#NYIAS: Is The Fiat 124 Elaborazione Spider Going To TRUMP The MX-5 For The Ultimate Roadster?

#NYIAS: Is The Fiat 124 Elaborazione Spider Going To TRUMP The MX-5 For The Ultimate Roadster?
It has been a pretty open secret around the AutoSpies HQ that a lightweight open top sports car is in the not to distant future for myself.   The MX-5 looked like the most likely choice to replace my Mini Cooper when the time comes, but now I have a variety of choices to ponder.  MX-5, MX-5 Hardtop, Fiat 124 Spider, or 124 Spider Abarth, oh wow, now the choices get much harder.
 
Do you go with the simple essence of a sports car with the MX-5 or add a bit more sophistication an up the ante with the 124 Spider, or put all of the chips on the table with the Abarth edition?  Take your first look at the 124 Spider Abarth up close and see if you can give me a hand.
 
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MDarringerMDarringer - 3/23/2016 10:28:43 PM
-4 Boost
it's too ugly to prevail.


atc98092atc98092 - 3/24/2016 8:40:48 AM
+2 Boost
I've learned to never trust pictures completely to base my styling opinions on. I've seen too many cars here and elsewhere that gave me an opinion, only to change my mind seeing the real thing.


TomMTomM - 3/27/2016 9:19:44 PM
+1 Boost
Lets see - the car was designed by Mazda - and the Mazda version has the reliability of a Mazda AND Mazda powertrain components - and decently rated Mazda service and support.

Or you can get the car that was NOT largely designed by Fiat - with all the inherent unreliability of a Fiat using Fiat engines. Along with FIATs lack of acceptable service.

And they say there is a CHOICE here?


TheSteveTheSteve - 3/23/2016 11:04:20 PM
0 Boost
I'm pretty okay with its styling, though I'm wary of anything with the Fiat name on it. I respect the Mazda brand more, but don't care for the new MX-5's front or rear end. I don't either of them as the "ultimate" roadster.


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 3/24/2016 12:26:02 AM
+2 Boost
Abarth all the way - YOLO you know.. it is built by Mazda so 90% of the car should have the same quality and reliability, while you get a suspension and engine by Abarth. More fun, few hassles how can you go wrong. A lot of people do a lot of hand wringing about reliability but in reality modern cars are amazingly reliable and the back of the pack has closed with the front. If it were mine I would probably skip the contrasting hood and trunk, maybe add a stripe (or two). Good luck with your decision.


PUGPROUDPUGPROUD - 3/24/2016 8:16:46 AM
0 Boost
The price differential will play a big role. You start pushing $35,000+ which Fiat Abarth likely will with options/taxes and you start coming up against some much stiffer competition. For true enthusiast the cheapest MX-5 with the performance goodies (Bilstein shocks, Brembo brakes, limited slip) is the way to go.


carloslassitercarloslassiter - 3/24/2016 9:59:08 AM
+2 Boost
I like it, but it's gotta be $40,000+, in which case there is a lot of tough competition.


valhallakeyvalhallakey - 3/24/2016 2:21:45 PM
+2 Boost
For sure it will be interesting to see where they price it. Hope FCA watched these sites and have a good view of where the market is.


mini22mini22 - 3/25/2016 1:48:25 AM
+2 Boost
Fiat is not going to price this in the mid 30's. It will not sell at that price. Look for this to be priced I'm guessing $500 above a Mazda Club Edition. The Base 124 should be priced around the mid 20's. In terms of looks this version makes it look more like the 124 spider of old and less like a Miata. I'm not sure I'm sold on the black hood and trunk but I like the front end a lot.


mini22mini22 - 3/25/2016 1:50:48 AM
+2 Boost
However I do think the Miata RF is a pretty targa and eclipses this car in looks.


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