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Fiat Announces Pricing for 2017 124 Spider
The Fiat 124 Spider: A Stylish Italian Rival to the Mazda MX-5
The Fiat 124 Spider emerged as one of the most exciting affordable roadsters, blending Italian flair with Japanese engineering. Built on the same platform as the acclaimed Mazda MX-5 Miata, this rear-wheel-drive convertible delivered distinctive styling and turbocharged performance at a competitive price point.
Key Highlights
- Three main trims: Classica, Lusso, and performance-oriented Abarth
- Turbocharged 1.4L engine producing 160-165 horsepower
- Choice of 6-speed manual or automatic transmission
- Starting price under $26,000 when launched
- EPA-estimated 26/35 mpg (city/highway) for manual models
Fiat 124 Spider Trim Levels and Pricing
Fiat offered the 124 Spider in three primary configurations, plus a limited-edition model, each catering to different driver preferences:
Classica: The Entry Model
Starting at $25,990, the base Classica trim included:
- 160 hp turbocharged 1.4L MultiAir engine
- 16-inch alloy wheels
- Black cloth seats with silver interior accents
- Dual-tip exhaust and black roll-bar finish
- Halogen headlights with LED taillights
Available in six exterior colors including Rosso Passione red and Bronzo Magnetico bronze metallic.
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Lusso: The Luxury Option
Priced from $28,490, the Lusso added:
- 17-inch alloy wheels
- Heated leather seats (black or brown)
- Chrome exhaust tips and premium interior trim
- Additional Bianco Perla pearl white paint option
- Leatherette-wrapped instrument panel
Abarth: The Performance Variant
Starting at $29,190, the Abarth model featured:
- Upgraded 165 hp engine output
- Sport-tuned suspension with Sport Mode
- Quad-tip chrome exhaust system
- 17-inch gun-metal wheels
- Available Recaro seats and Brembo brakes
Performance and Engineering
Unlike its Mazda MX-5 cousin with a naturally aspirated engine, the 124 Spider came exclusively with Fiat's turbocharged 1.4-liter MultiAir four-cylinder. This gave it a distinct power delivery character with stronger low-end torque (184 lb-ft) compared to the MX-5.
Specification | Classica/Lusso | Abarth |
---|---|---|
Engine | 1.4L Turbocharged 4-cylinder | |
Horsepower | 160 hp @ 5,500 rpm | 165 hp @ 5,500 rpm |
Torque | 184 lb-ft @ 2,500-4,000 rpm | |
Transmission | 6-speed manual or automatic | |
0-60 mph | 6.8 seconds (manual) | 6.7 seconds (manual) |
Driving Dynamics
While sharing the MX-5's chassis, the 124 Spider had unique tuning:
- 10% stiffer front springs for turbo engine weight
- Unique shock absorber tuning
- Electric power steering with Italian-specific calibration
- Slightly longer wheelbase (1.8 inches) than MX-5
Design and Styling
The 124 Spider paid homage to Fiat's classic 124 Sport Spider from the 1960s with:
- Elongated hood and shorter rear deck proportions
- Distinctive front grille and headlight design
- Available heritage colors like Azzurro Italia blue
- Quad exhaust tips on Abarth model
Limited Edition: Prima Edizione Lusso
Fiat produced just 124 units of the special Prima Edizione Lusso model featuring:
- Exclusive Azzurro Italia paint
- Brown leather interior
- Numbered commemorative badge
- Premium audio and navigation package
- Priced at $35,995
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How It Compared to the Mazda MX-5
The 124 Spider's closest competitor was its platform-mate, the MX-5 Miata:
Feature | Fiat 124 Spider | Mazda MX-5 Miata |
---|---|---|
Base Price | $25,990 | $25,750 |
Engine | 1.4L Turbo I4 | 2.0L Naturally Aspirated I4 |
Horsepower | 160-165 hp | 155 hp |
Torque | 184 lb-ft | 148 lb-ft |
Transmission | 6MT/6AT | 6MT/6AT |
Key Differences
- Power delivery: The 124's turbo provided stronger low-end pull, while the MX-5 revved more freely
- Sound: The Abarth model featured an active exhaust system
- Ride quality: The 124 had slightly more compliant suspension tuning
- Interior: MX-5 focused on driver engagement, 124 emphasized Italian style
Why the 124 Spider Stood Out
While mechanically similar to the MX-5, the 124 Spider offered distinct advantages:
- More distinctive retro-inspired styling
- Torquier engine better suited for relaxed driving
- Available high-performance Abarth variant
- Unique color and trim options
- Italian roadster heritage and character
-
Legacy and Collector Potential
As production ended, the 124 Spider developed a cult following:
- Limited production numbers compared to MX-5
- Special editions like Prima Edizione becoming collectible
- Unique Italian-Japanese hybrid engineering
- Last Fiat roadster sold in North America
For driving enthusiasts who wanted MX-5 dynamics with Italian flair, the 124 Spider represented an appealing alternative that combined the best of both automotive worlds.

Motorveroben
Last Updated On May, 30-2025