2020 Fiat 124 Spider Pros vs Cons. Should You Buy?

If you’re looking for an affordable sports car with a convertible top, be sure to check out the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider. While agile handling and a strong turbocharged engine make the 124 Spider entertaining to drive, good fuel economy helps you to save money at the pump. Many people will also be won over by the 124 Spider’s Italian-inspired styling. Life in the summer will be especially fun.

What’s New for 2020?

No major changes are found on the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider. However, Fiat has added a new Graphics Package, which adds a hood decal and red side stripes.

 

Top 10 Reasons to Buy a 2020 Fiat 124 Spider – The Pros

1. Entertaining Turbocharged Engine

Motivating the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider is a turbo four-cylinder engine. It’s rated by Fiat to push out up to 164 horsepower. Performance is especially rewarding with the standard six-speed manual gearbox. Although the 124 Spider isn’t a Ferrari, drivers love its zingy performance. Most people will be more than pleased with the 124 Spider’s real-world acceleration. When launched from a dead stop, this two-seater gets to 60 mph in about 6.3 seconds.

2. Economical Sports Car

The new 124 Spider is an ideal choice for drivers who are looking to save fuel. When equipped with a manual transmission, it delivers up to 26 mpg town/35 mpg freeway. Opting for the automatic transmission only slightly reduces the 124 Spider’s city fuel economy. Whether drivers are commuting to the workplace or taking a weekend getaway, this sports car promises to deliver an efficient performance. However, premium gasoline is the recommended fuel type.

3. Slick Handling & Excellent Ride

Although the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider is built on the Mazda MX-5 Miata’s platform, unique suspension tuning helps set it apart. When behind the wheel of the 124 Spider, drivers will be able to maneuver with confidence. The 124 Spider is at home on twisty roads. This is especially true for the performance-focused Abarth trim. Fiat equips it with stiffer shocks and a limited-slip differential. Furthermore, many experts rave about the 124 Spider’s impressive ride comfort on the highway.

4. Unique Styling Cues

When checking out the Fiat 124 Spider, most people immediately recognize its similaritiy to the new Mazda MX-5 Miata. However, the 124 Spider is arguably even more attractive. It has a longer hood and a distinctive front fascia. Unique LED taillamps further set apart the 124 Spider. Drivers who want something more special can opt for one of the available appearance packages. Red exterior accents come with the Veleno Appearance Package. A total of six paint options are offered, including Hypnotic Red and Chiaro Silver.

5. More Fun with the Top Down

While driving with its top down, the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider is especially fun. This is a great car for highway cruising. Drivers can look forward to experiencing wind-in-your-hair excitement. Luckily, the car’s convertible roof is easy to operate. With the simple pull of a lever, its soft top folds back. A quiet interior further highlights the 124 Spider as a great convertible. Solid insulation helps filter out wind and road noise.

6. Simple Yet Luxurious Interior

Many people will appreciate the 124’ Spider’s simple interior design. All of the cabin controls can be operated without using much thought. This means drivers can focus more on enjoying the car’s performance. Fiat also designed the car’s interior to be quite luxurious. Available leather seats give the 124 Spider an even more plush atmosphere. Buyers will also have access to Alcantara suede and aluminum sport pedals. A few different fabric colors are offered.

7. Some Modern Technology is Available

Although the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider may feel like a classic sports car on the inside, it still offers a good amount of modern technology. Drivers will like the touchscreen’s ease of use and crisp graphics. Proximity keyless entry is found on the upper trims, which is a great asset for drivers who spend a lot of time on the go. GPS navigation with 3D maps is available for folks who love to travel.

8. Upgraded Sound System Rocks

Many music fans will be left unsatisfied with the 124 Spider’s standard four-speaker stereo. Drivers who desire more entertainment on the road should upgrade to the Bose premium audio system. It brings a far more captivating sound. A total of nine speakers line the cabin, which creates a lively atmosphere. Speakers built into the headrests help sound quality to remain good during open-air driving. To ensure strong bass, Bose pairs the system with a powered subwoofer.

9. Helpful Safety Technologies

Aside from a reversing camera, no other advanced safety technologies are standard on the 124 Spider. The good news is that buyers will have a few safety upgrades to choose from. The available blind-spot monitor is especially useful when driving with the top up. On the other hand, adaptive headlights seek to ensure a safer drive at night. Upgraded Brembo brakes are also found on the racier Abarth model.

10. Something Different from the Norm

The 2020 Fiat 124 Spider isn’t a car you see on the street every day. This is a huge advantage for drivers who like to go against the grain. When onlookers see the 124 Spider passing by, they’ll likely be curious. It’s a conversation starter among car enthusiasts. Very few rides in the 124 Spider’s price class feel as special.

 

Reasons Not to Buy a 2020 Fiat 124 Spider – The Cons

1. Small Car

The new 124 Spider is a small car, which makes it less appealing to taller drivers who need more headroom. Because the 124 Spider lacks a rear seat, parents won’t be able to accommodate their small kids. People interested in buying a new 124 Spider should also consider its tiny trunk. There’s less than 5.0 cubic feet of storage space. This could be an issue when taking an out-of-town road trip.

2. So-So Safety Profile

While the 124 Spider is generally a safe vehicle, it’s a notch below some of the competition. Certain accident-avoidance features are absent. Forward collision warning and automatic emergency braking are not offered. To avoid a crash, drivers must rely more on their own instincts. Lane-keep assist is another popular safety innovation not found on the 124 Spider.

3. Some People May Crave More Power and Speed

For the average driver, the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider will prove to be a great deal of fun. Nevertheless, others will desire a more formidable performance machine. In terms of acceleration, this convertible sports car is slower than family sedans like the Honda Accord. According to some driving enthusiasts, the 124 Spider could use a bit more brawn under the hood.

4. No All-Wheel Drive

The 124 Spider is a traditional rear-wheel-drive sports car. While rear-wheel drive appeals to many people, traction will suffer during slippery weather conditions. Snow will cause even more performance issues for the 124 Spider. Folks who need a year-round sports car should check out the Subaru WRX, which comes standard with all-wheel drive.

5. Shorter Warranty

Expect the 124 Spider’s original warranty to expire rather quickly. Its powertrain warranty ends after 50,000 miles. Many of the 124 Spider’s rivals provide at least an extra 10,000 miles of warranty coverage. Drivers who exceed the car’s mileage limit will be forced to pay for any necessary engine or transmission repairs.

How It Stacks Up Against the Competition

2020 Mazda MX-5 Miata

Many people will be choosing between the 124 Spider and the mechanically similar MX-5 Miata. Although the MX-5 Miata is a fine sports car for the money, some people will favor the 124 Spider’s Italian styling. A smoother ride also makes the 124 Spider more suitable for taking long trips.

2020 Ford Mustang

From a standpoint of cost, the 124 Spider is more affordable than the new Mustang Convertible. While the Mustang handles well, it’s a heavier car. Some people may prefer the 124 Spider’s lightweight design. Drivers who want to be unique will certainly enjoy the 124 Spider’s exclusiveness. Fiat 124 Spider owners will also enjoy extra fuel savings.

2020 Subaru BRZ

The 2020 Subaru BRZ is another low-cost sports car to consider. However, a convertible version of the BRZ is not available. This could be a deal-breaker for some people. Furthermore, only the 2020 Fiat 124 Spider features a turbocharged engine. Typically, turbocharged engines are more responsive to aftermarket performance upgrades.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why a driver would want to buy a 2020 Fiat 124 Spider. It's a cool convertible that puts a big emphasis on style and driving fun. A 35-mpg highway fuel economy rating also makes the 124 Spider great for road trips. While this two-seater is on the small side, the average driver will fit like a glove. If you can live without advanced smartphone support and forward collision warning, the 124 Spider may be hard to beat.