If you love sports cars, Fiat 124 Spider is one of the best options on the market. Besides, the Fiat 124 Spider is among the most reliable, good-looking, and well-performing sports cars of all time. But what are the surprising facts about the Fiat 124 Spider?
Some of the most surprising facts about the Fiat 124 Spider is that the Fiat Twin Cam engine was designed by the ex-Ferrari engineer. What’s more, Fiat 124 Spider is largely based on the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster. Additionally, Fiat 124 Spider won the 1972 European Championship. Finally, the Abarth 124 Spider is a performance version of the Fiat 124 Spider.
What are some of the surprising facts about the Fiat 124 Spider?
Fiat 124 Spider replaced the Fiat Pininfarina Cabriolet
There are two types of Fiat 124 Spider models on the market. The first model was produced between 1966 and 1985, while the second model was made from 2017 to 2020. In this case, we’re talking about the first Fiat 124 Spider model. When it was discontinued at first, it was replaced by the Fiat Pininfarina cabriolet.
The Fiat Twin Cam engine was designed by an ex-Ferrari engineer
While many people are familiar with the exceptional performance of the Fiat 124 Spider Twin Cam engine, a few know who designed it. This engine was designed by an ex-Ferrari engineer, going by the name of Aurelio Lampredi.
Fiat 124 Spider was marketed as Spider 2000
Another surprising fact about the Fiat 124 Spider is that it was once marketed as Spider 2000. This happened between 1979 and 1982. Nonetheless, after this car was retired by Fiat, Pininfarina continued producing this car under its own brand Pininfarina Spider Azzurra in the North American market and Pininfarina Spidereuropa in the European market.
Fiat 124 Spider is largely based on the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster
The old or first Fiat 124 Spider model was based on a different platform from the current or most recent model. The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is based on the fourth-generation Mazda MX-5 Miata roadster. On top of that, it is made beside the Mazda MX-5 Miata in the Hiroshima plant in Japan.
Aside from sharing its platform, this car also shares its mechanicals, interior, and top systems with the MX-5 Miata.
The Abarth 124 Spider is a performance version of the Fiat 124 Spider
If you want a Fiat 124 Spider model with more power and better performance than the base models, consider going for the Fiat Abarth 124 Spider. Some people tend to think that these are two different cars, but they are not.
The Abarth 124 Spider is the performance version of this car. It delivers a maximum of 168 hp @5,500 rpm and 184 lb-ft of torque @2,500 rpm. Thanks to the tuned 1.4-liter MultiAir turbo engine.
Fiat 124 Spider won the 1972 European Championship
The Fiat 124 Spider has competed in some of the best rallies over the years. However, its most notable race came when it won the 1972 European Rally Championship at the hands of Raffaele Pinto and Gino Macaluso.
Fiat marketed a 124 spider anniversary edition
When the latest Fiat 124 Spider was being launched, Fiat marketed a 124 Spider Anniversary edition, with over 124 units carrying the designation to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the real Fiat 124 Spider.
The older Fiat 124 Spider has 9 models
The latest Fiat 124 Spider provides limited trim options, unlike the older model with lots of options. Some of the trim options that the old Fiat 124 Spider came with are AS, BS, BS1, CS, CS1, CS2, CSA, CSO, and ds.
FAQ
Is Fiat 124 Spider a good car?
The Fiat 124 Spider is a great car. This car is very appealing to the eye, but it also performs well and it is very reliable. Nevertheless, this car is not for everyone. If you desire a practical, luxurious, or spacious sports car, this is not the car for you.
How fast is the Fiat 124 Spider?
As expected, the Fiat 124 Spider is one of the fastest cars from Fiat. Nonetheless, if you want speed, you should consider getting the Fiat Abarth 124 Spider, which is the performance variant of this model. The Fiat Abarth 124 Spider has a top speed of 144 mph and it can accelerate from 0 to 62 mph in 6.8 seconds.
What are the common problems with the Fiat 124 Spider?
The Fiat 124 Spider is no doubt one of the best cars ever made by Fiat. Furthermore, it is reliable, sleek, and performs well. However, this car also comes with multiple issues that include poor visibility, camshaft problems, faulty electrical system, transmission issues, engine problems, unbalanced suspension, and water pump issues.
Is Fiat 124 Spider a good daily driver?
While the Fiat 124 Spider is a highly efficient, reliable, and well-performing sports car, it is not suited for daily driving. This does not only apply to the 124 Spider model but as well as to most sports cars. This is because most of them break down easily and can cost a fortune to repair.
Which cars are similar to Fiat 124 Spider?
The Fiat 124 Spider is a sleek, compact, fast, well-performing, and reliable sports car. Nonetheless, this car still faces stiff competition from its rivals such as Mazda MX-5 Miata, Toyota Supra, Nissan 370Z, Subaru BRZ, and Toyota 86 TRD. Most of these cars cost more than the 124 Spider, but they don’t perform better, apart from the MX-5 Miata.
Bottom line
When it comes to the finest sports cars ever made, the Fiat 124 Spider is one of them. Based on the same platform as the Mazda MX-5 Miata, the Fiat 124 Spider has a great history and that’s why it has so many surprising facts that many people don’t know about.
After highlighting some of the interesting facts about the Fiat 124 Spider, you can share them with other Fiat 124 Spider owners and fanatics as you take pride in owning one of the most sought-after sports car of all time.
