2019 FIAT 124 SPIDER: PIPES & STRIPES

You know the Fiat 124 Spider, right? It’s the current Miata in an Armani suit, but not really. It’s actually more than that. There are pretty significant mechanical differences on top of the Italian styling. And now, improving on that already great beginning, Fiat has done some nice updates.

The biggest difference between the Fiat and the Mazda is the engine, of all places. With the 124, gone is the snappy two-liter Japanese plant, and in goes their rather clever Multi-Air four-banger. They say it doesn’t make more power than the Mazda equivalent, but it revs higher and quicker.

Pipes & Stripes

With the 2019 Fiat 124 Spider, the tweaks boil down to new sound, new stripes, and a new look overall. There is a newly available “Record Monza Exhaust” for the Abarth models. Fiat says it provides an “unmistakable Abarth growl” which is kind of ironic. Miatas, since the first ones, have had their exhaust note modeled after Alfa Romeos, known for their growly exhaust. Abarths? Not so much.

They always sounded high-pitched and kind of tinny to me, but hey, here’s the bottom line on the Record Monza Exhaust: $995. My advice: Buy it!

The Abarth Veleno Appearance Group goes for the boy-racer/I’m bad! look with red exterior mirror caps, lower fascia lip, and front tow hook. There’s also Abarth-branded carpeted floor mats (which look pretty cool) and a bright (but not polished or chromed) foot rest. All this for $495.

Should you buy it? Can’t really advise you on this one slick, it’s more a matter of personal taste than anything, but it’s not a terrible move.

The other bit of flash you can add is a custom, center-stripe design option. Available on the Spider Classica, the new “Double Rally Stripe” is available in either white or red. Also on offer is the multi-colored “Retro Stripe” in both white/gray and red/gray combinations. The stripes will run you $295. This is something I’d definitely get. I like old school racing stripes and more cars should have them.