The Abarth 124 Spider Is so Underrated compared to the 595! Heres Why!
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- The Abarth 124 Spider is so underrated compared to the Abarth 595 and heres why!!
I was fortunate to have been given the Abarth 695 70th Anniversario by Abarth UK and an update on this coming soon. But driving both as daily cars allows me to give a good comparison.
I hope you like my new Abarth!
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It sounds superb already! Imagine the sounds once it's tuned!! All the best 👍
Will be mega :)
Can’t begin to tell u how much attention our Spider gets; Especially when I start it up in a crowd.
It gets so much doesn’t it!
That is unless you have to set off somewhere at 4am. I've taken to pleading with mine to 'just please be a little bit quiet for 2 mins' before pushing the start button on an early morn. It never does though. It still barks and gurgles.
Wouldn't change it for all the money in the world.
You are right stef. The fiat 124 spider is underrated for so much this engine can offer. I do recommend doing an multiair Valve spring upgrade and a turbosmart BOV upgrade to help with the boost leaks. The 124 is not another Miata. Different engine and different personality. Thanks for reading this.
Thanks mate. Yep a very underrated car
Edd China did a video comparing the original Fiat 124 to the MGB and said how Fiat took the best of the MG and turned the 124 into a better looking car . Mazda then followed with the MX5 years later and took the best of them both . It’s only fitting really that Fiat Abarth have taken the MX5 and improved on that even still . It’s only natural for cars to evolve in this way . The whole essence of an Abarth is tuning and modifying and working around problems for a solution . I look forward to the evolution of yours
Whilst the 124 is a MX5 with a fiat lump..... it really is the Mazda’s better looking sibling. I’d have the Abarth over the mazda
I’m so glad your doing content on the 124! I’ve been dying for someone to use that platform!
So glad you are back on the 124s. Intrigued to see what you do to it!
If you know who TurboTechnics are I know they've been developing an awesome and affordable turbo upgrade kit on this car. Give Matt from TT a call / email. See what you think of their options
So glad you've gone for 124! Absolutely love my spider. The looks and the sound get so much attention.
Having to get rid in December, proper gutted. Definitely the nicest car I've driven!
If Fiat had released that car with a 250BHP engine, I would definitely have bought one. Stunning body design, but crying out for more power. Even offering the 1.8 turbo in it would have been a tempting option.
Yeah would have been insane at 250bhp out the box
Would have been much more expensive tho, also emissions killed that instantly and also internal competition with the Alfa 4C. The Fiat/Abarth 124 were initially planned to be the new Alfa Romeo Spider. Pininfarina did a geogeous study in 2010 called the Duottetanta based on the Mazda-corporation for the new Miata. But then they decided it was to similar to the 4C and that the 4C was a better halo car to relaunch Alfa Romeo. What a waste of money and time.
I got the Abarth 124 by the way. Its even in stock condition a very good car and you get a lot for your money.
On the same journey as you Stef! Bought a 2 year old spider during lockdown for a song. Blacked out all the red bits, fitted 18” ultraleggeras, stubby, tuning box and getting Eibach pro kit springs fitted in a couple of weeks. It’s running about 200bhp at the moment and to be honest I am pretty happy but I will be taking notes on what you do and may shamelessly copy you. Great content as always!
Awesome mate! Yeah let’s see what we can do with mine :) will document the process as always 🙌
You could always do what Eddie failed to do...fit a Gulia engine. I would suggest that the Veloce engine would be more realistic than the Quadrofoglio and there just so happens to be one going on eBay for two and a half grand...hmmmm
💯% AGREE! 260BHP = HYBRID GARRETT, DECAT, RACE CAM, BMC, REMAP. DONE ✅ SPEAK TO TMC MOTORSPORT AND GET DARON TO CUSTOM MAP IT 🔥
Yeah man that would be the one!
I am so pleased to here that you are going down the upgrade, looking forward to follow them.
When we were on holiday and I saw they had one of these for hire, I made sure we had one. Driving round the Canary Islands in one of these was epic!
Great video and looking forward to seeing what you do to the car over the coming months. I have owned mine (No 57) since April and have loved every moment of it so far. Tempted to tinker with it but I’ve only fitted the GFB DV+ so far!
l have owned an abarth 124 spider since April 2017, they are a great car and your totally right about the handling. So good to see you have bought one.
Brilliant cars aren’t they
Stefano- So well done and I love the sheer joy you take in driving. Your original reviews are part of why I purchased this car ! I will take Stefano and Hammond's word, Joey (aka Matt LeBlanc) should stick to sitcoms and his bloated Rolls Royce. Stopped watching Top Gear years ago because if its under a hundred thousand the car is simply no good according to them. Thank you for making videos for the rest of us.
Thank you!
Have fun, great project. Looking forward to following the '124 Chronicles' 😉 You're gonna have a blast and we're gonna love living it with you Stef! Drive safe pal 😎🏁🔥
Thank you buddy!
You know, a friend of mine, Stef, that started following you a while back off my recommendation said that when you're driving all these other cars, the Stelvio, Giulia, Audi etc, the smile on your face is nowhere near as big as when you're driving your 124 now. For that reason more than any other you've made the right choice 😉👍
I agree. I always thought Stef's enthusiasm for Abarth shines through over and above that for the much more expensive machines he reviews. It's infectious!
Enjoy the car! 124, 595, 695..... it’s an Abarth it will always be awesome. Sempre 👍🇮🇹💙
I love my Abarth 124 Spider 👍🏻
Lovely car steff I'm thinking one of these for my next car. Sounds awesome
They are great fun mate
You are a happy bunny Stef, the Arbarth is a good looking and sounding car, and whereas other spiders which cost piles more money maybe are better overall, you are really pleased with this one, and it will still get you where the dear cars get to, they all do the same thing, just depends how wealthy you are, or want to be!!!
Thank you buddy. Yes very much enjoying it! :)
This car has always been a favourite of mine, but I always felt in the minority, the front isn't beautiful but definitely very purposeful and menacing, much more than the mx-5. For the power gains you were mentioning, I think the car could handle more than what you said as long as the map you get with the tune limits the torque in lower gears..looking forward to the journey of ..let's say graceful mods :)
Hello Stef, thank you very much for your videos that are very good. For some weeks now I have owned a beautiful 124 Abarth in Costa Brava red with black bonnet and boot. The car is a toy especially in sport mode.
It’s awesome fun isn’t it
I just ordered a full exhaust system including downpipe, exhaust manifold, upgraded stuffed turbo, phase 3 tune by Eurocompulsion and fmic kit. Will do 230-240 whp.
I have been missing Apple Carplay big time. I can't wait to see that on your channel . I really haven't done too many mods. So seeing that also will put a smile on my face. good luck
It’ll be coming soon, feel free to get in touch if interested!
Yep will leave all the details for Bradley in the video so others can also get car play installed :)
It is a lovely looking car indeed….and a superb sound…
Is was only a matter of time! Yes stef!
Look forward to seeing all the content, there’s a page of FB (fiat/abarth 124 spider uk owners club) full of helpful tip and lovely like minded people.
You should check it out 😁
Great video. Love your enthusiasm. Super machine - weird these never took off. Such a nice car.
Cheers mate
Absolutely loving this, ahh the start of a new build I have a 2019 abarth 124 at 300hp absolutely love it (lots of mods)
How have you done this?! Pushing 210 with a stage 1 so far ...
Please tell me how you got to 300! I was thinking - intake, big turbo, turbo manifold, turbo blanket, bigger injectors. I know Jay Tee suggested a race cam but to my limited knowledge that would really mess with the multi air...Alternatively a stage 2 Tork tune with bigger turbo and intake?
E-85 only fuel injectors
Alfa Romero 4c coil pack's
Euro (OR) tork intake same dino numbers
6" 3" custom pie cut hood exit exhaust
Ported Garret 1446 turbo/ Garret 1752 "stuffed"
Turbine.
Tork motorsports (OR) eurocompostion digital reader/tuner, have tried both... either works fine
Track star (5) maps custom dino tune
Turbo smart anti lag system
Turbo smart BV actuator
Turbo smart waste gate
Oz or block wheels
Carban fiber top
Caubu seats and brackets
Auto locking diff
Big intercooler
Trans cooler
Strait cut gear set 1-4
BC racing custom spec coil covers
BC/ full suspension
Turn 5 full roll cage and under carriage bracing
We have revisions for the next version of the build
I'm picking up mine today!
Great car. If I didn't need the extra seats, I'd be in one. Enjoy!
I wish the US Spider had those alcantara instrument panel accents.
Can't wait for all your new upgrades
Thanks! 🙌
Awesome video and I love the white/black/red look. If you think the 124 is underrated there, try living in the USA. Fiat is a joke here. There are more Ford trucks in my neighborhood than Fiats in my entire city...personally, I am on my 2nd: had a Fiat 500 Abarth, now drive a 500X with the same 1.4t/manual.
Yeah such a shame not much out there in terms of models :(
595 likes, I wanted to like the video, but it's too perfect like that :)
Just picked mine up a few weeks ago. I love it!!!! My first mod was this last weekend was adding the Apple Car Play. It is a must have. Everyone loves the car and here where I live yet to see another one.
Great cars and car play makes such a difference
Nice car mate...it is hard to explain just how much fun it is to drive.. except for the back hood and boot it is the same as mine..the black looks good.
Abarth engine in a reskinned MX5 = a lot of fun 🎉🎉🎉
If I remember correctly, Matt Leblanc reviewed the US spec version of the 124, which isn't as good as the European spec. And comparing that to the Mx5 would narrow the margin between them considerably.
When Hammond reviewed it, he had the European spec. What he said was that if you compare the basic Fiat spec 124 with the Mazda, you'd be better off going for the Mx5. But if you wanted a full blooded hot version then it's the Abarth 124 hands down.
Now who are you going to listen to? An experienced and dedicated motoring journalist or an actor that didn't know enough about the car to realise he's reviewing a US spec car for a UK based audience?
Haha very true mate :)
Watching this series very closely, I've just bought a 595 comp(with the LSD!) due to the fact the engine is more potent. But if this is getting unlocked and can be around 230+ I will be all over one!!
I've had for a year and a half. It's kind of funny when people try not to look like they are checking the car out. But you can see they are looking. Since the car is not in production any longer I would suggest that you be careful with upgrades. The 124s that will be worth money in the future are the ones that are well maintained and keep their originality. That doesn't mean you can't tweak it a bit and make it more drivable. While 250hp may be fun you will most likely go beyond what the car is designed for therefore losing value and the point of the car in general. Not to mention probably shorten its life in one way or another. It's a great drive how it is and that is the point. It's a cruiser not a track car or a 0-60 machine.
This car is based on the Miata, whilst we all love both, I can assure you it won't be worth anything. It's nothing special and nothing that can't be replicated or had in some other way, it's also a modern car and these days, unless you have something really unique like a Giulia GTAm or a 4C, you would need the car to be an instant classic for it to be worth something, this is clearly not the case.
I strongly disagree on the "cruiser" part, this is very close to being a daily sports car, and with some mods it can become a track ANIMAL like any Miata, it can be modified to the end of days with a lot more power and the frame will support everything you'll throw at it.
The engine is already a weak point so worrying about shortening it's life is pointless, it's a "carpe diem" car really.
It's the alternative to the poor man's Lotus.
I think your one is lovely but my red one with the heritage pack edges this in terms of looks. I did think of going for the white one but in the end settled for the Italian red.
Nice one Stef 👍🇦🇺
I had DMS Automotive remap my 2018 124GT to 210 bhp with no other mods. That was in Feb 2019. Interested to hear about the CarPlay - one thing I miss not having.
That’s good power . How was the torque increase?
That was increased to 220 lb ft. Made it a different car. I also thought the handling was a wayward at times (had car from new so not due to a previous owner messing around) and had Centre Gravity install B14s and spacers and do a full geometry setup.
Another great review for this amazing underrated sports car.
I'm wanting one since it came out, but those Abarth 124's are ridiculously expensive here, we're talking about €50-55K. Next year I want to get a substitute for my Series 3 595 Comp en that 124 is defo very high on the list. The only "problem" is I allready have a classic Alfa Spider, too. So having 2 Spider wouldn't make sense....to my wife, LOL. I'm also very curious how different it drives and feels if you compared it with a pretty harsh dampened 595 Comp.
I'm surely going to follw this project, because I yhink and hope it will help me make my decision.
It sounds amazing, great soft top!! 👍
Great plate! ;-) Its going to be a great project!
Cheers mate
Brilliant video. I will be patiently (or maybe impatiently) awaiting your next one. I have an identical one, by the way
I have to say the 595 and the spider are very different beasts and cannot be compared. Like my 595c and my audi tt v6.i have to say I feel you are not sure you made the right decision
See you on the forums Stef lets get it tuned.
🙌🙌🙌
Nice video and nice car. I do need to try a LHD of these as I cant drive a RHD one.
I just love this car.
Love that color combo :-)
Before I got my Golf R, I was REALLY looking into this car. I know they're totally different cars but I've always been a fan of this. Glad you got one! Looking forward to future videos. You're gonna really make me want to get one now lol I've always regretted selling my S2000, and although the driving experience is probably completely different (still haven't test driven a 124), i've still looked at this as something to replace my old S2000. Plus I miss driving a manual :) Good luck with it! And keep the 124 videos coming!
Thanks mate. Yeah I looked at this car before the 4C and was so close to buying on then
Stef ABtv I gotta test drive one...so hard to find a manual abarth near me. Only thing I’m concerned about is the lack of power, but I’m sure the overall driving experience makes up for it. And that’s when the mod bug hits and you just modify/tune it 🚗 💨💥
@@StefABtv Finally got my 124 Abarth! Was lucky enough to find one local to me, 6MT with less than 3,000 miles on the clock. Had it for only a week and she's a blast to drive! The car is so much fun and has so much character. Already have a bunch of parts and tune on order....she's about to get the best xmas anyone has ever had lol I went with the Ragazzon valved exhaust which should sound wicked. Looking forward to your 124 Abarth vids! :)
@@DrivenDistrict hey dude , is the 124 spyder more fun to drive than the s2000 ?
Mazda & Abarth had an affair, the child, heart was a ‘bit’ more aggressive like its Italian half brother, but also learnt to behave in a gentler manner like its Japanese half sister. That’s how it felt like when I test drove it
I am glad you are showcasing this car, however, I have found that recently the Abarth model is getting scarce and/or expensive here in the US. In fact your car would cost about $30K US to acquire - yes, less than you paid but comparatively high here. Also, nearly all of them them were delivered with the automatic, a crime if you ask me. I am beginning to think that these cars may experience only a short term depreciation before holding their values and perhaps even increasing. I am very interested in your performance mods, but not to the point to over-powering the chassis. I wish I knew where that was, but my feeling is that 300 HP is past it. Maybe something akin to the Honda S2000's 240 HP here in US trim. Although my mechanic says that the later years, while rated at 240 HP have been dynoed (by him) at over 270 HP stock.
The Abarth model was in Europe very expensive, too with list prices well over 40,000 EUR (including 21% tax). So most people didnt buy it because you could have basicly the same car for 28,000 EUR at a Mazda dealership. The Abarth is a bit more exclusive, tho. In 2019 I decided to buy one. The dealerships gave great discounts because they couldnt sell them. Ive got mine new for 26,000 EUR (including tax), which is a good deal considering of what you get.
I always have benchmark-cars in mind when I am comparing on the market. Like the VW Golf GTI. At that time the Golf GTI was about 33,000 EUR. It had a similar performance (about 7 seconds from 0 - 100 kph / 0-60 mph), it has FWD and no limited slip diff.
With the Abarth you get one of the best sportscar suspensions on the market right now. Seriously, just look underneath the car. Double wishbones in the front and the multi link rear axle are normally expected in much more expensive cars.
The Abarths hold their value already in Europe. I have seen cars similar to my new one but with much more kms on the clock.
However the MultiAir motor is still considered to be not tunable. I have seen as the most 250 hp. Even with big turbo kits the cars will not make more power.
So all the modes you are going to do to the 124 will be able to be done to the punto as well? Thanks again great channel 👍😎
Pretty much yep
I currently own a fully loaded MINI R59 JCW (Roadster) which I absolutely love but I’m seriously considering swapping it for a 124 Arbarth. My only question is does the 124 have enough room to comfortably fit a 6’ 1” 13.5 stone lard arse ?
Lovely car. You're driving through Datchet/ Windsor yes ?
Went for a test run and found the gearbox very sticky? The gear change was so clunky I don’t buy? It was 2nd hand.....was it just the one I drove or are they all like that?
There's a guy who has allowed people to mod the infotainment too I think don't quote me but I believe it allows apple car play with a few changes
Adding the link here to read into
21stcenturyfiat124spider.wordpress.com/ameridans-radio-silencer/common-tweaks-that-work-in-the-fiat-124-spider-infotainment-center-7-0/
i love the fiat 124 abarth spider and that is a nice one.
🙌🙌
TMC Motorsport can tune this 124 Spyder right. Upgraded turbo, intake, intercooler, tune and this thing easily gets to 260 brake.
That’s the plan :)
Great Car.. SuperFun !!!!
Speak to Eddie clark from Canada, he tried to put a stelvio engine in his
‘Tried’ being the key adjective ... I went from a 124 to a QV it won’t fit 😆
yeah don't waste your time talking to him...
Steph
What drives better 124 spider or 595 comp
I have a lovely modified 595 comp
But I'm 6ft 2
Mmmmm
Help
Welcome back Stev.
Thanks!
Are you doing any club gt parts like the carbon hardtop?
Maybe carbon mirrors and front red bit to carbon. Won’t spend 4k on a roof lol
If your modders want to do a 2 for 1 deal on your mods, count me in. 😄
hybrid 1446 for sure, td04 is a bad choice
It could have been a hit. But, it looks craaaap!!! 😞
Abarth have always been modified versions of other manufacturers whether its Fiat, Porsche, Simca, Alfa Romeo, Lancia or indeed Mazda
Of the 5 available to buy near me, 4 are autos. Any comments about the auto ones, are they any good, does the auto take any power usual sort of questions
I have driven both, and if you can: buy the manual. There is no other answer. The auto is slow in changing gears, also the paddle shifters are very small and feel cheap. This is a drivers car / a toy. I wouldnt want an automatic transmission in there. Maybe when I am somehow disabled and cant shift gears myself anymore.
Nice ! Don't forget it's the same engine as the Mito QV too there are alot of tuning mods for that too . Try here ! www.tmcmotorsport.com/ ! Bugger just went on there and bought a Tuning Box !
Haha yeah been speaking to TMC :)
They are prettier and swayed me with that and the suspension setup versus a stock MIata. But the 1.4 is just pale in comparison to the 2.0 Mazda motor. Not in hp but in drivability and character. Everyone raves about the sound of an (Uncorked) 1.4 but nobody talks about the bad turbo lag or the sleepy nature around town. The Miata sounds like nothing but revs and responds, and is much more exhilarating to drive. The Abarth in sport mode and the whole FOUR HP MORE goes from 14 or 15lbs of turbo boost to 22!!!
What does a 180hp tune take it too?
200?? Yikes...........
There's a video on here with a mechanic comparing rolling chassis of the 2. Its kind of scary the huge maze of hoses hanging off the Fiat. The Miata looks absolutely naked in comparison. I see complaints about the Fiat clutch and see some early replacements there. But then they have the last generation (stronger) transmission...
JMO!! I like them both!!
am i one of the first to watch this apparantly i was also subbed idk if i even have seen u before
You were mate 🙌🙌
@@StefABtv I am thinking about it and I’m pretty sure it’s ur amg 45 vid
Sticker on the storage cubby hole has to go!!
It’s a plaque lol
Bro , Tuned Fiat Abarth 124
More powerful than your 595
Means over 350 bhp
Wont happen, since the Multiair engine is really a dead end for any tuner. I think I saw 250 hp from a stage 2 tuning. But thats it. You can fit anything to it, it wont make more then that.
All the big power builts I have seen have the T-Jet motor.
@@Gentleman...Driver With a good turbo it can make 300, but that means pushing the MultiAir module which isn't ideal.
You can swap the head tho and transform the MultiAir into the Turbo Jet, it's the same engine really
@@ilpatongi Yeh... I dont want to go that far. There was this big turbo build here on youtube by some american dude I think. And he had a lot of trouble with that.
My only problem with this car is that they used Mazda as a collaborator. The Italians should have designed this and made every part on it, and Made it in Italy. Its not pure. Its sushi with parmesean cheese on it.
23Piccolina it does go on a holiday to Italy to have some Abarth bits put on it. There was no way Fiat were going to build their own car from the ground up, way too expensive and they would never sell enough to be profitable, the mx5 owns this sector. They did exactly the right thing and used the mx5 platform and give it a bit of Abarth magic.
@@Jabber-ig3iw As I said, I like my Italian flavors to be without Japanese spices added to it. But no one is stopping you from enjoying things the way you like them.
1st: We wouldnt have that car in the first place without coorporation between those companies
2nd: Italia is my favourite country, but there is no way the Italians could make a similar good car to that at this price range
3rd: This is the best chassis, and suspension you can get for the money in this class!!!
4th: Italians did their Italian stuff and fucked this model up.
a) it was supposed to be the new Alfa Romeo Spider, as such it would have had more appeal (look at the design study Duettotanta from Pininfarina from 2010). But Marchionne killed it because it was too similar to the Alfa Romeo 4C. This is also the main reason we didnt get a bigger engine.
b) absolutely no advertising except for some minor youtube stuff
c) worst dealerships ever
d) overpriced at launch, they couldnt sell them. Some cars waited 3 years on industrial parking lots, until they gave great discounts.
I have an Abarth 124 by the way. ;-)
@@Gentleman...Driver FCA is big enough of a corporation with so many options at their feet they definately could have built the new 124 Spider. They simply went the cheap route, by co-developing their car with Mazda. I'm sure Mazda made a pretty penny off of FCA by providing them the basis for this car. I used to sell the 124 Spider's back in the late 1970s, before Fiat went bye-bye. I sold the entire Fiat line back then. They ran around $10k and at the time, that was considered expensive. Interest rates in late 70s were in the 18% range for cars! People were paying a fortune to drive $10k cars! ha ha ha I recall I owned a 1968 Corvette Stingray at that time and the owner of the Fiat dealership made me park it blocks away from the dealership! ha ha ha My car had the 327ci V8 engine from 1968 and it was quite a bit faster than anything Fiat had. Those were the days. ha ha
Apple Carplay???? Seriously? That's the biggest negative? If you're enjoying that exhaust note, you don't need tunes.
The big difference, in my opinion, is that the 595 brings some of the classic fiat cinquecento flavour, and the 124 design feels just like any other new car. It's not ugly, but the 4C was really beautiful and the 595 can be really special.
The 124 is just another roadster, not bad, but nothing special... In particular I don't like the white and black contrast, but that's just me, preference.
There's nothing like it tho, apart from the MX5.
The 595 is just another crappy 500 really
Does it come with a LSD
Yep
Punto is still the best 😉
Nope
I know it’s traditional but the whole black bonnet and boot thing looks awful. The rest is lovely. I’d definitely have one over an ND mx5.
Great plans, personally I think Threehundred.jp make the best bodykit not to be forget after getting it over 200hp. Would love to have it beside my 595