Fiat's tiny 1.4-liter Inline 4 may not seem like much, but it has a lot of character. It is a turbocharged 4-cylinder unit with 160 horsepower on tap, not a lot by today's standards. There is some discernable turbo-lag, which might deter the newbies, but the experienced wouldn't be fazed. The car feels slow initially, till the turbos spool. After that, you get a fine pullback as the engine scoots forwards happily.
A 6-speed manual feeds power into the rear wheels. The gears are very closely spaced for improved acceleration in the lack of power, and slick and precise shifts are helpful too. You can also pair it with a 6-speed auto, which is a life-saver if you live in a crowded city. The little Fiat is extremely fun to drive regardless of the choice of transmission, although the manual is a more engaging experience.
Models
|
Fiat 124 Spider Classica
|
Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible
|
Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
|
Mini Cooper convertible
|
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club convertible
|
Buick Cascada convertible
|
Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium convertible
|
BMW 2 Series 230i Convertible
|
MSRP
|
$29,040
|
$31,180
|
$31,500
|
$31,750
|
$33,240
|
$33,995
|
$38,900
|
$41,100
|
Engine
|
1.4L Inline-4
|
2.3L, Turbocharged Inline-4 engine
|
2.0L Inline-4 Turbo engine
|
2.0L Inline-4
|
2.0L Inline-4 Premium Unleaded
|
1.6L Inline-4 Gas
|
2.0L Inline-4 Intercooled Turbo Premium Unleaded
|
2.0L, Turbocharged, Inline-4 engine
|
Transmission
|
6-speed manual
|
6-speed manual
|
6-speed manual
|
6-speed manual
|
6-speed manual
|
6-speed automatic
|
Seven-speed S Tronic
|
8-speed automatic
|
Horsepower
|
160 hp@ 5500rpm
|
310 hp @ 5500 rpm
|
275hp @ 5600
|
189 hp@ 5000rpm
|
181 hp@ 7000rpm
|
200 hp@ 5500rpm
|
186 hp@ 4400rpm
|
248 hp @ 5200 rpm
|
Torque
|
184 lb.-ft @ 3200 rpm
|
350 lb.-ft. @ 3000 rpm
|
295 lb.-ft @ 3000-4500
|
207 lb.-ft @ 1350 rpm
|
151 lb.-ft @ 4000 rpm
|
207 ft-lbs. @ 1800 rpm
|
221 lb.-ft @ 1600rpm
|
258 lb.-ft @ 1450 rpm
|
Acceleration
The lack of power shows up in the spec sheet, in the form of borderline "slow" acceleration times. The 124 Spider isn't the fastest in a straight line. The little Fiat wasn't built for performance, but that was never why this car is popular. It takes a lethargic 6.2 seconds to run from 0 to 60 mph, while the quarter-mile run takes an equally unimpressive 15 seconds.
Models
|
Fiat 124 Spider Classica
|
Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible
|
Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
|
Mini Cooper convertible
|
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club convertible
|
Buick Cascada convertible
|
Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium convertible
|
BMW 2 Series 230i Convertible
|
0-60 MPH
|
6.2 sec
|
5.0 sec
|
5.4 sec
|
6.2 sec
|
6.1 sec
|
8.3 sec
|
5.9 sec
|
5.3 sec
|
Quarter mile
|
14.7 sec
|
13.0 sec
|
14 second
|
14.7 sec
|
14.4 sec
|
16.5 sec
|
N/A
|
12.7 sec
|
Engine
|
1.4-Liter Inline-4
|
2.3-Liter Turbocharged inline-4
|
2.0-Liter Turbocharged inline-4
|
2.0-Liter Inline-4
|
2.0-Liter Inline-4
|
1.6-Liter Turbocharged inline-4
|
2.0-Liter Turbocharged inline-4
|
2.0-Liter Turbocharged inline-4
|
Emission
(Tons/yr. of CO2 Emissions @ 15K mi/year)
|
5.9
|
7.1
|
N/A
|
7.1
|
6.0
|
7.4
|
N/A
|
N/A
|
Braking
The 124 Spider has 11-inch disc brakes both in the front and rear. It has an extremely light body that weighs under 2500 pounds, which reduces the amount of work the brakes have to do on it. The car come to a halt from 60 mph in 113 feet.
Model
|
Fiat 124 Spider Classica
|
Ford Mustang EcoBoost Convertible
|
Chevrolet Camaro Convertible
|
Mini Cooper convertible
|
Mazda MX-5 Miata RF Club convertible
|
Buick Cascada convertible
|
Audi A3 2.0 TFSI Premium convertible
|
BMW 2 Series 230i Convertible
|
Brake Front (in.)
|
11
|
12.6
|
12.6
|
11.6
|
11
|
12.6
|
12.3
|
12.3
|
Brake Rear (in.)
|
11
|
12.6
|
12.4
|
10.2
|
11
|
11.5
|
10.7
|
11.4
|
Curb Weight (lbs.)
|
2436
|
3706
|
3627
|
2985
|
2453
|
3979
|
3428
|
3680
|
60-0 MPH (ft.)
|
113*
|
128
|
129
|
N/A
|
112
|
174 (70-0)
|
N/A
|
113
|
Ride and Handling
Remember when we said the little Fiat isn't popular due to its performance. That's because it's popular due to its fun handling. The 124 Spider has a near 50-50 weight distribution, which aids with the lovely handling and performance around corners. You also get a good straight line and cornering stability due to the brilliant chassis. The Fiat displays a typical Italian flair in its handling, reminiscent of Ferraris and Lamborghinis that cost ten times as much.
The little Fiat maintains good composure in a straight line at city and freeway speeds. The Steering offers ample feel and feedback too, which boosts the driver's confidence while driving. The Suspension in the Classica and Lusso have been tuned a bit softly as compared to the Abarth version so as to give a better everyday riding experience and a bit more comfort without compromising on the agility.