2019 Fiat 124 Spider Review
The 2019 Fiat 124 Spider is the revival of the 1970's compact Italian convertible sports car of the same name. It's a retro style roadster based on the same core structure as Mazda's venerable MX-5 Miata. The retro styling cues are obvious in the Spider's front end with features akin to the classic Fiat 124 Spider. The 124 Spider produces 160 horsepower and 184 lb-ft of torque ceded from its 1.4-liter turbocharged four-cylinder MultiAir engine and represents an alternative to the MX-5 Miata's 2.0-liter naturally aspirated engine. In classic sports-car tradition, the 124 Spider is rear-wheel-drive with a standard six-speed manual gearbox, but there's an optional automatic transmission too. It seats two people and has a manually folding soft top in an effort to save weight, making the 2019 Fiat 124 Spider a low-power sports car for the driving enthusiast who enjoys the purity of a top-down jaunt rather than outright power.
What's the Price of the 2019 Fiat 124 Spider?
The cheapest Fiat 124 Spider comes in the form of the Classica and carries a base MSRP of $25,190 with a manual gearbox. From there, the Urbana Edition is priced from $26,185, while the range-topping Lusso trim carries a base price of $27,795. A six-speed automatic is available on all trims for an extra $1,350. All prices are excluding tax, registration, licensing, and a $1,495 destination charge.
2019 124 Spider Exterior
Dimensions
Length | Wheelbase | Height | Max Width | Front Width | Rear Width | Curb Weight |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
159.6 in | 90.9 in | 48.5 in | 68.5 in | 58.9 in | 59.1 in | 2,436.0 lbs |
2019 124 Spider Performance
Handling and Driving Impressions
The precise steering, powerful brake response and light curb weight of the 124 Spider provides an abundance of agility, giving the driver a good sense of control and confidence on the road. The steering is light and offers decent road feel, while it's precise at city speeds and makes the 124 easy to maneuver around traffic. But it can feel a bit skittish at highway speeds by virtue of not being weighty enough. The roadster is nimble at changing directions, with a good sense of composure from the front end.
Ride comfort at a cruise is decently comfortable, suited to the overall softer demeanor of the 124 Spider. Abrasions and minor bumps and dips are well-absorbed by the 124 Spider's comfort-tuned suspension, while undulations and larger uneven surfaces are felt pretty obviously through the cabin due to the sports car's low proximity to the ground.
The MX-5 Miata is famed for its top-tier handling and ability to deliver a fun driving experience and the 124 borrows many of these traits. But the suspension is softer, resulting in more pronounced body-lean, albeit with more linear suspension responses than the Miata. Those seeking something a little firmer from Fiat should look at the Abarth-tuned version instead.
2019 124 Spider Interior
2019 124 Spider Trunk and Cargo Space
Warranty
Basic | Drivetrain | Corrosion | Roadside Assistance |
---|---|---|---|
4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 4 Years / 50,000 Miles | 12 Years / Unlimited Miles | 4 Years / Unlimited Miles |
Verdict: Is the 2019 Fiat 124 Spider A Good car?
The Fiat 124's high levels of maneuverability and impressive handling make for guaranteed fun, with the top-down experience adding an element of lifestyle not found in the likes of the Toyota 86. It's marginally cheaper than rivals at its base point, even undercutting the MX-5 Miata with which it shares a platform. The well-balanced mix between sportiness and comfort make the roadster a great weekend companion, but unfortunately, the small size of the car precludes it from being a practical daily driver.
The compact dimensions and limited seating adjustments also result in a negative impact on comfort for taller occupants, best suiting adults shorter than six feet tall. Besides being cramped the interior looks and feels high-quality with elements of plushness that positions it higher than the MX-5 in interior feel. The 124 Spider does fall short in terms of horsepower compared to the MX-5 Miata's 181 hp but trades up in torque, the turbocharger giving a good midrange boost to performance. But it has extra weight to contend with, too, and with the addition of a turbo, there's turbo-lag to contend with as well, robbing the 124 of a true purist's driving experience. The Japanese underpinnings combined with the Italian aesthetic have created a beautiful and highly enjoyable roadster, but it's one suited to lifestyle and comfort rather than hard-edged performance, so if the latter is what you're after you'd be better off looking at the MX-5 Miata.
What Fiat 124 Spider Model Should I Buy?
With not many obvious differences in the various trims deciding on the best model comes down to pure aesthetics and each trim's optional packages. The Lusso caters to a greater range of personalization, but also boasts additional creature comforts of automatic climate control, leather upholstery, and heated seats. It also unlocks several additional packages, of which the Navigation and Sound Group package is a worthwhile investment.
2019 Fiat 124 Spider Comparisons
2019 Fiat 124 Spider vs Mazda MX-5 Miata
The Mazda MX-5 Miata is the 124 Spider's direct rival, and also the vehicle with which the 124 Spider shares a chassis. The MX-5 gets the benefit of additional horsepower for 2019, exceeding the 124 Spider's power rating by 21 hp but falls short on torque compared to the 124's turbocharged engine. The Fiat may have more mid-range punch, but the Mazda's engine is smoother and responds quicker, doesn't have turbo-lag, and enjoys being wound out until redline, where the Fiat runs out of puff quickly. Both handle sweetly, but the Miata is more driver-focused, while the Fiat delivers higher levels of comfort and refinement. Both cars have options for a six-speed manual or automatic transmission. Where the Miata offers a little more than the Fiat is in the availability of a hardtop on the RF derivative, offering a quieter cabin and better all-weather usage, albeit at a higher price. The Fiat, on the other hand, undercuts the Mazda's base price marginally. It's a tough choice, but if performance is high on your priority list, which it should be here, the Mazda MX-5 Miata is a better buy.
2019 Fiat 124 Spider vs Toyota GR86
The 2019 Toyota 86 is a coupe-styled sports car with similar performance expectations heaped upon it as a back to basics driver-focused experience. The 124 Spider and Toyota 86 are both rear-wheel-drive and have options for a six-speed manual or automatic transmission, but the manual is the one you'll want, and the Fiat's is just a little better to use. The Toyota boasts a Subaru-sourced 2.0-liter flat-four with 205 horsepower (200 hp with the automatic) and a sub-optimal 156 lb-ft of torque, leaving the 124 Spider's 184 lb-ft of torque reigning supreme, but responses from the 86's engine are smoother and more enjoyable. The 124 Spider makes for fun driving nine-tenths of the time whereas the Toyota 86 is more capable at ten-tenths, feeling better equipped to handle more strenuous performance ambitions. The Toyota also has more trunk space and semi-usable rear seats, giving it the advantage when it comes to practicality. Again, it comes down to whether you prioritize performance or a top-down lifestyle. If performance is the priority, then the Toyota 86 will reward you far more when you reach its limits, and it'll be more comfortable to live with daily.