New Spider Test Drive

[davery]

I own an 85 Spider with a few performance mods; lowering springs, light flywheel, and cone air intake. So I went today to test drive a new Spider. It was the Lusso trim level with an automatic. I kinda like the looks of the car, but it doesn't thrill me. I have to say the handling was very good, but I think my 85 handles better. It seems like I can take the twisties faster in my 85, but it may be an illusion. The OEM seats on the new spider have MUCH more lateral support than my 85. I was really surprised at the lack of acceleration, but it might be due to the auto. My DD is a 6 speed VW Eos and it's much quicker off the line. The new spider doesn't feel a whole lot quicker than my 85. I'm getting to that point in my life where continually wrenching on something loses it's luster. I was thinking the new spider might be an alternative. Now I'm not so sure. I guess I'm back to looking at the S2000 and the Boxster S.

[So Cal Mark]

I would think the new Spider with the 160hp Abarth motor would be pretty quick. My 500 Abarth will run circles around an old Spider. Perhaps the auto trans is a power drain

[GeorgeT]

Just remember the new 124 Spider is basically a Mazda MX5, built on the same assembly line and sharing many mechanicals with the MX5.

[silvadw]

Found this in the Melbourne paper this morning.
hope it posts ok

[donm]

GeorgeT, it may be built on the Mazda assembly line but the drive train and engine are supplied by Fiat.

[spidernut]

I have driven both the manual and auto 2017 Spiders. The manual is more responsive because you can keep the turbo spun up. Off the line, the 1.4 doesn't pull very strongly until that turbo kicks in...then it comes to life in a big way. Get that turbo involved and they're really fun to drive. The biggest issues for me with the new Spider are the cost and the highly cramped cabin. I like taking long trips and there's just no room for a small cooler and luggage. For $28K+, I could restore my Spider multiple times and have the best of both worlds.

At almost 60, my physical abilities to continue to restore and drive classic Spiders is increasingly difficult. However, there's nothing like getting behind the wheel of a classic and going for a drive in the country. As it gets harder to work on my cars due to my age, I also have been intrigued with buying a new Spider. If I do, I'll sell the three Spiders I have now. I'm not sure I could do that yet.

[johndemar]

John G.

Never fear age! I was 60, 5 years ago when my car was in pieces.

Although I do find myself questioning whether I would attempt it again today.

[bobplyler]

Speaking of age...

I've found that I'm getting taller as I get older.

Every time I try and tie my shoes, they are farther away.

That's got to be the only explaination, right ?

[davery]

I would think the new Spider with the 160hp Abarth motor would be pretty quick. My 500 Abarth will run circles around an old Spider. Perhaps the auto trans is a power drain

It is probably is a lot quicker, it just doesn't feel a lot quicker.

[fiathead]

I test drove an Abarth with an auto and a Classica with a manual. The Abarth felt lackluster and really was hampered by the auto box. Even in sport mode with the paddle shifters, it felt sluggish. The manual was a completely different feeling car. I ended up taking the Classica 6 speed home with me that night. I've put 850 miles on it in the last two weeks and love the thing more and more with each mile. They really are amazing little cars. This is a shot of my zero optioned Classica taken last weekend: