TOP 5 Reasons I LOVE AND HATE the Abarth 124 Spider

Today we look at the 5 best and worst aspects of owning a Fiat 124 Spider Abarth.
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Eddie Clark
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#124spider #abarth #124 #torkmotorsports #autoricambi #Mishimoto #TeamMishi
Music: epidemicsound.com

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

Do you agree? What do you love/hate about your car?

[@savedbydave]

I definitely agree with the lack of storage. It's simple things like there being no traditional glove box or cubby around the driver for holding something like your insurance and vehicle registration. Getting pulled over and reaching into the glove box behind you is probably gonna make a cop nervous since they cant see where you are reaching. Also Hate: The lack of dealer options. The Fiat dealer near me is small and their service center has poor hours which means I have to take time from work if I need anything addressed. Also Hate: The rear view mirror on my Classica. It bounces around so much on the highway that I cant really tell what's behind me (Is that black car behind me a cop? Cant tell, YOLO I guess as kids say these days.) Love: It's a turbocharged, real wheel drive car that gets 35mpg. Even if its slow, its economical when you need it to be and fun when you want it to be. Undecided on: This will be my first winter with the car and I am little nervous about putting it into storage with the multiair. Minnesota winters are long and I hope it starts come springtime.

[@sonicliberation]

I would agree and add that I hate the lack of downward adjustment of the seat and that the Miata gets a telescoping steering wheel but not the F124 thus far.

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

sonicliberation I would love that telescoping steering column in the 124. I may look into retrofitting it.

[@domenico6464]

Lack of torque @ low mid rpm to get rid of suv and hb diesel here in Europe. 😁From 3700/4000rpm up to 6500 mine behaves like a slingshot. Especially in 4th gear. I guess the right balance is 300nm torque and 200/210hp. No more, otherwise would be hard to drive.

[@domenico6464]

I also suggest to buy one before end of production/collaboration with Mazda which will happen soon. It will be a great long term little car deal

[@nobbone]

If the cup holders are your #1 gripe with the car, then you are really happy with it overall. I do not even have cup holders in mine.

[@SacredCowStockyards]

You forgot the most important perk: DAT NOOOOOOISE

[@johnserrano2774]

That's why my fuel economy was in the crapper. I love me some pops and bangs.

[@Chilicharger665]

I just finished rewatching the entire black car series and then this pops up. Good video! Please tell John to get a bolt-on bigger turbo kit out soon for all of us that don’t want to build or swap our engines ;)

[@devestial7571]

My only true gripe besides the cup holders are the freaking paint chips and scratches. Holy. Crap. As much as I LOVE this little car at this rate I'll have more touch up paint on it than factory paint by the end of the year! So terribly soft. But yes, no kids to haul around, crazy good on gas AND fun...that makes up for it. Might even upgrade to an Abarth some day 😁

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

Yeah I would have to agree. The paint isn't exactly stellar which is unfortunately true of a lot of modern cars

[@shiftintohigh5564]

I think it’s the factory. Front ens of 16 Club with 11k miles all kinds of pecks. Going to try Dr. Co,or Chip but if that doesn’t work, already talked to a body shop. Respray the front grill area, maybe hood?? Less paint, less weight??? I feel like you could give it the wrong look and pop the paint off. End rant.

[@ag4allgood]

I never heard about these Fiat 124 Spyders eating oil. But I did test drive a 2017 124 Spyder Abarth . Next day I drove a 2016 Mazda MX-5 Club with the Brembo / BBS package & was impressed by it so much I bought it. Daily drive it in 4 season Illinois & when the cold weather hits the winter tires go on. Fun even in winter ! Great cars to drive. BTW cool hat !

[@miralemnermina142]

you know what would make you love the 124 more? A 2.7 V6 TT swap

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

I agree (hence the project). The 2.9TT will solve all MultiAir issues very permanently.

[@candlercando]

Where might we be if that was never announced as a project? I honestly think we’d all be better off since probably no one else would go through the expense and time it takes.

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

It’s just a fun personal project for me. Understand cars (and video) are not my profession. It’s just my hobby.

[@miralemnermina142]

@@PistonsAndPetrol this, dude don't push yourself to do something. You do it for yourself and you should only do it if you like it. I love your videos and keep them coming PS:Did you thought about making videos about old school Fiats?

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

Ante Radić it’s why I do this. I love playing with cars and making videos. It’s been a massive education too spending so much time with incredibly smart people in the automotive world AND a big eye opener as to what’s involved in these types of projects. For example, my turbos will finally be showing up oven the next couple weeks. It has taken months to have factory replacement turbos engineered. The company that is spearheading this has had to put a massive amount of time and effort to just that one little piece to the project. That and they have had to deal with my impatient ass. :p

[@moodymadman]

Great video pal from one Vancouverite to another - I've just bought an Abarth 124 in Blanco Perla and it's awesome. Keep them vids coming!

[@Antony556]

I appreciate this is an old review, I too own one of these cars since July 2020, I agree re the cup holders though in mine they wouldn't get in the way (I drive a paddle shift auto version which is amazing) . The sun visors crap, agree. Storage for a sports car this size is fine, and more than the Miata (MX5). Engine power on UK version is 168 BHP (mine is a bit more about 172BHP) perfectly adequate for a small roadster. Oil consumption on mine is minimal have only needed to top it ip twice in 18,000 miles in addition to regular service changes) 6, 12 and 18,000 miles. Mine has the Heritage pack black hood and trunk lid. Absolutely love this car (yes I'm biased) but its just brilliant.

[@brendansenior5181]

I’ve had a couple people ask me if my was a Skyline lmfao

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

Freddie Mercury’s left nut lol. I don’t see it but it’s complimentary lol

[@brendansenior5181]

Pistons & Petrol exactly I just looked at them like are you serious

[@notmenotme614]

I’ve owned the Fiat version of the 124 since 2017. I never knew that ninja storage space was there (or paid much attention to it). My only gripe is it’s cramped and not practical for your only car, I had to give up mountain biking. But I suppose you’d expect that and don’t buy a car like this for its luggage space. And the car feels underpowered, like the engine is not doing the wonderful chassis any justice. It’s kind of embarrassing when a lesser hot hatches out accelerates a “sports car”. And yep I have to keep an eye on the oil level.

[@Vykk_Draygo]

I actually liked the cup holders. But I rarely actually used them. As far as looks, my local mechanic wouldn't even put on the front plate for me. He thought it was an expensive car. Had to take it to the dealership, and they didn't even know how to install the rivets. I'd have done it myself, but I don't have the tools (apartment life). Also had people asking me how fast it was, and wanting to race all the time. I'm like, nah. This car is slow as heck. Fun to drive though. My primary complaint was the lack of headroom. 6'2.5". Hard to fit. All other complaints have to do with it being hit by a drunk (in a parking lot), and a lack of ability at the body shop that did repairs, and the dealership. The dealership screwed me over big time. Oh well. I'd love to have another, but the fiancée probably wouldn't like that.

[@ReactionShot]

They're easy to replace...of course, I mean fiancees:-)

[@Jumbaride]

"It DOES have a nice little mirror........... " 😂😂😂😂 😂 😂 😂 😂😂 😂 😂😂 😂

[@rik112]

Nice review! And yes, you're lucky to live where you do! I love visiting that part of our country.

[@jjpianist1]

I own a 2018 Fiat 124 Spider Lusso. (red) I have had it for a little over a year now, and love it as much now as when I bought it. Let me explain why I chose this car. I drive a 2018 Mazda CX5 Grand Touring. Its my everyday driver. I love the way the CX5 drives, handles, and the overall quality/fit and finish is very commendable for a car in this price range. I have always liked the Mazda Miatas and always had a desire that when I retired I would get a cute little 2-seat roadster to tool around on the back roads in my leisure time. When Mazda came out with the new MX5, I decided after much scrutiny that its looks really didn't do much for me, especially after seeing many older Miatas that I really liked. When I discovered that Fiat partnered with Mazda and came out with the 124 Spider, I came to the realization that I really liked the looks of this car. I realize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but for me the MX5 had that jelly bean look and squinty eyes that I personally just didn't find sporty or classic looking. A lot of Miata owners of the past have voiced that same comment. So I went out and test drove both cars, the MX5 and 124 Spider, and scrutinized both cars for quite a while. They are both great roadsters and in many ways the same car. I really fell in love with the somewhat retro looks, and the hints of Classic British/Sexy Italian features of the 124 Spider. Knowing that everything except the engine/body/a few suspension components were made by Mazda was a big selling point. I have had great luck with Japanese made cars all of my life. The car is made in Hiroshima right along side the MX5. So if I read one more time "Fix It Again Tony" from ignorant readers, I am going to vomit. The car is exactly what I was looking for. A pleasure vehicle for my wife and I to explore the back rolling hills and country roads of CT and New England. It handles better and is more fun than any car I have ever driven, has the exact same quality interior as the MX5 (even better actually with the tan leather seats and door panels that I have), It is a very nice riding car for its small size, actually with a suspension that is tuned a bit more compliant that the MX5 w/o sacrificing handling, quieter because it has much thicker windshield glass, a quieter exhaust system, and has a bigger trunk space because it is a bit longer. The turbo engine for me is perfect, because it has lots of low end power and torque that the 2018 MX5 did not have. Thats where I do 90% of my driving. So its more practical and fun cruising around w/o having to make the engine scream at high rpms. If I was a thrill seeker and wanted a muscle car I would have bought one. Its not a car to take to the track (who cares!!!). It doesn't have a loud obnoxious exhaust growl, that I personally don't find pleasant when I am enjoying my Sirius XM radio on my Bose stereo system (with in-dashboard woofer and speakers in the head rests). I also love the fact that it has a wonderful (back-up camera that doesn't get blurry when wet like the new Mazdas) Also it has lane change monitors (a necessity in todays driving), heated seats, blue tooth, AC, and the same Mazda navigation system with voice commands that my MX5 has, so no confusion there. I have poor night vision, so the navigation screen is a Godsend for seeing approaching curves and streets in the dark. I am a relatively short person, 5'8", so there is plenty of headroom, and those notorious cup holders are far enough back that my elbows don't touch them. Why would a very large or tall person ever consider owning this car to begin with?!! Besides, if Americans can forget their stupid coffee cups or water bottles for just 5 seconds, you shouldn't be driving a little roadster with manual transmission and indulging in drinks at the same time. The cup holders offer enough flexibility and utility in storing those drinks for most drivers of this car. As far as being underpowered, I guess it depends upon your driving habits and "need for speed". I love the 6 speed manual transmission, and feel that this is the only way to drive and enjoy this car to its fullest. The turbo provides plenty of needed power and quick acceleration (short of the race track) and I have no problem going up hills or entrance ramps, getting up to 80 mph at 3K rpm. (Need a bigger engine? - then more weight - and higher price) Even at 90mph the car still isn't screaming itself to death with high rpms. It gets 35 mpg on the highway! The manual roof can be put down or up in 10 seconds. I never drive this car in the rain/snow/or on dirty roads. Its strictly a pleasure and fair-weather vehicle for me, not an every day driver. It always looks pristine and beautiful. The comments I get on its looks are never ending. And yes, MOPAR does provide a lot of parts and upgrades for this car. I could have purchased a Mustang if I wanted the car to be anything other than the cute sexy Italian that I see it to be, and would have paid 20K or more above the cost of the 124 Spider to get one with the same features. I also thought about a very used Porsche Boxster, which I think is a wonderful roadster, but didn't like the thought of spending 1K every time I went to the dealer with it, as well as not having the up to date safety and navigation features of todays cars. Also, nobody really knows about this car, very few people buy them because they have a not so popular FIAT badge on the hood, but many upon 1st impression think it is some pretty expensive Italian roadster. I received it new in flawless physical condition, with gorgeous paint and body panels, and with no squeaks, creaks, or rattles of any kind, and still have yet to find anything I really don't like with the car. There have been no recalls of any kind as of yet on this car. For me it was the perfect choice. I think these above items are some of the best qualities of this car.

[@isaachunt5799]

hi joseph. how do u find the clutch feel and the clutch bite position. i am close to buying one but worried about the clutch feel. does the clutch start to engage close to the floor or at the top..i hate clutches that need to be pushed all the way to the floor to change gear.

[@MikeSpiderson]

my driver side visor mirror broke off during the first summer i had it. barely ever used it also.

[@TheGlant]

I love my Abarf, its the best handling car ive ever owned. Great vid bud, exactly hiw id describe it, spot on! Ps Eddie, where can i buy a hat like yours?

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

My hat was a gift from a one of the marketing reps at DC/Quicksilver Canada back when I was doing IT work for them.

[@danielescobedo7968]

I thought the 124 spider was a SPORTS CAR, So 2 of your dislikes are not valid on this car. As far as low power yes it would have Could be better. So on mind I may put a larger turbo Or at least a Phase 2 tune.

[@domenico6464]

Hi Eddie Question on 6s manual. How much nm or ft torque you know this tranx can safely handle without break. I got info from fca friend that mazda didn't recommend to push too much on torque and power. That is also reason why at low gear low rpm 124 feel lazy. Kind of pedal mapping software too. Is that because they are Japanese and reliability for 1,000,000 miles is mandatory... Or something is missing. Mx5 has not such problem coz their engine at best reach 205nm... Any thought/insight... Thanks

[@Gpadellaro]

to the people who complaint about cup holder and sstorage space, buy a Kia sorrento because you just don't deserve this kind of sports cars

[@ReactionShot]

Hey man, I just wanted to mention this. I have a 2017 124 Abarth and it had a problem with consuming ridiculous amounts of oil. After several trips to the dealer for that issue, they finally changed (I'm really not sure what to call it but) the "computer" main board or something like that. Ever since, the oil consumption is almost nothing,. Had to add a total of 3 quarts over a 6000 mile period in between oil changes. Previously, I was going through a quart every 500 miles or so. Luckily, this was covered under warranty. By the way, I love the car. I don't think I've gone a week without someone asking me "what is that?". And it's a blast to drive. It's my daily driver. Had it for about 18 months now.

[@TheGlant]

Thats an odd one... mine calmed diwn after 10,000kms.. doesnt use much oil at all now.

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

Mine at the end of the day came down to the pistons rings on cylinder two being lined up in a straight row leading to crazy blow by.

[@notmenotme614]

Changed the ECU? I’m surprised this would make a difference to oil consumption as the ECU usually controls fuel, air and ignition timing.

[@davidbattaglia2336]

I dislike that the Hill Assist kicks on (invisibly). With my Prius, you have to press and hold the brake pedal and the get a beep and an icon. I’ve killed the engine more times from a stop due to the friggin Hill Assist. The Nav system is not awesome. It seems to take the car a long time to find your phone to play music. Would like that to be faster. The shift knob is an awkward shape, I got a round Miata ball, LOVE IT! The top is a DREAM to lower and raise. The handling is phenomenal. The car is simply fun to drive and a very unique car on the road (turns lots of heads).

[@perseus9968]

Cup holder? Are you serious? I´d prefer to die from thirst while listening to the record Monza escape sound :-)

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

It’s not so bad when the complaints are that small ;)

[@RadDadisRad]

I wish the 4C came with a tuned up version of the 2.0 and the 124 should come with the 1.7, putting the 1.4 that’s more or less the same as the 500 is pretty much a downgrade

[@wearetesla2820]

I just got my abarth 124 spider ! Happy to see more people have it it's a great car and a perfect roadster! have you tuned it and how should I tun it ?

[@Future5305]

My mom would not want me to subscribe and my father has subscribed, so you know squat!

[@RadDadisRad]

Yes!! I look forward to your videos. 🤘🏻 keep it up. I love the handling of the structure, have been in the Fiat and Mazda flavor of this chassis. I think I would but a Mazda over the Fiat.

[@smitty3624]

Personally, I think the ideal "stock" setup for the 124 would be to have the 2.0L turbo from the base model giulia, but I can understand why they wouldn't do that from the factory. They probably had some sort of deal with mazda where it couldn't be on a higher level of performance, and then they'd also need to put in a new drivetrain, so on so on. But if I can ever do that swap myself, I think that'd be perfection.

[@devisddf]

More power = more weight. Brake, drivetrain, tire... Buy a z4 if you want a 1500kg car

[@Chilicharger665]

@@devisddf The 1.4 is an iron block. The 1.8 from the 4C is an aluminum block, I believe. So a big jump in displacement could be achieved and probably still lose some weight. Throwing his comment out with a "1500 kg" comment is ridiculous.

[@gorrilaunit99]

Have all the issues been fixed on the newer models?

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

I don’t feel that they have.

[@AlbertManiscalco]

why not 3d print a better version and sell them?

[@blankname8553]

I really want one of these cars, been eyeing them on the used market for about a year now. It's hard to find ones with the Brembo brakes, are they noticeably better? Also I rented one with Turo last year in California and the clutch was extremely stiff, more than my Audi TT and Ford Ranger's clutch pressure put together! The owner was surprised I mentioned it. Seems like something was wrong, the car appeared stock otherwise. It was a 2017 124 Abarth. I had a blast chucking it around the canyon roads though!

[@shiftintohigh5564]

First 3 don’t likes are exactly the same on my 2016 MX-5 Club. So, you and I both knew of these things when we bought the cars. How do you get mad at that??🤔🤔 I cant, but I do wonder about the thought process involved.🤔😂😂. Power...I have no complaint, power in every gear. I wanted the 124 Abarth but this low mile 16 Club found me, landed in my lap. I agree, the 124 is a better looking car. Hey! BTW the MX-5 had to get a new trans (stick) under warranty. Mazda great to work with. Now there is a Recall to weld a cover on the rear suspension. Trying to make you fell better about the black car🤔😳😳. No oil usage on the Mazda.

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

shift intohigh they’re not major gripes at all :) just the issues. Never stopped me from buying these things (twice :p)

[@shiftintohigh5564]

Pistons & Petrol Roger that. I don’t disagree with you by the way, all3 are somewhat annoying. The paint seems to be paper thin too. Plenary of chips. Put the top down....forget about it all👍👍👍

[@Salvadorz24]

The first 3 Dislike things you mentioned i can relate them to my solstice gxp hahaha

[@alexdb77]

Is the oil consumption you know about exclusive to the Abarth Model or even the base 1.4 one? Thanks and great videos as always!

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

Across all the Multiair 1.4’s

[@alexdb77]

@@PistonsAndPetrol Such a beautiful machine ;) Guess the rest of Us not as talented as you have to stick to the Miata.s ... as those remain bullet proof! Cheers!

[@audiracer85]

Great video. Off topic here, love your hat! What brand is it?

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

Quiksilver.

[@robertmargan3864]

Euorepan cars drives better than American cars and if you bought Abarth only what you think about is handlig and speed! Name me one car from US with that size of engine goes like that and handles like that!

[@blairbailey599]

Is it true that the windshield is $2000 to repair?

[@cwdrock]

Looks like I'll go with the Miata I can't afford a potential basket case.

[@TheGlant]

If you like the ugly duckling, go for it..

[@cwdrock]

@@TheGlant I will probably go with the previous generation.

[@ag4allgood]

The NC is a heavier chunkier Miata. Take my word for it the ND / ND2 platform brings so much more to the table. I own a 2016 MX-5 Club with the Brembo BBS pkg & its an awesome car. The 2017 Fiat 124 Spyder I drove had some turbo lag plus a notchy sifter. The ND has a super light clutch & handles really well. Plus its cheaper to buy Vs the Fiat 124 Spyder.

[@codybrown4680]

Yeah all pretty accurate. For some reason I get Ferrari the most lol

[@ThatAintGud]

Things I love, people have no clue what it is Things I hate, people think I'm a rich pretentious fuck

[@K03sport]

So, the BRZ is better? Still regret not getting one ('19) when I (ultimately) went with a WRX. Also, where did you get your flat cap?

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

The BRZ is just a different flavour. I like them as well. WRZ is another animal 👍 That hat lol... I used to be primary IT guy at DC/Quiksilver Canada. I did a favour for the marketing manager and he dropped a box of flat caps in front of me :p

[@kaiwenli3432]

also I really wanted a Coupe version

[@ZareP1]

6.9s 0-100kmh is not really thaaaaat slow. Imo ofc

[@jameswilliamjones]

"I hate that it's small, impractical and lacks a roof."

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

A slightly bigger Italian coupe with a roof and perhaps two more seats in the back would make a lot of people happy. You’re not alone. 👍 Thanks for watching!

[@chev555]

@@PistonsAndPetrol I mean, you even said its built to be as lightweight as possible, if you added on another small row of seats, it wouod probably go from a 2400lb car to a 2600lb vehicle, which would kinda ruin the point of it, and it would suddenly feel much slower, and it just wouldn't feel great while cornering. But ya, a hardtop only option would be neat, especially if it would get a bigger trunk. But you can get a carbon fiber hardtop for it, so you do get a hardtop, but thats basically it.

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

I’m not saying it’s what I would want :) Different folks just want different things.

[@bombardierboerboels]

Was going to get one looking for about year then fiat pull it so not going to risk it going for mx 5

[@shiftintohigh5564]

MX-5 get the Club if can swing it. Brembro and BBS package is stunning. Best luck.👍

[@vinnybruno6228]

Cup holders? Really? Gezzzz. A f40 doesn’t have cup holders, do you hate that?

[@johnserrano2774]

#6 gripe is that it eats a quart of oil every 1k miles.

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

You probably have the same issue I did. At the end of the day, the root cause was my second cylinder piston's rings were installed with the ring gaps lined up allowing for massive amounts of blow by.

[@cycleitalia]

@@PistonsAndPetrol Would a compression test show that?

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

@@cycleitalia no. It won't impact compression. Think of it like making a passage straight from the start to the end of a maze.

[@notmenotme614]

@@PistonsAndPetrol or like an elevator... the oil gets in the gap between the piston rings at the bottom of the stroke and then carries the oil all the way to the top of the stroke, where it can migrate?

[@DrDD-pw8wn]

What year is the black 124?

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

Same as the white. 2017

[@DrDD-pw8wn]

@@PistonsAndPetrol Thanks, I tested drove the 2019 manual and I had a flash back to my MR2 I bought in 1993. Damn, I missed that car. Great videos.

[@TheZubeck8888]

It's an Italian two seater sports car. You gripe about cup holders for half of your video. Seriously, you gripe about cup holders, visors and storage. Buy a minivan if that is what you're concerned about.

[@blankname8553]

I see it as he had to use SOME 5 things he didn't like, and if they are this small of an issue, it must mean he really likes the car!

[@PistonsAndPetrol]

Bingo. I have owned two of them after all 😄

[@irazemljanska6036]

Put 4g63 in your fiat

[@K03sport]

... So he could take his crank for a walk along with his dog? At that point, he might as well go LS1 and make a monster spyder.

[@kevinmontoya7318]

I like the abarth and some times the Miata but don't ever call them sports cars