I don’t know how Mazda let Fiat get away with this one. So the two companies worked out a deal where the fantastic new Miata would form the basis of the new 2017 Fiat 124 Spider, but we always assumed the turbocharged Italian roadster would command a much higher price to keep them from competing.
That is not the case! It turns out that the 124 Spider starts at $24,995 for the base Classica model, moves up to $27,495 for the mid-range Lusso, and tops out at $28,195 for the Abarth version. Those prices don’t include the $995 destination fee.
Compare that to the Miata, which starts at $24,915 for the base Sport, $28,600 for the Club and $30,065 for the Grand Touring—all not including an $800 destination fee.
In other words, for the most part, the Fiat is a little cheaper than the Miata is. Holy hell.
And besides the retro-Italian looks, you get more power for less money here. In the U.S. market the Miata is powered by a 2.0-liter naturally aspirated four putting out 155 horsepower. It’s a fine engine, but not blistering. The Fiat, on the other hand, puts down 160 HP and 184 lb-ft of torque, or 165 HP on the Abarth version.
Well, I know which one I’m going to want.
Not to be completely outdone on the price front, however, Fiat is putting out a loaded, limited-edition model called the 2017 Fiat 124 Spider Prima Edizione Lusso to celebrate the car’s launch. If you can pronounce that properly, it will go for $35,000.
The Fiat 124 Spider goes on sale this summer. Not soon enough, if you ask me.