The Fiat 124 Spider debuted in the U.S. in 2017 and was gone after 2020. While only sporting a meager 160 hp, with the top down, it was a joy to drive. However, low predicted reliability makes the model’s 1.4L turbo engine something you may want to think twice about if no longer under warranty.
Key Points
- Sharing many aspects with the popular Mazda Miata, the Fiat 124 Spider offers a more potent, standard turbocharged engine and refined styling.
- Over the Miata’s naturally-aspirated 2.0L powertrain, the Fiat squeezes out five extra horsepower with its 1.4L turbocharged engine.
- The 1.4L engine in the Fiat 124 hasn’t had a single recall, and complaints are nearly nonexistent. In terms of maintenance costs, the 124 is low at just $282 a year.
Fiat Debuts 124 Coupe with a 1.4L I4 Featuring Multiair Technology
In 2012, Mazda and Alfa Romeo announced a joint-venture to create a fun RWD convertible. Ultimately, Alfa Romeo decided to house the new 124 under its Fiat brand. The model debuted in 2015 at the L.A. Auto Show for the 2017 model year. While the 124 is based closely on the Mazda MX-5’s frame, the drivetrains do differ, with the 124 using a 1.4L turbocharged in-line four-cylinder with 160 horses and 184 lb.-ft. of torque over the 2.0L of the Mazda.
The engine is designed with variable valve timing (VVT) in addition to variable valve lift (VVL) engine technology that allows control of air intake volume using one of the gasoline engine’s inlet valves.
Fiat set out to rid their engine of one major inefficiency: limited intake passages caused by the throttle plate, which is the main regulator of air feeding into each cylinder. Introducing Multiair solved this problem and increased engine power and torque, and reduced fuel consumption and emissions, and it ultimately improved the engine’s overall operation. This technology also allows engines to be lighter and smaller while reducing pumping losses.
In 2010, Popular Science awarded this design “Best of What’s New,” calling attention to the engine’s ability to cut emissions by 10%.
Fiat 124 Spider Engine: Safety Recalls, Consumer Thoughts & Maintenance Costs
In terms of safety the recalls, the NHTSA has never issued anything formal for any 124 model year, though there was a recall sent out by the automaker involving the transmission of nearly 9,000 units. There were a few registered complaints with the NHTSA, but only a handful of them even mention the engine, most being isolated incidents.
Consumers generally praise the 124 and detail positive experiences in their reviews online. Here at Vehicle History, the 124 has never dipped below a 4.3-out-of-five owner satisfaction rating, with the 2020 124 being the highest rated at 4.9 stars. Most reviews mention its zippy engine and impressive fuel efficiency.
Over at Your Mechanic, the 124 receives a 4.5-star rating out of five in terms of repair and maintenance estimates. Taking all years into account, the site gives the 124 an average maintenance cost of $282, with the least costly repair being a brake pad replacement ($260), and the highest being a new brake caliper ($1,030).
J.D. Power gives the 124 engine a two out of five in terms of predicted reliability, which is the lowest rating they give. We feel this low rating stems from the fact that while most 124s are still under warranty, expired models will be costly to repair, and that finding someone qualified to perform the work may also be a challenge.
Fiat 124 Spider vs. the Mazda Miata: Which Engine Offers the Best Bang for Your Buck? It’s a Toss-up with the Spider’s Smoother Ride Over the Miata’s Performance.
How does the 124’s 1.4L turbo-four stack up against Mazda’s 2.0L naturally aspirated four-cylinder? For starters, both share one of the best direct-shift six-speed manual gearboxes in the automotive world to date. But the Mazda doesn’t have as much power as the Fiat, due to its lack of a turbo. The power differences are minuscule, with the Mazda at 155 horses and the Fiat pushing 160. The small difference is likely absorbed by the extra 125 pounds that the 124 weighs. Also similar is fuel efficiency, with the Mazda Skyactiv 2.0 achieving 27/34 mpg city/highway and the MultiAir 1.4 accomplishing 26/35 mpg city/highway. The numbers may not differ much, but what does is the power delivery.
The Mazda has a strong and linear delivery of power from its no-frills naturally aspirated four-cylinder. The Fiat’s sport mode button lowers torque engagement from 3,200 rpm to 2,500 rpm, a welcomed adjustment to overcome reported turbo lag at low-end speeds. This means power is weighted more in the midrange with turbo boost dying out at the top end of the engine’s abilities.
In engine comparison alone, it’s hard to declare a clear winner because some will prefer the smoother driving experience of the Fiat over the more focused and spirited power of the Mazda. If you’re tripped up by the Mazda household name in RWD sport convertibles, the Fiat is well worth a second look as an equal rather than a rebadged Mazda. It has clearly earned its seat at the table.
Should You Buy a Fiat 124 Spider with its 1.4L Engine? It Deserves a Serious Look, Especially the Abarth Trim.
Shoppers in this segment should consider both the Mazda MX-5 and the Fiat 124 Spider, but we think the buyer who wants more torque for a punchy around-town drive is going to be happiest in the 124 due to its throatier engine. Sadly, the 124 has been discontinued in the U.S. for the 2020 year and beyond, so the used market is your only option, with most 124 examples costing from $15,000 to $30,000, depending on mileage and condition.
For the buyers that want just a bit more horsepower, better shocks, a sport-tuned suspension, and a cool-looking black hood, the 124 Abarth trim is for you. With similar fuel economy, comparable performance, the best manual transmission money can buy, and an affordable price tag. Overall, the 124 isn’t just worth a casual look, it deserves a serious one.
Photos: Stellantis
