Fiat 124 Spider 2018 Service Manual
I came close to buying another MX-5. It's been a few years since my last one and I'm not getting any younger. But after the test drive, I decided to test-drive a Spider at the dealer down the road. To me, it was more refined, inside and out. The ride felt more comfortable as well, and the steering was quick and true.
When you gave it the gas and the turbo kicks in, it really gives you a thrill. I'm going on 3,000 miles, with my Classica, and it's Read More still a joy to throw the top down and go for a spin (trouble-free).
It's like a go-kart for grown-ups, with a rocket on the back! I test drove both the Fiat and the Miata.
The Miata delivers its power in a more linear fashion. The Fiat needs to get up in the Revs before it really goes. So, it feels slower off the line. A little more like a Honda S2000. So it is really down to which one appeals to you more. I would rate the Fiat at a 4 and the Mazda at a 4.5 from an everyday driving standpoint.
However, I am considering this purchase for weekend pleasure drives and I Read More find the Fiat is more exciting to me. I like the bit of quirkiness that it has over the Miata. To me this gives the Fiat a bit more excitement. If you are deciding between the Mazda and the Fiat you really need to spend some drive time in both. The interior is similar in most ways. It's really about do you fit and are you comfortable enough to enjoy the car.
Also, I would mention that the edmunds review of the Fiat is a 3 and the Mazda a 4.5. This seems to me to be because of different editors approach to the car and because the Fiat review, I believe, is for the automatic which I agree is not very good with this engine. If you want an auto the Mazda is the better choice.
I took a brief drive of each car with the auto but for me the manual is the way to go. I would recommend reading each edmunds review with the mindset that it applies to both cars outside of the engine. I am disappointed that Edmunds editors seem to have written these reviews in a vacuum ignoring the relation of the cars to each other. MUSIC PLAYING SPEAKER 1: That right there is the latest version of the Mazda Miata. It's called the RF, which we think means retractable roof.
MARK: That's the Fiat 124 Abarth. SPEAKER 1: These two cars are extraordinarily similar, more so than you might expect from a traditional comparison. MARK: Because they're the same. SPEAKER 1: And in this video, we're going to find out what makes them so similar, and also more importantly, what makes them different.
MARK: That one's white. SPEAKER 1: Thanks, Mark. ENGINE SOUNDS You know, you forget how much fun driving a Miata is. MARK: Or driving period. SPEAKER 1: Yes, yes that's a better point.
The act of driving itself. This is an exhilarating, exciting, fun car to drive because it's so light. SPEAKER 1: Because it is so close attention when designing this thing, everything about it informs the driving experience- from the exterior design to the interior design, right. SPEAKER 1: This thing lacks some creature comforts to be lighter. All on that quest of making a car one with its driver.
And that's the marketing tag on it they use. But the result makes you believe that it's true. SPEAKER 1: This is something that's built purely for fun. SPEAKER 1: And man, it nails that target right in the center. ENGINE SOUNDS MARK: The gates- they have the right spacing, the right amount of throw, it's not too short, not too long- but in particular, the pedals- the way they're placed close together so you're just doing this lovely tap dance between the pedals if you're driving it hard. SPEAKER 1: The interface between gas, clutch, shifter is beautiful.
MARK: And the take-up, the friction point on the clutch I think is perfect, the weight of the clutch. Everything just works really well. It encourages you to drive this car hard. I think for anyone that's been in a Mazda, they will certainly- even just as a passer- will say, this is this really familiar. ENGINE SOUNDS SPEAKER 1: For this car, this naturally aspirated engine doesn't make a whole lot of power. But again, it's that lightness. SPEAKER 1: This thing is less powerful- both with horsepower and torque- versus the Fiat.
But it's faster. MARK: And I feel that the short gearing in the low gears really help it give that punch that would otherwise be missing. SPEAKER 1: You would say, Oh, the Fiat's got torque. And that feels good at low RPMs. But hey, I just downshifted. MARK: GASPS SPEAKER 1: Like magic, right?
This is less powerful than the Fiat, but it's faster- or at least the acceleration favors this car. That has to do with it's lighter.
Even with the power retracting foldable hard top- whatever the name is for this thing- with the weight that that adds, this is still lighter than the Fiat. And that means the driving experience is better because lightness permeates all. Lightness makes everything better. Lightness makes the car faster, more fuel efficient, able to go around corners faster, more fun to drive.
And even though you have to shift gears a little bit more because you don't have the torque, that's an enjoyable experience because the shifter's so dang good. ENGINE REVVING MARK: Yeah, that right there. SPEAKER 1: That's just that classical sense. You get that induction sound that comes in at like 5,000 RPM. And get that- you mentioned earlier- there's a faint little noise that sounds like gear whine at the top. SPEAKER 1: You feel like you're operating machinery here, but machinery that's built to satisfy you. ENGINE SOUNDS So starting out with the engine.
It's a small displacement turbocharged engine. What are your initial thoughts? MARK: There's not enough difference for me to say one way or the other.
Yeah, I know it has more low end torque. But I feel like the Miata already has plenty. SPEAKER 1: Yeah, I'm right with you there. There are some minor differences. This makes more torque and more horsepower.
That torque and power, though, is concentrated in the lower part of the rev band. This feels a little gutsier around town. That said, the Miata just needs a couple down shifts and it's actually faster. SPEAKER 1: Right? This suspension tuning is a little bit more engaging for the car.
But otherwise, I like the Miata's naturally aspirated engine a little bit more. It revs a little bit more cleanly, and feels a little bit more linear. This one works fine. But it takes a little bit for that turbo to come in.
I want that immediacy of a naturally aspirated engine. SPEAKER 1: That's just generally what I like. MARK: These seats I really like. They have that weird architecture underneath where it kind of holds you in like a hammock. And you feel it sway back and forth when you're cornering.
But it just conforms to you. Almost like one of those memory foam beds. I drove this from LA to Pahrump, Nevada and back in a matter of two or three days or something. And never once did I feel like, man, I need to get out of this thing and stretch.
SPEAKER 1: Yeah. MARK: I just wanted to keep driving. And it was so much fun. SPEAKER 1: And even the exterior design- it's nipped and tucked.
Their overhangs are really tiny. These hard plastic things here in the interior are meant to evoke that there is no difference between the exterior and the interior. On forward on the hood, the bulges from the fenders are almost like guides that you can use to line up your corners.
And look at the Fiat and they've just thrown all that away. Ultimately you're adapting design queues to a body that was made for a different design. ENGINE SOUNDS MARK: The seats are exactly the same.
I mean they feel exactly the same. These seats do look a little prettier, though, with a horizontal ribbing.
SPEAKER 1: It's Italian, come on. MARK: Yeah, I love Italian cars. SPEAKER 1: I want to point that out to you, though. SPEAKER 1: What's the badge on the steering wheel say? SPEAKER 1: OK.
On the bottom left of the windshield, what's the logo say? MARK: INAUDIBLE SPEAKER 1: This car is from what company? MARK: Yeah, yeah, yeah. SPEAKER 1: Isn't globalization neat? LAUGHING MARK: I love the shifters in both these cars equally. I like the look of this shifter knob, but that's very superficial.
Everything about this- the way it functions, the way it feels- I think is as good as a manual transmission can get. SPEAKER 1: Yes. MARK: Thoughts. SPEAKER 1: I agree.
I feel like both transmissions shift great. The Miata shift knob is superior. This is nice. But man, when you put your hand on that Miata shift knob, you go, OK, this is what it shift knob should feel like.
MARK: Oh man. SPEAKER 1: Huh? MARK: Well this chrome work around the shifter just blinded me. And if the top was down, it would be worse. Please stop doing that.
ENGINE SOUNDS SPEAKER 1: You can get lost talking about the power retractable hardtop in this car. I prefer the folding soft top, the one you just unlatch and throw it over your shoulder. MARK: I do too.
SPEAKER 1: The Fiat 124 is a Miata with Fiat badges on it, right. MARK: Fiat-a. SPEAKER 1: Fiat-a, yes. But it also gets a unique exterior, a different engine, different suspension tuning, and a bunch of other things downstream. You get enough of the driving experience- of the Miata driving experience- in this car that yeah, it's really going to be a matter of taste. MARK: Just driving around town in LA, which is car snob capitol- SPEAKER 1: Yeah.
MARK: I was getting heads turned on this car. People really dig it.
SPEAKER 1: The bodywork, they've extended the overhangs- front and rear- so that makes this car look and feel a little bit more muscular. MARK: And this hood is way flatter, too. SPEAKER 1: And it's longer. And it tries to- I don't know- add a dose of let's say, masculinity.
SPEAKER 1: To the Miata. MARK: Make it look more substantial. SPEAKER 1: Yeah, and I think it's mostly successful. I don't know if the final product is appealing to my eyes. I think I'd prefer the way the Miata looks. I think it's truer to what the Miata is. But I don't know.
I get what they're going for here. ENGINE SOUNDS It's difficult to compare this to the Miata because so much of it is similar to the Miata. And so really, you have to highlight the differences. And I think on balance, the differences are kind of a push in terms of what they add or detract from the experience. So it's kind of like, eh, which as a professional critic, it's kind of a weak thing to go out on, isn't it? MARK: Like we said before, we're glad that this car still exists.
And we would mourn the day that it doesn't. ENGINE SOUNDS SPEAKER 1: These two roadsters are so similar that you can largely choose between them based on looks alone. MARK: That's true, but only to a certain extent.
There are some things that bother me about that Fiat, especially that gap between the nose and the hood- it's a little inconsistent. It's also a little more expensive than the Miata. So I'm firmly in camp Miata. Where are you? SPEAKER 1: I'm with the Miata as well.
That naturally aspirated engine revs out a bit more sweetly, it looks better, and- like you mentioned- it costs less trim level for trim level. MARK: I actually even save more money because I go with a standard roof and not the roof. SPEAKER 1: Good point. Thanks for watching this episode. If you want to see more, keep it tuned right here.
And be sure to visit edmunds.com. MUSIC PLAYING. Close transcript 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF vs.
2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth Comparison Review Our experts review the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF vs. 2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth. Edmunds car experts Carlos Lago and Mark Takahashi do a side-by-side comparison of the 2017 Mazda MX-5 Miata RF and 2018 Fiat 124 Spider Abarth - two fun-to-drive convertibles that are as different as night. And later that night. The editors measure up the driving experience, engine, interior and styling of the roadsters and come away liking one more than the other. Watch the video to see which is the one they'd want to drive home. The 2018 Fiat 124 Spider convertible delivers fun-in-the-sun driving and Italian heritage at a price that's quite reasonable.
The diminutive 124 Spider drop-top is based on Mazda's nearly 30-year-strong paean to small roadsters of yore, the MX-5 Miata. But Fiat didn't just slap a bodykit on the Miata and call it a day. The 124 Spider receives a turbocharged 1.4-liter four-cylinder engine that makes more power than Mazda's 1.6-liter unit: 160 horsepower (164 hp in Abarth trim) and 184 pound-feet of torque. In true sports-car fashion, Fiat made all trims of the 124 Spider rear-wheel-drive, with a slick six-speed manual transmission as standard equipment. A six-speed automatic is an option. While the 2018 Fiat 124 Spider's compact size is certainly part of its appeal — being small and lightweight makes the Fiat feel exceptionally nimble — but also the cause of some of its biggest compromises: There's little interior room, and even less cargo space.
Still, buyers may find they're willing to accept those limitations in exchange for the 124's unique driving experience. The 124 Spider comes in three trim levels: Classica, Lusso and Abarth. The Classica is pretty bare-bones, offering niceties such as keyless entry and a leather-wrapped steering wheel and shifter knob, along with air-conditioning, cloth seats, and a basic stereo with Bluetooth and a 3-inch display screen. Only one package is available, and it adds a rearview camera, rear parking sensors, and an upgraded infotainment system with a 7-inch screen and satellite radio capability.
Fiat offers the Lusso trim as a sort of luxury variant, with leather seats and automatic climate control, along with the 7-inch infotainment system. For 2018, the Lusso's options packages were rearranged to give buyers more choices. Packages include a nine-speaker Bose stereo, upgrades to adaptive LED headlights, and safety features such as blind-spot monitoring and rear cross-traffic alert. The 124 Abarth is the sportiest version of the 124 Spider lineup, coming standard with a sport suspension and a limited-slip differential, along with unique styling cues both inside and out. It can be upgraded with Brembo brakes, simulated suede seats, and many of the same luxuries and amenities as the Lusso.
The Abarth trim, in particular, is an absolute blast to drive if buyers decide they can live with the harsh ride. Make sure to read Edmunds' full rating and review for more information, and take advantage of our shopping tools to find the best deal on a 2018 Fiat 124 Spider near you.
2018 FIAT 124 Spider Convertible Overview The 2018 FIAT 124 Spider Convertible is offered in the following styles: Abarth 2dr Convertible (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M), Lusso 2dr Convertible (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M), and Classica 2dr Convertible (1.4L 4cyl Turbo 6M). What do people think of the 2018 FIAT 124 Spider Convertible?
Consumer ratings and reviews are also available for the 2018 FIAT 124 Spider Convertible and all its trim types. Overall, Edmunds users rate the 2018 124 Spider Convertible 4.5 on a scale of 1 to 5 stars.
Edmunds consumer reviews allow users to sift through aggregated consumer reviews to understand what other drivers are saying about any vehicle in our database. Detailed rating breakdowns (including performance, comfort, value, interior, exterior design, build quality, and reliability) are available as well to provide shoppers with a comprehensive understanding of why customers like the 2018 124 Spider Convertible. Edmunds Expert Reviews Edmunds experts have compiled a robust series of ratings and reviews for the 2018 FIAT 124 Spider Convertible and all model years in our database. Our rich analysis includes expert reviews and recommendations for the 2018 124 Spider Convertible featuring deep dives into trim levels including Abarth, Lusso, Classica, etc. With careful analysis around pricing, features, performance, mpg, safety, interior, and driving and performance. Edmunds also offers expert ratings, road test and performance data, long-term road tests, first-drive reviews, video reviews and more.
Our Review Process This review was written by a member of Edmunds' editorial team of expert car reviewers. Our team drives every car you can buy. We put the vehicles through rigorous testing, evaluating how they drive and comparing them in detail to their competitors. We're also regular people like you, so we pay attention to all the different ways people use their cars every day. We want to know if there's enough room for our families and our weekend gear and whether or not our favorite drink fits in the cupholder.
Our editors want to help you make the best decision on a car that fits your life. What's a good price for a New 2018 FIAT 124 Spider Convertible? Shop with Edmunds for perks and special offers on new cars, trucks, and SUVs near Rutland, ND. Doing so could save you hundreds or thousands of dollars.
Edmunds also provides consumer-driven dealership sales and service reviews to help you make informed decisions about what cars to buy and where to buy them. Which 2018 FIAT 124 Spider Convertibles are available in my area? 2018 FIAT 124 Spider Convertible Listings and Inventory Simply research the type of used car you're interested in and then select a car from our massive database to find cheap used cars for sale near you. Once you have identified a vehicle you're interested in, check the Carfax and Autocheck vehicle history reports, read dealer reviews, and find out what other owners paid for the 2018 FIAT 124 Spider Convertible. Shop Edmunds' car, SUV, and truck listings of over 6 million vehicles to find a cheap new, used, or certified pre-owned (CPO) 2018 FIAT 124 Spider Convertible for sale near you. Why trust Edmunds? Edmunds has deep data on over 6 million new, used, and certified pre-owned vehicles, including all models of the 2018 FIAT 124 Spider Convertible and all available trim types: Abarth, Lusso, Classica.
4 out of 5 stars by Motorhead from Old Bridge N.J. On January 1, 2018 I just have 850 miles on the car so I don?t know how reliable it will be, but I?m optimistic.
Model 10a902 manual. I fit very well in the fiat 5?9? Love the way it handles, love the style, that so called turbo lag is not an issue to me, ( keep RPM?s above 2K ),The fiat feels solid and secure, and it is a blast to drive.
This car is just about what you would expect form a roadster. Convertible top is fast and simple to operate. There is not too much storage inside, but I guess you wouldn?t expect much from a car this size.
Fiat 124 Spider 2018 Service Manual Free Download
3 out of 5 stars by FIAT Spider Sports Car from Broward County, FL. On April 27, 2018 Hi World, Shame on Fiat, why simply said I think a car of this caliber deserves a motorized top. The manual lifting top went out with those horse and buggies. I had a four seater BMW that also had that manual top, back in the 1950's. I do like the cloth look on a sports car convertible and not one of those metal contraption that do fold up and away in a boot. What is really odd on less expensive models of Fiat's the top I was told is motorized.
Fiat 124 Spider 2018 Colors
How could you do this to me, I may have to go back to my BMW Z-4 and forget Fiat.