The Spicy Turbo Miata // 2019 FIAT 124 Abarth

[@grahamserle7930]

I agree totally with your logic about preferring to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. Being able to truly enjoy that driving experience on the road in a 5 bean performance car is almost impossible these days unless you don’t fear losing your licence. You can actually have more fun in a lesser powered sports car with a manual transmission.

[@areilly76]

Went from a FR-S to this when these first came out. The 124 Abarth has been my daily for over two years now and I still love it. Did a couple roadtrips to north Georgia and Tail of the Dragon - it’s absolutely fantastic in the mountains. I do wish I had those recaros, since I bought mine early they weren’t available at the time.

[@f.d.6667]

Glad you mention mountain roads ... that's what I was looking for!

[@DonnieBond2]

which do you prefer more? FRS or 124?

[@MrBeastlyOwns]

I am also in the market for the frs or one of these!

[@ValFinale]

absolutely LOVE this car. I love the old school Italian styling reminiscent of old Ferrari and Alfa Romeo as well. Perfect amount of power to have fun with, push to the limit and still be and feel safe. Plus you never see them! Fiat did an amazing job and I will be considering one of these specced just like this.

[@svoboy1]

My family had Fiats when I was I kid. I got to drive the family 124 Spider for a few years in high school. Reading the comments, it's a little sad to see the hate for these things... mostly around reliability. These cars and some other notorious (thinking about MGs, etc...) "unreliable" cars are enthusiast cars. They DO need some tending to from time to time. You will be turning a wrench a bit if you choose to own one. I recall though that they were ENGINEERED to be worked on. Everything is accessible. You can get to just about everything you need to easily. You can nearly tear down the entire thing and put it back together with a 13mm open end wrench. They are to be owned by enthusiasts. You get to know the car. You develop a relationship with it. If you maintain it well, it will reward you with many many miles of grins when tearing into a corner, cruising it with the top down, etc... Technology has improved a ton since then. I'm sure the reliability is fine with these. Great review. You captured it as an enthusiast... WE are the audience for these cars. Well done!

[@ahmadghosheh3104]

Tony Ferrante I think all Italian cars are like that. I do love Fiats though.

[@svoboy1]

@@ahmadghosheh3104 yep... Alfa Romeo's were the same. We had an 84 GTV6. That car was also required a fair amount of tinkering. It was way ahead of it's time. Front engine, rear transmission, dedion rear suspension. It was work to own, for certain. That v6 was one of the best revving engines I've ever experienced. The chassis was great too. One of the best drivers cars I've ever driven... gotta work for it though.

[@miralemnermina142]

Older Fiats did sometimes need wrenching but newer ones are pretty reliable also as you said they are very easy to work on

[@jonstensrud1603]

Mgb's had engines from a tractor soooo....... They weren't really "engineered" to be easily worked on, they were just simply just still employing decades old technology.

[@LaSouthernGemini]

My mom had one as well. It was a '78 and when it worked it worked well but it did have some issues. After two years she traded it in for a 1980 Datsun 210. The Fiat was MUCH cooler to ride around in but for a single mom with a 9 year old she decided to take the responsible approach. Darn it.

[@MrMarkpoole]

I had a '70 Fiat 124 back in the '80s. It was pretty advanced for its day. The engine was a DOHC,it had a 5 speed and all wheel disc brakes. It was fun to drive,but a real pain to work on.

[@buffandsweet33]

hi sarah i own this car a 2019 fiat 124 abarth but i use it as my weekend car the ride is pure italian feel and the monza exhaust sound is impressive great video as always

[@bare365]

Glad to hear you’re bringing back car reviews...More Sarah is a win in my book!!!😊

[@MrSNAKE187]

"Oh this thing is good" all I've ever wanted to hear

[@skunk6360]

Should only be a manual transmission... I think I am in love with this girl! :D

[@Finkin79]

"Not really going to give it a heavy launch" Immediately chirps and steps out the back end.. You crack me up =D

[@andybroer651]

LOL, that was great!

[@NerdJourneys]

I just bought one! Thank you for your fun review!

[@oliox8685]

It is refreshing to see a light sports car with a smaller engine, this is why Lotus made such brilliant cars. Nowadays every model seems to get bigger and heavier, they get loaded with tons of tech you hardly need. I currently have the 124 classica but looking to upgrade to the Abarth.

[@acchaladka]

Hallelujah, someone finally reviews it and understands the Abarth 124 - thank you for this review, Sarah! I totally think you should get one, it’s I would in your situation...and you could tune it for the channel. I’m looking forward to next year and hoping we get the EU spec power, and the removable hardtop option they showed in Geneva last year. Android Auto comes in these? Currently, you’re totally right that getting a basic Classica and upgrading the differential exhaust and exhaust to taste is the way to go. I nearly bought one but was swept off my feet by a 1989 Porsche 944 turbo instead. I think an Abarth will be my next.

[@martytah653]

I love my 124, it is like putting the car on and not just getting into it. I found the best way and the coolest way to get out of it, is to push out. Put your right foot up against the right inside middle wheel well. Put your left foot outside the car and push yourself out using your right foot.

[@nicholasherrera4647]

SARAH, BEING TALL IS NEVER THE PROBLEM.

[@atx-cvpi_99]

Being wide is a problem because I sat in a Miata at the Austin Auto Show last year and I would never drive the Miata or any FIAT. If I were to buy a sports car, I would get a Mustang GT with the 6 speed manual instead.

[@MotoMedicine904]

@@atx-cvpi_99 ppwer wise yes...handling wise...no. i own a Mini myself with a bunch of upgrades to get it up to 300hp and its nice because its quick but can carve a corner. My buddies 12 GT is being babysat by me for 4 months and while its fast it does not inspire confidence in a corner.

[@lonelion8341]

Lol "yup, it stops" 9:13 😍 Great review! God I love you! Crushes aside, I like the "tuner-oriented" perspective that you are taking with your car reviews! Keep it up, Sarah! 🦁

[@mulder19x95]

I'm getting one next year and I absolutely can't wait. I love that this car is a throwback to the old "mature sportcars" of the 1960s and 70s

[@jimquantic]

"when you are young and don't have kids", also works with "if you are retired and don't have kids", they both work. Thanks for the review, you look nice in this package--and THAT matters to people of any age, IMO.

[@BluePlanetTube]

I might love this car if I fit in it. I didn't see any warning that your videos are addictive.... After watching just one clip before I knew it I was hooked. Thanks for sharing.

[@RobWhittlestone]

Sarah discovers the MX-5/Fiat 124 platform! Yay! "Enthusiast and mechanic!" Yay! Life is good! Did a road trip to Italy with my wife in our NC - we had a blast. If you have a car like this you don't need cupholders. Both hands are needed for steering & shifting. If you're on a straight road you're going the wrong way. All the best, Rob: NC owner 160HP 2.0l Sport convertible.

[@josuedepaz4282]

Much, much better than your TFL reviews! Because you're being yourself, instead of following a script.

[@SarahnTuned]

Josue De Paz I didn’t follow a script for them, I wasn’t as free with my creativity though either. Different audience is all, I have a more mechanic oriented base here.

[@josuedepaz4282]

@@SarahnTuned Indeed, audience is key. We are used to and love your quirkiness, something that was new for the typical TFL viewer.

[@MotoMedicine904]

TFL car reviews are cringe worthy to begin with.

[@aberdeenmeadows]

Nice review! I have the 124 Lusso version. I can’t stop smiling when I drive it and it is my daily driver. I am taking it to the Michigan International Speedway tomorrow for five laps and just added all season tires. I’ve driven from ohio to the Florida keys, then to Houston then back to Ohio and was comfortable the whole trip. I got 39 mpg average. The car is very responsive and so much fun. Fiat ended production this year.

[@MarioAndreLFO]

Abarths and Alfas are addictive as hell. I had a Mito and a Punto Abarth , both with the 1.4T-Jet engine and i miss them every day!

[@travel734]

I enjoyed your review. There is something timeless about good roadsters. I have had my Z4 3.0 for 15 years and still love driving it. As you said, there is something special about a car that is fun to drive at speeds that will not cost you your licence.

[@chefadriantv]

Ive owned an Mx5 club, Spider 124 Lusso and currently my Spider 124 Abarth, and still love it as a daily driver. I love your content, wonderful review as always!

[@fueledbyadventures]

the more I watch this channel the more I like it!!! Sarah, you rock!!

[@joewatanabe5543]

Another good review. It's nice to see you doing them again.

[@runeandrebergtun8892]

Usually when I watch a car review I hear the person doing the review comparing the car to other cars (that I ALSO know almost nothing about) and at some point the review gets boring. Your reviews are never boring and you also include practical information about it. I was really curious about the "beans" -score. I know it's not that powerful and you admitted that. But also said it felt fast. To me thats useful to know.

[@johnbarnes9118]

Nice to have you back reviewing cars. This was one my favorites last year when i was shopping for a fun car. Keep up the great work, Sarah.

[@Robnapier]

Great review. Informative, entertaining, and really well put together. Editing is so good, too. Pro-level. I also like your perspective for appreciating the car for what it is, and not trying to be something it isn't.

[@CVObservatory]

Loved it Sara!!! That Fiat is a good looking car.

[@jonathanmagness1231]

I love how good it sounds with the stock exhaust

[@TheFowler99]

I have just bought a spider 124.all I will say I have been driving for 40 years .and have drove a lot of vehicles .sports cars included. when they put this together they knew what they were doing.

[@bencjr]

first impression is everything, like how u showed and explained the vehicles. definitely subscribed.

[@robertrishel3685]

100% agreed on the top options! I so wish they would offer a coupe version of the Miata/Fiat. I just cannot bring myself to buy a convertible, I do not even like sun/moon roofs!

[@Samisdman97]

Speakers in the headrest. Reminds me of my 85 Fiero. Man I miss that car.

[@802Garage]

Nice review! Definitely seems like a wicked fun car. I think I prefer the striking look over the Miata a bit too. Just different enough from most cars to be interesting. It does sound surprisingly good for a tiny engine too.

[@bsmukler]

What a great review! One of my earliest cars was a Triumph TR3. It was tiny and liked to slide around corners. It had cool knock-off wheels (with the mallet that had its own little cubby by the rear bumperettes). Mazda's introduction of the Miata was brilliant; bringing a lot of people back into the small sports car market with modern reliability. As you probably know, sales of sports cars and motorcycles have dipped over the last decade, and the increasingly tough emissions and noise standards in Europe are forcing manufacturers to really struggle if they want to bring out fun, fast motorcycles and sports cars. It's wonderful that Fiat brought out a modern version of the 124 (much more sophisticated than the old ones, I think), with a competitive price spread. I really enjoyed your approach to conveying what the car feels like to sit in and drive, and I think that exhaust note is just right for that car. Looking forward to more great reviews!

[@michaelmiller5036]

I have a couple myself as a project. That car looks very slick. I like the way you did the review.

[@BecauseMiata]

I would highly recommend that you give the ND Miata another look. It's 2.0 NA engine puts out 181hp. There are turbo kits that you can add if you want more power. I've seen other reviews between the Abarth and Miata, and the Miata usually comes out on top. I would be curious to see you review that and compare. You know what they say...there's no replacement for displacement!

[@scottstuit9305]

Great (mechanic first, not a journalist) review. Variety is the spice of life.

[@spyderman83]

Awesome review! I own the 2018 version of this with all the upgrades, your review is spot on and exactly how I feel about my car! I came from a 2002 MR-S ( MR-2 in Australia ) Spyder and ur right with just how small the abarth is! Keep up the awesome reviews!

[@jonathancolbert6666]

A 124 Fastback? thats GENIUS. FIAT, PLEASE DO THIS!!!

[@simonrpellow5250]

Hello, I was very privileged in the late 80's to do a full ground up restoration on a genuine works factory 124 Abarth rally car, one of very few around and the chap still as it, New Zealand.

[@shiftinggears9896]

Would he sell it?

[@simonrpellow5250]

@@shiftinggears9896 I wouldn't think so, it would be kept in the family.

[@hampyonce]

My first car was a '71 124 Spider. Loved that little car.

[@jimloucks3111]

Great review video, when I clicked I was very skeptical being a Fiat. With this little convertible I think they found there spirit once again.

[@JoshuaLTRyan]

I've seen a horse give birth, took a horse management course in college, a four credit science course. Nothing at all to do with anything but it's one course I don't regret.

[@CarChrisMC]

Tested it personaly for 3 days on mountainroads: Amazing predictable plaything! Tunnelsound! Lacks power in every way, 240hp would be perfect! Only use in Sportmode! Diff is sublime! After half a day, anyone can drift perfectly, while filming with his phone in one hand and drinking a cup of coffee in the other! Brakes miss a lot of BITE, would suggested otherwise by looks. Overall: Great fun/price!

[@nicholasherrera4647]

SARAH, I UNDERSTAND. BEING CRAZY WITH YOUR PUNS.....LOVE

[@thatdutchguy2882]

I like this Abarth. Got a thing for these tuners, like AMG and Brabus with Mercedes and Alpina with Renault, Abarth and Fiat have had a long and fruit full relationship. Great review Sarah 👍-up.

[@petert9120]

I use one as a daily driver and as of today I have done 12530 kms with her(in Italy a car is female). A GT version(see more on Ameridan's blog)..Previously I owned two Mito QV's. One manual(51700kms) and the one(third Mito, because the first one was a 155tb) after that a TCT(58400kms). What they have in common with the Abarth is the engine; never had any engine problems. Sara is right about 'putting on the car', it just fits like a glove. I'm 1 5'7 and Asian, that must be why it seems tailor made for me. I do agree that taller drivers might miss the axial movement of the steering wheel now available in the MX5. Nice and fun review Sara, thx!

[@TheFowler99]

Yes I have one and I am 5.4 and I wear mine too!.

[@firstnamelastname-mf3it]

I cannot believe you refreshed pogs

[@firstnamelastname-mf3it]

Next thing you will be singing little dicky living in the 90s

[@firstnamelastname-mf3it]

That should have been referenced nor refreshed

[@rogerchalifour2171]

5 Beans for your review Sarah! I like the fact you are subjective , admit it and make no fuss of it. Now for the car itself... Hmmm... expensive to say the least. I would stick with 10,000 beans cheaper and modify on my own... Keep it up!

[@atx-cvpi_99]

She's trying to make it sound like the Doug Score LOL.

[@pequaboy1210]

Just bought a 2008 Saturn Sky redline for a third of the price with 24K miles that makes 260 HP and 260 ft/lbs and looks better in my opinion. Nice car though and good review.

[@shrimpbynightbythomas8212]

Motor Trend so should hire you.

[@hl3754]

So that they can hide her behind a pay wall?!

[@strassafrass1]

@@hl3754 worth every penny. Don't be cheap.

[@ValenNitto]

ShrimpByNight ByThomas psh you know how that went with TFL Car Reviews.

[@Chicago_Cars]

@@ValenNitto wait, what happened with them?

[@ValenNitto]

Sean O'Keefe lots of douchebags kept commenting her on her looks, and not in a positive way.

[@joreitano9575]

What a killer car review!! Well done Sarah!! I gotta say, you looked so pretty in that car...it suits you:)

[@brendansenior5181]

This is the video that made me buy my 124 Abarth. Well, this and sitting in one at the Boston auto show and feeling the click

[@3ducs]

Don't waste the money on the Brembos, instead get the Flyin' Miata Big Little Brake kit, Wilwood four pot calipers that cost around $1,100 for front and back axles. They are lighter than the front Brembos and much lighter than the rear calipers.

[@jamesbradley4223]

Sarah I have never been impressed with fiat's umg's or triops yeah I'm a little bit older and I remember them from the 70s I realized they could have improved over the years just never been impressed with him but I do enjoy your car reviews because you're very thorough and knowledgeable about the product that you're testing

[@raceeverythinga1326]

A GT hard top is coming. I love my 17' Abarth 124 Spider. Great review!

[@LoneMechanic]

The first few words you said had me. Keep up with the great videos. Think you should see if you can test drive a Mazda mx5 to compare the two due to them being the same platform and made by mazda

[@Robotech04]

I own a 2007 Saturn Sky that I've done a ton of work to and love it... BUT If I were looking to get a new roadster today, the 124 Abarth would be the car I'd get. Great little car and so much potential. Great review...as always.

[@bbgcars]

HER CLOTHESSTYLE MATCHES THE CAR..very clever..anyone notice that?

[@hvysshvy7513]

Great review Sarah! Don't worry about audio next time and just drop the top with film of you enjoying it smiling with your hair flying around !!

[@showtaito1075]

The reason why the US model Abarth only has 164hp is due to the emission regulations here. But with a simple tune, it can easily make more power!

[@desertsoldier41]

The Euro model even has less power, their Classica model only has 130hp, ours has 160.

[@Ellenslife851]

I like the beans analogy. May be a new thing for me now. Always enjoy your videos. I can’t say this enough

[@williamfraser5593]

Beautiful car, smart, fun girl who just happens to know her stuff, great review. I'm a fan girl.

[@paulandrebeccak5680]

The turbo makes this thing pull more and feel just as much fun overall as the Boxster we used to have (a 265 horse, flat 6, though that sounded so much better!). The car (we have a manual Classica w/Tech package) is very comfortable and an absolute steal at $25k. Fully recommend this car over the Miata...

[@neoanderson7]

Yes, you can definitely daily drive the Fiata. I daily drove my NC Miata for 10yrs. If you're single and you want to have fun, I don't see why you can't live with just the Fiata/Miata. This being said, I'm stunned you fit in it. I thought for sure you might have an issue driving around in it. Great to see you were able to live with it without having too many issues. Yes, getting in and out does take practice. The reason why it feels strange is because the car sits lower than any other vehicle on the road. Sans 90's cars that is. The only other vehicle more difficult to get out of the NC Miata is my FD RX-7. It's overall seating position sits very low. In time you don't really notice the ingress and egress. If anything, it helps tone your body since you're stretching and folding in certain ways. :-) Great review! Can't wait for the next one!

[@paris8132]

Try getting in and out of a Lotus :)

[@neoanderson7]

@@paris8132 Yep. Not so much from an Esprit. But from an Elise/Exige.. That takes some getting use too. No real way of avoiding using the sill to help with the egress. :-)

[@zigzagluck]

Yay Sarah's doing car reviews again! Really looking forward to more car reviews, and of course your other content. Great review Sarah!

[@jaalen6956]

Great review Sarah. I still love my '19 MX-5 GT-S. It gets me in plenty of trouble on our Southern Arizona roads.

[@sarahdell4042]

Such a good review! Refreshing

[@phillipjohnson512]

Yay! Your car reviews rock! Keep em comin!

[@alexisamtosta]

Dont know why I dont like women reviewing cars... But this is the best car review I ever seen from a woman and to be honest, she know more what she is talking about than many men on youtube that know shit of what they are sayin as their only goal is to make money off youtube.

[@GermanEliteTuning]

Good review. Cup holders are always an afterthought with some car company’s.

[@lookiSVK]

Better looking miata. But overally fiat is crap brand witch cheap technic. Only good cars which are thei producing are utiliti vans..

[@exNRGista2]

@@lookiSVK Cheap technology my ass! Who invented direct injection diesel? Fiat, in 1985! (Croma T.D. i. d.) a Who invented Multijet diesel injection? Always Fiat! (Fiat Punto mk2b, 1.3 Multijet) Who invented MultiAir valvetrain? Always Fiat! Please stop saying bullshit, I agree with the fact that our cars lack in details e.g. plastic parts like door panels or in some electrical components, but under the hood we are one of the best!

[@SteliosE92]

In europe cup holders are always an afterthought. For some reason in other parts of the world and especially the US, you guys NEEED cupholders. In Europe we dont really drive + eat or drink.

[@Arwennthis]

@@exNRGista2 🇮 🇵🇹 from Portugal to Italy 🇮🇹 BRAVO, BRAVÍSSIMO!

[@luke4010]

Its a sports car.. who cares about cup holders lmao

[@waynetate9895]

Great video, glad you are adding reviews to your content.

[@greenerman]

Nicely edited and produced vid!!

[@Alexander_Ruis]

I'm not the target demographic for this car. I don't have 24k+ to spend on a daily driver. I probably won't fit since I'm 6'4". But I still want it!

[@showtaito1075]

Alexander Ruis put the top down and youll be fine!

[@oliverharvey637]

Thanks Sarah, I think that was the best review you have done yet 👌

[@MitchJ]

Hi Sarah! Thanks so much for another car review video. I love the variety it brings to your channel. As usual your production quality, as well as your presentation, is superb. Love from Michigan!

[@Luke2901]

Sweet review! Close Sesame was so adorable. Keep up the good work!

[@jaydub5515]

Glad to see more reviews are coming down the pike.

[@stephenmoxley5188]

Great review, Sarah. That car is one sexy Italian. I'm in total agreement with you about the car. I remember working on the original Fiat 124s, when they were new. The days of Weber carburetors and Marelli ignition. Ahhh...the good old days. Keep up the great work. BTW...there's a big box I sent you sitting at your post office. It's been there since Saturday. Hope you can swing by and pick it up soon.

[@Gandalf606]

There IS a Coupe/Hard Top 124 now available called the 124 GT. And it looks fabulous.

[@ihopetowin]

Fine review. Refreshing and funny.

[@desertsoldier41]

I have a Classica with an LSD swap, strut brace, EC Stage II tune, unresonated exhaust and Koni shocks. Basically blows the doors of a stock Abarth (or a stock ND2 for that matter) Around $2000 in mods. The LSD is from a junkyard ND Miata that I swapped over to the Fiats ring gear ($300)

[@exNRGista2]

AHHH Some serious stuff 👌 A nice mix of Japanese frame/suspension and Italian mechanics IMHO.

[@thatdutchguy2882]

Ahh, the Fiat guy 👍-up.

[@exNRGista2]

@@thatdutchguy2882 Actually I'm a Renault guy... But I don't dislike Fiat products, especially the ones from the past 😉

[@Xenolite]

I would get the Abarth for the LSD, Brembo brakes and Recaros. Not sure if you can fully turn off stability control on standard versions. Choose Abarth for trackday use.

[@desertsoldier41]

The Stability control can be fully turned off in the Classica

[@davidkirk6249]

Playing catch up here, only found your channel a month ago....131 Mirafiori sport was my Italian steed of choice. Bodywork was challenging, living in the UK, but brilliant mechanically, in bright orange and an RS beater. Love your work.

[@Bannimann2]

Great review. Love those small Fiats.

[@moof2]

great choice. i just bought a new tuner car today. 2012 white vw beetle turbo manual. i'm so inspired ! oh, that was awkward.

[@RenWater]

Excellent job, Sarah !!

[@MichaelSmith-kr9qw]

The nearest Fiat Dealer here has 24 of them on their lots and you can get them for as little 26g for the Abarth !

[@58underground]

Great review Sarah! Love my 124. You nailed it...fun car to drive.

[@jimz68]

Very good review,Sarah.Your video skills are great. Good composition on the still shots. Oh, and your nail color is sweet!

[@joshuarodriguez7653]

This is a fantastic review and very well done, I dig the enthusiasts approach and how you gave some real perspective. First time watching your videos and will totally subscribe now.

[@mrpmj00]

Thanks for that Monza exhaust news for 2019. I test drove the Abarth in 2017 with stickshift but the exhaust was still timid, so instead I bought a new 2017 Corvette with NPP exhaust. Funny thing is you said the Abarth gets 35mpg on the fwy, so does my Corvette with cylinder deactivation in ECO mode but it has 465hp on tap. Those speakers in the headrest were terrible. In summary, I like the Abarth now with the Monza exhaust but for $10k more (from haggling), I'd still buy the base Corvette. Hilarious, acceleration rating of 1 bean with wasabe!

[@rodmackinnon8497]

Great review, many years ago I took a 124 for a test drive, most fun car I ever drove, just couldn't buy it because of Fiat's reputation. Several years later they were no longer sold in Canada.

[@etcetc6307]

You are 5'11"?? Wow, you are TALL!

[@peterrowe3968]

Great review Sarah. I pick up my Abarth 124 next week. I'm trading in my Cerato GT. Greetings from Australia.