2017 Fiat 124 Spider – U.S. Wonder
The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider
The 2017 Fiat 124 Spider is easily the best car in Fiat’s four-vehicle U.S. lineup and a worthy successor to the storied original Fiat 124 Spider that debuted in November 1966. The two-seat convertible coupe shares a platform with Mazda’s MX-5 Miata and the cars are built in the same plant in Japan. 124 Spider has a Fiat engine and transmission that produce 160 hp and 184 pounds-feet of torque.
Pricing for the 124 Spider as follows, The Classica base model starts at $25,990. The top-end Abarth, with an additional 4 hp and a six-speed automatic, starts at $30,540. The midrange Lusso model starts at $28,490. All pricing includes a $995 shipping charge, also you can add automatic six-speed transmission at the price of $1,350. IHS Automotive projects annual U.S. sales volume under 10,000 vehicles.
2017 Fiat 124 Spider vs. 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata
| 2017 Fiat 124 Spider | 2016 Mazda MX-5 Miata | |
| Wheelbase | 90.9 inches | 90.9 inches |
| Length | 159.6 inches | 154.1 inches |
| Width | 68.5 inches | 68.3 inches |
| Height | 48.5 inches | 48.6 inches |
| Curb weight | 2,436 lbs. | 2,332 lbs. |
| Engine | 1.4 liter I-4 turbo | 2.0-liter I-4 |
| Horsepower | 160 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 155 hp @ 6,000 rpm |
| Torque | 184 lbs.-ft. @ 2,500 rpm | 148 lbs.-ft. @ 4,600 rpm |
| EPA mpg | 26 city/35 hwy | 27 city/34 hwy |
| Base price* | 25990 | 25750 |
Specifications
Power: Turbocharged, 1.4-liter four-cylinder, six-speed manual transmission ( Can add automatic six-speed transmission at the price of $1,350).
Technology: Optional 7-inch touch-screen infotainment system, Bose audio system.
Safety: Four front airbags, optional rear-vision camera, blind-spot monitoring and adaptive front headlamps.
Competitors: Mazda MX-5 Miata, Mini Cooper, VW Beetle.
Weaknesses: Turbo lag is evident at times; cupholder is ridiculously hard to reach.
