in depth comparison, even though neither of these cars is what I would buy right now with the kids, it was very entertaining to watch and get your opinion. And congrats on 50K, you totally deserve it, very happy for you!!!!
Smooth delievery man good job ! Epic cars both ! If possible, you must have both in your garage, the 124 abarth is pure fun, the 4C is a unicorn. Carbon chassis, no powersteering... unique!
My dear if Want to Have something special, take the 4C. I have a coupe’ black 2016 and I modified camber and caster, new litium battery and new racing and lighter brakes. 28 kg less at the moment. It is a beast. In my future project it will be 320hp and 890 kg with liquids! A really special beast.
Interesting video, I test drove a 124 about two hours before driving the 4C I bought at twice the price because it was 100% worth it. I would consider a 124 spider for the wife just like you but likely not mod it or expect her to want to go to the track with it because that simply isn't something she would be interested in. The big difference between the two vehicles past and future depreciation. At this point the 4C has depreciated at a significantly higher rate than the 124 Abarth Spider but what matters is the future. You have to go well over $200K to get into a vehicle with the super car features of the 4C and this will bode well for appreciation of this car going forward especially if Alfa Romeo goes through with plans to discontinue it entirely. I opted for the coupe because to me they have a better outside appearance and after a while the spider top is going to deteriorate. On the other hand the 124 Abarth spider is an entirely different car than the 4C and is battling in a pretty crowded market, this is why I'm going to wait a while until I can pick one up for next to nothing like I did my Fiat 500 Abarth, it too will continue to depreciate but it's fun to drive and more practical than the 4C as a daily driver by far. I enjoy your videos and respect your opinions but I also have my own and sometimes we are conflicted. Enjoy your cars!!!
I have a non-Abarth 124 spider. I would buy the 4c in a heartbeat if it wasn't so expensive. Beautiful looking car. To be fair, the 124 spider also looks stunning and attracts a lot of compliments wherever it goes.
Nice video. BUT still no point in comparing these two cars. I bought my Abarth 124 NEW for 30.000 € while the 4C at the dealer would have been around 70.000 €. So.... you got the point.
Stock for stock, no question, even given price difference. And if money is no object, and we can mod the 4C, then it's a supercar killer in every aspect of the word.
No need to even imagine, there's a video of a Stage 2 (tune, intake, intercooler) 4C going toe to toe with a F430. Even though it's a last gen supercar, it's still very impressive.
Track Day ..Do you know why in the U.S.A they put a FIAT badge on the steering wheel and not an Abarth badge like in europe ,to me it just looks odd...I was suprised to see Brembos are an option..I have an Alfa Mito 140 BHP and Brembros are standard
@norb0254 Not entirely sure but I believe that in later years (2018+) they put the Abarth badge on the steering wheel. Looks odd to me as well and I might change it out at some point if I decide to customize my steering wheel. I think it’s odd that we don’t get Brembos standard either but most likely just a way for them to make a few extra bucks.
Although this cannot be a fair comparative, the 124 is pretty good for a weekend or track car. Probably a bit better for that use in manual for most of us, having fun it the ultimate goal on these cars, not speed records or confort. Wouldn't mind one at all. The 4C is another level, it's simply about the fundamentals when designing and building the car. The layout, the materials, the knowledge, the effort, the cost. Aftermarket modifications help, but can't make massive amounts of changes once you have the car done. That being said, i still believe having a more practical, fun hatchback as daily is the best compromise. No need for a second car and makes every trip to work something to smile about :)
You’re telling me you’d choose the 124 over the carbon monocoque 4C ? No way. The 4C is mini Bugatti it’s lighter, faster and can reach 200 mph with proper tuning and gearing.
I've been in the market for one of these and was wondering what type of fuel you put in it. I know the owner manual states that the car should receive premium, but can take regular. I think the car has a knock sensor which changes the timing of the ignition caused by the difference in the fuel quality. Still, I would like to eliminate knocking altogether to preserve the engine.
I've been in the market for one of these and was wondering what type of fuel you put in it. I know the owner manual states that the car should receive premium, but can it take regular. Furthermore, I think the car has a knock sensor which changes the timing of the ignition caused by the difference in the fuel quality. Still, I would like to eliminate knocking altogether to preserve the engine.
I want an Abarth 500 this summer. Have an old shitbox 2000 Ford Escort with a 5 Speed I’m slowly upgrading and it’s fun but really wore out clutch is almost toast, struts are f***ed, and the transmission feels like it’s near its end. Hoping to get a S/R PCM Swapped, and a body kit, for 143HP @ 2360lbs is pretty fun.
I really want a 4C and could probably just afford a good second hand one with a loan, but I could pick a good 124 Abarth for what's in my savings account. Its very tempting.
Well, here I am at last! These cars have lots of similarities but are completely different animals. I find the 124 a more fun daily car. I wouldn’t buy a 4C honestly. That one with the twin turbo in-line 4 that I saw was really cool though The 124 proves you don’t need a lot of power to have fun. Also I find it funny how you’re trying to get your wife into track days. My girlfriend is not about the car life at all. But she wants a mustang to look good and not go fast, which boggles my mind and makes me cringe. She wants a bike too, but I won’t let her get one. I see the 4C driver is driving on the wrong side of the road 😂 Oh I see you enjoy driving on the wrong side of the road lmao I still enjoy the 124s sound more Turbo lag is killer these days. Need to start using twin scrolls instead of singles Ah yes a track day with both. Very nice I’d love to run the VW against the 124 one day. Would be a pretty good fight but I think you’d still win. The VW is so well balanced though. I pulled the ebrake at 50mph in the rain a dozen times or so. It was so easy to recover the car. Effortless. Felt natural too The 4Cs tires are definitely not wide enough for the car it is. Has to do with weight I bet There’s definitely space between shifts in the 4C. It’s hard to fit a very well made DCT in such a small car Nice video man. Was a nice head to head. Can’t wait to see what’s in the works. Would love to see M4 Vs E53 vs CLS 53 one day. Would make for an interesting video Would you ever feature a Porsche on this channel? That F6 engine is crazy well balanced
Sorry I'm late bud! The 124 vs. the VW would be a good run in a straight line. I have a hard time finding anything that can match it on a track with proper tires though. I might try out an Mk7.5 GTI or Golf R sometime to see how they do. I haven't gotten an actual VW on the channel yet it seems. I want to find the right Porsche to get on the channel for my first one. I feel like that car needs to be done right. I'm aiming to get a 718 Cayman GTS or S. Then I want to do the 911 Turbo or maybe the new 992. Cheers!
You may have done this somewhere else or on another video, however would you list out every aftermarket performance part you have put on your 124 Abarth? And if you could start from scratch are there any different/other parts you would have put on? Lastly, without doing the tune, where do you think things would fall with just the bolt on parts? Thank you
I might have mentioned all my mods in the video where I officially time the car for our 40-100 Fast List, but I will relist them here for you: - EC Phase 2 Tune - EC V4 Intake - EC Upgraded Intercooler - Goodwin Racing Full Non-Resonated Cat-Back Exhaust - GFB DV+ - H&R Lowering Springs - Eibach Sway Bars Front and Rear - Advanti Storm S1 Wheels As for the performance mods, you could do the Intake, DV+, and Cat-Back Exhaust with no issues. Many people run this setup but you will not see any sort of significant power gain without the tune. You might see about 10-15whp combined. If I could do anything different, I might get the resonated version of the exhaust because if I went stuffed turbo, I'd get a downpipe installed as well and it would be too loud with my current setup. I'd also go with the Tork Tune instead of the EC tune, I hear they produce more power and don't have that weird dead spot around 5K RPM.
@@SpeedLabsMotorEnvy Great vid. I've got the same suspension set up as you and need to get it properly aligned. Can you share what specifications you had yours set to?
@@HAGGISBOY I should've mentioned it in the video, but the alignment played a huge part in improving the car's handling. I can't remember the exact toe but I remember that the shop maxed out the camber to something like -1.5 deg in the front and -1.8 in the rear. This is key for track driven Abarths.
I have the 124 and it's pretty good as a daily. Storage space is limited but that's the main negative. As it's been discontinued I would recommend the new model MX5/ Miata. Very similar but with more power and you'll be able to trade it in against the next model.
Derek Martin if I’m going with a new car I’d probably going 124 just cause I prefer the styling over the Miata and sounds and it’s a tune away from being incredible
I simply have a Phase 2 tune from EuroCompulsion. I hear it's conservative and that there is more on the table if you get a custom tune or something from a competing tuner.
I wish people would quit explaining why they got an automatic, listing off reasons as if people are scrutinizing them for it. Here’s all the explanation you need: “it’s what we wanted”. I don’t get the stigma around auto transmissions. It’s a personal preference, which not everyone shares.
I had some seat time with the Fiata Abarth. While the purist in me would prefer the ND2 MX5, I have to admit the Fiata wasn't too bad. The Record Monza exhaust sounded great and growly that added to the driving thrill. However ND2 felt more lively and eager while the Fiata was softer.... more of a cruiser. If money is no object, sure the 4C would be my choice. It just looks awesome. Besides I can never shake off the "Frankensteined Miata" thought. Apart from that the 124 Abarth is quite a good car with tuning potential. But it gotta be with the excellent Aisin manual tranny like the one found in the MX5. It has good Mazda bones. Not sure about Fiat's engine reliability. Also where does one bring it to a Dodge dealership for maintenance?
A 4c based next gen 124 with a smaller or detuned engine would be amazing. Basically the Italian mr2. Too bad the 124 or even the fiat brand might not survive long enough for that to happen
After seeing the video, especially around 6:12, I must say that I guess he is better off to put all his mods back to factory standards. I have a 2016 MX 5, of cause with 4 pots front. No not Brembo . My one is way better accelerating and round corners. Looks like he replaced 165 horses with 190 ponys. My one has the Bilstein suspension. LSD and Recaro seats from factory. I only installed stiffer Eibach springs availiable from Mazda here in Germany but left the sway bars untouched for better grip.
Watch the solo review for the Alfa 4C >>> ruclips.net/video/nH3LvfHvyyI/видео.html
Watch the solo review for the Abarth 124 >>> ruclips.net/video/yZ3GoNR2-7A/видео.html
A bro the lotus is going to be at the show for sure 👍
Your video was suggested by RUclips as I’ve been shopping 124 for a year or so and plotting. This is one of the best discussions I’ve seen - I only wish you’d lose a little of the macho but I guess your style, your choice. Your video quality and approach reminds me of JayEmm on Cars - that’s the highest praise from my POV. Subscribed.
The 4C makes one feel like a "daring bad boy" on the streets.... like Joe Astor and his silver Defender.
The Abarth makes one feel like "a guy who loves the wind in the hair and not feeling like a bad boy" on the streets.
Want to feel like Joe Astor?
The 4C is more like it.
If I had the money, I'd still buy the 4C though. Thing has all the right lines.
and no manual. afla knows what the enthusiasts want.
I would buy an Evora or a used Cayman.
Faux-vertible. Might as well buy a faster car with a sunroof.
Dude, you literally made a video of whats been going thru my mind in choosing between these cars 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻🤷🏽♂️ thank u!
love it! not enough Abarth 124 videos out there. You should consider a vlog series on the 124, it would be unique. Come drive my S2000 after I fix the diff on it.
Thanks man, the next Abarth video I do has to be with your S2K!
Ok so this specific post has peaked my interest. I have a 03 s2k..but it is sick and she needs work. I want to sell her after I get her fixed. I have been looking hard at the 124 Abarth with those flappy paddles. The mods I have in mind would be a ecu upgrade for the transmission and that's it...much later (afew years) an HP upgrade to 210 HP. But I am still unsure if it will give me the same thrill of the S2k. Otherwise I may go back to a gen2 92 MR2 t-top...
Love these full on cinematic videos that you're doing. Especially since they're with your "Stig".
Absolutely stunning video. I bought the Abarth because the price of the 4c has risen so much. Watching this comparison has made my day. 👍
Mani you had 50k subscriber but your quality deserves 5 million at least. One of the nicest review in car comparison videos.
Great video. Thanks for sharing your opinion. I bought the 4C before the 124 came out. I agree that the 124 has more classic looks, but the 4C is by far the more fun car to drive, although not a good daily driver. In my opinion, the 4C is a better looking car. It's price is high, but you get supercar looks, a carbon tub and pure joy every time you get behind the wheel. I've since replaced the 4C with the Giulia Quadrifoglio which is a beast of a car for the same price as the 4C. The Giulia has a more comfortable ride and a real trunk, but I miss the quirkiness, low center of gravity, fun and curb appeal of the 4C.
You are very lucky to drive Italy 's best 👍
And thats what the 4C is all about. In a few years, the price will go up for sure. Nice car.
124 Spider is actually TECHNICALLY mid-engine (the engine's center of mass is between the front and rear wheel axis). That's what mid-engine means. It doesn't have to be mounted in the back to be "mid-engine"
I want the 124 so badly. Ever since I saw one... I wanted one. Almost paid off my jetta and I want this next. Ima save for it though. Its fairly cheap and i just want a fun car again. I had the infinity g20 1999 and that car was so fun to drive. The jetta is nice but it aint as fun. I still like the turbo though but... 124 is what my eye is on.
Did you ever get that 124? I got one after I paid off my diesel truck. My plan was similar to yours. Lol. I also have a VW too but mine is an 05 Passat TDI
"because nobody actually races from 0-60 anymore" 🤣
Thank you, THANK YOU! as someone who also does track days, I've had enough of hearing 0 to 60 times. Most people who throw those stats around only do drag racing. Boooringgggg...
Keep your content going man. 👍
100% Agreed. Not to mention 0-60 is probably the most useless straightline metric. For example, Alfa 4C does 0-60 in 4.1 seconds, but so does a C7 Corvette. And guess which one is significantly faster?
I like the 124 Abarth but I love the 4c. All I've done to my 4c is stickier tires, tune, intake, proper alignment and it's very good now. I can only imagine what coilovers and rear uniballs will do to the car! 😁
Nice To See This Comparison ! Even Happier I Have Both! I Daily The 4C Ironically and Take The 124 Spider Only On Long Drives Over 200 Miles 🥰😎!
Aweosme video! Your quality is always excellent. Love the videos bro
I know this is an old video but this is my first time seeing you. I love how you explain things. It's excellent. I subbed!
you can save the $30K but Alfa is, and always be a higher quality car.
The 124 is a bargain, and i would buy one, but it’s not an Alpfa. Go it Italy, and find out, and eat some incredible food while you’re at it.
Great video!! But slap a tune and pair of sticky tires on the 4c and you have a very very capable mid engine rocket!!! The rawness and the feedback of the Alfa is priceless!
the rear suspension of the 4c is a little lacking
Great Video, and very fair. Had an ND RF for a little less than 2 years, then got a 4C Spider. I've also had earlier variants of the MX-5. Although it is a pain in the ass to drive sometimes, I still love the 4C, but as a daily driver I would tell most people to choose the Abarth. For me though, I love the feeling of the 4C.
The 4C arguably needs more mods than the 124 out of the box in order to achieve the potential you're paying for.
Mine has wider wheels, stickier tires, coilovers, a race seat (I recently found out you'll need one to achieve the car's cornering potential after upgrading tires and suspension, blame the lack of power steering and poor lateral support of the factory seats), an upgraded intercooler and tune. A stiffer/stronger lower engine mount also enhances the responsiveness of the transmission.
it's a missed opportunity by Alfa out of the box but it has great potential with tuning. You are still getting a really wide, very low slung, mid-engined carbon tub car for that higher price tag, you just need to add the mods to harness the platforms potential. Also barely used 4C's go for $40ks now.
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Wow. Super comparison and terrific videography...
Great video! You left a few things out that I believe are needed:
1. Weight of the 124
2. Tire and suspension options on the 4C - there are two levels of suspension and tires
3. Since you mention daily driver use, you should bring up the excellent audio system in the 4C (yes, it's as bad as EVERYBODY says)
4. Which exhaust was on the 4C? There are three that I know of - Sport, Race and the $3K Akrapovic option. Looks like either sport or race in your video
5. I think you said the brakes are not power, but they are assisted, it's just the steering that isn't
Totally agree with you on the price! When we picked up out 2017 Coupe, we could've walked out with a pair of 124's.
Still, to me, there is no comparison in terms of beauty and raw driving feel - and I like having a "rare" car (not that I see many 124's either). I was planning on retromodding a clean 914, but then the 4C came out and gave me the same feeling, with a few modern benefits and a crash safety rating.
Subscribing. :)
Will stick to my 2015 4C LE. Stock they are quick but with simple updates they become track monsters. Better tires, couple of suspension adjustments (more neg. camber, rear trailing arm unibals). If you want even more power there are several sources of ECUs that up the hp to over 300 hp and 300 ft lbs. at the rear wheels. The 4Cs have proven to be bullet proof on track and street. I like the Fiat also but it is in a different class.....I also have a problem with what it really is....a Fiata.
Beautiful video, i wish it was longer this is so nice to watch with excellent presentation and great monologue on these cars❤
Let it be bro.
Let the Director set his lengths
@@madhatresearcher7995 im not demanding it to be longer. it was more of a praising statement..
@@luke4010 👍👍👍
Very interesting comparison! Excellent Video! LOVED IT! 👍😀
I'd argue the 124 is mid-engined as well, just (front) mid-engined, as that tiny thing sits mostly aft of the strut towers.
I have a 4C and thought to add a 124 Abarth. Completely different car. I was completely underwhelmed. Maybe with turbo mods and a tune. Top down driving is very good though.
Brooooo your video are awesommme i give you a lot of love from the french country you are so good !!! Sorry for m’y english
Congratulations on 50k subs!!!!
Comparing a 4C and the Abarth 124? The 4C is far superior to the Abarth like a rabbit is to a rat. Modification is irrelevant to me, car should assessed in standard and not altered form. However, I like your presentation, excellent.
1000% disagree. Could not disagree more. The car is a “platform”. I know not one car enthusiast, keyword enthusiast, that leaves their platforms stock. From a car enthusiast perspective, car platform should always be judged by their potential. End of discussion. Nice try though. Thanks for playing. Next.
@@j.andrewwrinkle2172 Your comment makes zero sense.........You could throw buckets of money at practically any car and turn it into something it was never intended to be. There is an endless amount of "potential" in most underwhelming cars depending on the size of the check written. The Alfa was designed from the ground up with a single purpose in mind. The Fiat is a rebadged/rebodied Mazda with a corporate engine. Nice try though--Thanks for playing--Next:)
@@Ryan-cv8sn Ahhhhhhhhh????? I believe that’s what I was saying??????? Next time I’ll dumb it down for you. I’ll type a little slower. Nice try though. Thanks for playing. Next. Perhaps next time you might consider a little more originality. Just saying. Now, if you will excuse me, I’ve got some Christmas shopping to do. I’m not quite sure what car to take this morning? You see I own a 4C, as well as a Miata. Lol. SMH.
@@j.andrewwrinkle2172 LOL Andy!!--It's going to be a little hard to "dumb down" what was a truly stupid comment to begin with, but if anyone could do it, it's most likely you. Let me try and type a little slower. A car platform doesn't need to be judged by its potential when enough money could be thrown at it to improve it. Depending on the check written ANY car could have limitless "potential". Cars should be judged by what the factory delivers to the public. Nice try though. End of story. Next. Congratulations on the 4C, I have one that I really like as well--but don't get all puffy chested, little guy. It's a discontinued car that can easily be picked up for less than the typical pickup truck.....lol.....SMH.........
@@Ryan-cv8sn Man, someone has a lot of time on their hands. I get it. Not Everyone can drive Ferraris and Lamborghinis but they’re kind of like Hondas out here in Marin County. One day. Never stop dreaming. One day, my friend. Ok. Which car do I take out now?! Hmmmmmmm… I purchased a 1955 Porsche 550 about 26 years ago. Yep. An original. Not a replica like everyone else has because they can’t afford the real deal. It’s been on a battery tender most of its life because of its value. But you have inspired me to take it out today! It’s a beautiful day here in Northern California. Hopefully when I return to my compound, I will feel a little more sophisticated and ready for round 2. Perhaps that will give you a little more time to figure out how to put two sentences together? I think you’re just so cute! You’re like a little play toy?, lol. Nice try though. Thanks for playing. Next. Give me about 60 minutes. I’m gonna jump in the 550 just for you. God, I love my life!
You cant really compare the two. 4C will always win. And you pay more money for a better car weather the money is worth it or not.
Win at what? All around car? No, 4c lost for me in part due to the inability to road trip with it. I had a 13 club spec miata as a daily for 5 years. I am getting an abarth spider now. The 4c is within my means, but frankly it sucks for my use case. I could live with the harshness, but the trunk won't do a road trip or a trip to the store. The transmission is meh. It is faster on a track, but if I wanted a dedicated track toy I'd look elsehwere. The spider on the other hand? Not as fast, but its cheap. I can mod it and have funds left over. Its comfortable so my gf won't mind a road trip. Its got enough trunk to do 90 percent of my needs. In short, I'd end up driving it more rather than going for my beater. So no, 4c doesn't always win.
@@lawrencebmarshall In terms of out right performance
whether
Mostly rainy.
@@lawrencebmarshall Nobody should buy either of these cars to DD nor Road trip imo
I've not driven the 4c. I just recently acquired a 124 Abarth mine is a manual and I feel like that probably wakes it up a little more than the automatic.
very well made video, felt almost as if i was watching the introduction sequence to a racing game where you get to choose which first car to drive :D
For maximum driver engagement a manual gearbox is a must.
I wish there were more value comparisons of cars in different price ranges. I want to see a bang for the buck review of the new corvette, Cayman, Supra, and Miata.
Picking up my abarth tomorrow. Went with a new 18 manual and at 24k for a new (albeit having sat on a dealer lot for ages) I agree. I could have gotten the alfa, but for the money it doesn't make sense to me. Used prices in the mid 40's with 1-3k miles. It just isn't 20k more car to me and tbh I like rowing my own gears. May not be as fast as a modern transmission, but its more fun which was the point of the car.
Bravo!!
Been waiting for this video for a while and oh my god you nailed it. I loved every second of this video. As someone who had this decision myself a while back, I too decided on the 124 Spider over the 4C but it was primarily the exhaust note for me and the fact that I'll sleep a lot better at night knowing my Italian roadster was built by the Japanese.
All in all, amazing video. I can't wait to see what you do next
"I'll sleep a lot better at night knowing my Italian roadster was built by the Japanese" Then you should buy a Miata. Forget italian cars
@@mesasartworks No
Great video brother man
after watching your video. I am glad that I have the Abarth 124 with brembo
Love your commentary.
Another perfect video from the best channel on RUclips. Great in depth comparison, even though neither of these cars is what I would buy right now with the kids, it was very entertaining to watch and get your opinion. And congrats on 50K, you totally deserve it, very happy for you!!!!
Thanks Francois!
Smooth delievery man good job ! Epic cars both ! If possible, you must have both in your garage, the 124 abarth is pure fun, the 4C is a unicorn. Carbon chassis, no powersteering... unique!
My dear if Want to Have something special, take the 4C. I have a coupe’ black 2016 and I modified camber and caster, new litium battery and new racing and lighter brakes. 28 kg less at the moment. It is a beast.
In my future project it will be 320hp and 890 kg with liquids! A really special beast.
Can't wait for Abarth next Monday 🥂
congrats on the 50k, keep up hard working.
That's exactly the same decision I made, and I'm still in love with the Abarth 😍
I have both. They are very different. I would sell the 124 with a lot less tears if it came to it
!! Great..
No comparison IMO. The 4c is amazing. Pro tip; look for a low mile used 4c, turns into the buy of decade when its less than $50k.
Good comparison. Follow your channel every week.
Great review👍
Great Vid!!!
I would like to buy Abarth as my toy car.
i will wait for your video before my purchse of c8
I hope it doesn't take too long for me to get mine. Seems like this GM strike and everything else is causing lots of delays.
You wouldn’t believe it but I swear to god my dad has the exact same combo (4c & 124 spider
Nice video. Funny that in the US, the 124 has the Fiat logo on the steering wheel. In Europe it has the Abarth logo.
This is an old comment but my 124 Abarth has the Abarth logo on the steering wheel
It's a 2018
Great video bro
Love both cars and the video as well!
Great video man! Next Do a 2zz spyder be a 4c spyder! ❤️
Interesting video, I test drove a 124 about two hours before driving the 4C I bought at twice the price because it was 100% worth it. I would consider a 124 spider for the wife just like you but likely not mod it or expect her to want to go to the track with it because that simply isn't something she would be interested in. The big difference between the two vehicles past and future depreciation. At this point the 4C has depreciated at a significantly higher rate than the 124 Abarth Spider but what matters is the future. You have to go well over $200K to get into a vehicle with the super car features of the 4C and this will bode well for appreciation of this car going forward especially if Alfa Romeo goes through with plans to discontinue it entirely. I opted for the coupe because to me they have a better outside appearance and after a while the spider top is going to deteriorate. On the other hand the 124 Abarth spider is an entirely different car than the 4C and is battling in a pretty crowded market, this is why I'm going to wait a while until I can pick one up for next to nothing like I did my Fiat 500 Abarth, it too will continue to depreciate but it's fun to drive and more practical than the 4C as a daily driver by far. I enjoy your videos and respect your opinions but I also have my own and sometimes we are conflicted. Enjoy your cars!!!
Wha year is your 4c? Im also debating which one to get?
What would you recommend me?
Great cars! Great video! Love my 124 Abarth!! 🇮🇹💪🏼
I really do enjoy your videos! Awesome job!
I have a non-Abarth 124 spider. I would buy the 4c in a heartbeat if it wasn't so expensive. Beautiful looking car. To be fair, the 124 spider also looks stunning and attracts a lot of compliments wherever it goes.
Niiice. Liked it. Great job again, sir.
Nice video.
BUT still no point in comparing these two cars.
I bought my Abarth 124 NEW for 30.000 € while the 4C at the dealer would have been around 70.000 €. So.... you got the point.
Are your wheels 16s? The tyres look fatter than the stock items on the 17 wheels. Cheers
Congrats on 50k!!!!!!
Appreciate it man! It's been a long time coming and I will get those QV reviews soon!
For the money and modified setup the 124Spider is better. For stock and not looking at money I would take the 4C 100%
Stock for stock, no question, even given price difference. And if money is no object, and we can mod the 4C, then it's a supercar killer in every aspect of the word.
@@SpeedLabsMotorEnvy Imagine the 4C with a tune, E85 and bigger twin turbos. That car would shit on alot of supercars
No need to even imagine, there's a video of a Stage 2 (tune, intake, intercooler) 4C going toe to toe with a F430. Even though it's a last gen supercar, it's still very impressive.
Track Day ..Do you know why in the U.S.A they put a FIAT badge on the steering wheel and not an Abarth badge like in europe ,to me it just looks odd...I was suprised to see Brembos are an option..I have an Alfa Mito 140 BHP and Brembros are standard
@norb0254 Not entirely sure but I believe that in later years (2018+) they put the Abarth badge on the steering wheel. Looks odd to me as well and I might change it out at some point if I decide to customize my steering wheel. I think it’s odd that we don’t get Brembos standard either but most likely just a way for them to make a few extra bucks.
Although this cannot be a fair comparative, the 124 is pretty good for a weekend or track car. Probably a bit better for that use in manual for most of us, having fun it the ultimate goal on these cars, not speed records or confort. Wouldn't mind one at all.
The 4C is another level, it's simply about the fundamentals when designing and building the car. The layout, the materials, the knowledge, the effort, the cost. Aftermarket modifications help, but can't make massive amounts of changes once you have the car done.
That being said, i still believe having a more practical, fun hatchback as daily is the best compromise. No need for a second car and makes every trip to work something to smile about :)
I just bought a 124 Abarth. Really a great car; needs an aftermarket exhaust, though. Would absolutely have bought a 4c if I could afford it.
Hey man what type of wheels are those on the fiat?
Thank you for calling out the zero to sixty as a completely irrelevant metric. It has next to nothing to do with fun factor.
You’re telling me you’d choose the 124 over the carbon monocoque 4C ? No way. The 4C is mini Bugatti it’s lighter, faster and can reach 200 mph with proper tuning and gearing.
Nope, I'm telling you that the the 124 is a better value in a real world situation. If money grew on trees, sure, I'd love to own a 4C.
Track Day TV fair enough. At the end I go the day It all comes down to the individuals bottom line. Cheers.
0-60? I judge all my cars 0-88.
What's your average mpg for stock and tune when regularly driving with a few hard accelerations? (124 spider)
Nice video, man. What size/offset are those Advanti wheels? I like the stance.
Great vid, thx!
I've been in the market for one of these and was wondering what type of fuel you put in it. I know the owner manual states that the car should receive premium, but can take regular. I think the car has a knock sensor which changes the timing of the ignition caused by the difference in the fuel quality. Still, I would like to eliminate knocking altogether to preserve the engine.
I've been in the market for one of these and was wondering what type of fuel you put in it. I know the owner manual states that the car should receive premium, but can it take regular. Furthermore, I think the car has a knock sensor which changes the timing of the ignition caused by the difference in the fuel quality. Still, I would like to eliminate knocking altogether to preserve the engine.
@CHAD I always put 93 octane in it. If I am racing I might mix a little bit of extra octane to be safe but I wouldn't go under 91 octane.
@@SpeedLabsMotorEnvy Thanks
I want an Abarth 500 this summer. Have an old shitbox 2000 Ford Escort with a 5 Speed I’m slowly upgrading and it’s fun but really wore out clutch is almost toast, struts are f***ed, and the transmission feels like it’s near its end. Hoping to get a S/R PCM Swapped, and a body kit, for 143HP @ 2360lbs is pretty fun.
Impressive videography
I have an Abarth 124 Spider, would love to dive the 4C to compare one day.
I really want a 4C and could probably just afford a good second hand one with a loan, but I could pick a good 124 Abarth for what's in my savings account. Its very tempting.
Well, here I am at last!
These cars have lots of similarities but are completely different animals. I find the 124 a more fun daily car. I wouldn’t buy a 4C honestly. That one with the twin turbo in-line 4 that I saw was really cool though
The 124 proves you don’t need a lot of power to have fun. Also I find it funny how you’re trying to get your wife into track days. My girlfriend is not about the car life at all. But she wants a mustang to look good and not go fast, which boggles my mind and makes me cringe. She wants a bike too, but I won’t let her get one.
I see the 4C driver is driving on the wrong side of the road 😂
Oh I see you enjoy driving on the wrong side of the road lmao
I still enjoy the 124s sound more
Turbo lag is killer these days. Need to start using twin scrolls instead of singles
Ah yes a track day with both. Very nice
I’d love to run the VW against the 124 one day. Would be a pretty good fight but I think you’d still win. The VW is so well balanced though. I pulled the ebrake at 50mph in the rain a dozen times or so. It was so easy to recover the car. Effortless. Felt natural too
The 4Cs tires are definitely not wide enough for the car it is. Has to do with weight I bet
There’s definitely space between shifts in the 4C. It’s hard to fit a very well made DCT in such a small car
Nice video man. Was a nice head to head. Can’t wait to see what’s in the works. Would love to see M4 Vs E53 vs CLS 53 one day. Would make for an interesting video
Would you ever feature a Porsche on this channel? That F6 engine is crazy well balanced
Sorry I'm late bud!
The 124 vs. the VW would be a good run in a straight line. I have a hard time finding anything that can match it on a track with proper tires though. I might try out an Mk7.5 GTI or Golf R sometime to see how they do. I haven't gotten an actual VW on the channel yet it seems.
I want to find the right Porsche to get on the channel for my first one. I feel like that car needs to be done right. I'm aiming to get a 718 Cayman GTS or S. Then I want to do the 911 Turbo or maybe the new 992. Cheers!
Love the 124 Spider Abarth. Great fun car.
I agree good Comparison 👍
No rollbar required in the 124 for track day?
Not at this particular track. At the same time, I do pass the broom stick test if I really scoot myself down.
You may have done this somewhere else or on another video, however would you list out every aftermarket performance part you have put on your 124 Abarth? And if you could start from scratch are there any different/other parts you would have put on? Lastly, without doing the tune, where do you think things would fall with just the bolt on parts? Thank you
I might have mentioned all my mods in the video where I officially time the car for our 40-100 Fast List, but I will relist them here for you:
- EC Phase 2 Tune
- EC V4 Intake
- EC Upgraded Intercooler
- Goodwin Racing Full Non-Resonated Cat-Back Exhaust
- GFB DV+
- H&R Lowering Springs
- Eibach Sway Bars Front and Rear
- Advanti Storm S1 Wheels
As for the performance mods, you could do the Intake, DV+, and Cat-Back Exhaust with no issues. Many people run this setup but you will not see any sort of significant power gain without the tune. You might see about 10-15whp combined.
If I could do anything different, I might get the resonated version of the exhaust because if I went stuffed turbo, I'd get a downpipe installed as well and it would be too loud with my current setup.
I'd also go with the Tork Tune instead of the EC tune, I hear they produce more power and don't have that weird dead spot around 5K RPM.
Track Day TV awesome, thanks so much, love the channel, keep up the great work.
@@SpeedLabsMotorEnvy Great vid.
I've got the same suspension set up as you and need to get it properly aligned. Can you share what specifications you had yours set to?
@@HAGGISBOY I should've mentioned it in the video, but the alignment played a huge part in improving the car's handling. I can't remember the exact toe but I remember that the shop maxed out the camber to something like -1.5 deg in the front and -1.8 in the rear. This is key for track driven Abarths.
@@SpeedLabsMotorEnvy Cheers
I love both, Fiat for all day and Alfa for weekend... And track... but Alfa is very very Amazing
Alfa really looks nice!
Would you recommend this car as a daily over the s2000 or mr2 spider?
I have the 124 and it's pretty good as a daily. Storage space is limited but that's the main negative. As it's been discontinued I would recommend the new model MX5/ Miata. Very similar but with more power and you'll be able to trade it in against the next model.
Derek Martin if I’m going with a new car I’d probably going 124 just cause I prefer the styling over the Miata and sounds and it’s a tune away from being incredible
@@UmmmmRamos It does sound pretty good!
great video
Great vid
I agree with you and do love my Abarth. Can you inform the group on a performance chip upgrade.?
I simply have a Phase 2 tune from EuroCompulsion. I hear it's conservative and that there is more on the table if you get a custom tune or something from a competing tuner.
I wish people would quit explaining why they got an automatic, listing off reasons as if people are scrutinizing them for it.
Here’s all the explanation you need: “it’s what we wanted”.
I don’t get the stigma around auto transmissions. It’s a personal preference, which not everyone shares.
4C final drive ratio = 4.12:1; Abarth 124 final drive ratio: 3.45:1 Equalize the ratios and the differential will flatten.
I'll say the 4c is more exotic looking. Wish the interior wasn't quite so stripped down. Definitely not worth the price for a brand new one.
I had some seat time with the Fiata Abarth. While the purist in me would prefer the ND2 MX5, I have to admit the Fiata wasn't too bad. The Record Monza exhaust sounded great and growly that added to the driving thrill. However ND2 felt more lively and eager while the Fiata was softer.... more of a cruiser. If money is no object, sure the 4C would be my choice. It just looks awesome. Besides I can never shake off the "Frankensteined Miata" thought. Apart from that the 124 Abarth is quite a good car with tuning potential. But it gotta be with the excellent Aisin manual tranny like the one found in the MX5. It has good Mazda bones. Not sure about Fiat's engine reliability. Also where does one bring it to a Dodge dealership for maintenance?
A 4c based next gen 124 with a smaller or detuned engine would be amazing. Basically the Italian mr2. Too bad the 124 or even the fiat brand might not survive long enough for that to happen
After seeing the video, especially around 6:12, I must say that I guess he is better off to put all his mods back to factory standards. I have a 2016 MX 5, of cause with 4 pots front. No not Brembo . My one is way better accelerating and round corners. Looks like he replaced 165 horses with 190 ponys. My one has the Bilstein suspension. LSD and Recaro seats from factory. I only installed stiffer Eibach springs availiable from Mazda here in Germany but left the sway bars untouched for better grip.