1974 1800 or 1981 Fuel injected

[Pescado]

Hello all,

so excited to be a member and to get my hands dirty in the world of fiat spiders.

Looking for some opinions...I have narrowed down my search and landed on two cars that have my interest. One is a 1974 1800 fiat spider and the other is a 1981.

Can you guys let me know what advantages/disadvantages one has over the other I am aware of the body changes bumpers ect...mostly looking for mechanical. will one have more selling value than the other? I know that the 81 is fuel injected and the 74 in carbed but what about steering/handling? Also which one would allow more hands on tuning and upgrading performance from a semi skilled mechanic ( me ). Any info will be helpful thanks.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

Welcome, Pescado. Everyone's situation is different in terms of best model years, but I'll give you my $0.02 worth. Since I am in California and 1975 and earlier model years do not have to go through the bi-annual smog check, this is a huge advantage for me. Not that spiders are any more prone to failing smog checks than any other older vehicle, but it's just the hassle factor.

Advantages/Disadvantages of the 1974
Somewhat simpler electrical system
Older cars very often have more rust (often the source of many electrical gremlins)
There are many options for different carburetors
Quality control tended to go down over time, and I find the earlier spiders to be better built (my opinion of course)
Higher revving than later models (can be more "fun", but some prefer the torque-er bigger engines)
Has more of that "classic European sports car look"
If you're interested in performance upgrades, the 1800 engine is very modify-able. Less so for the 1981.

Advantages/Disadvantages of the 1981
Fuel injection offers better performance, less emissions, and better gas mileage. The 2L engine has more torque.
More complicated plumbing in the engine compartment
Often come with more features such as power windows, power antenna, etc.
The seat frames are more prone to cracking than the earlier cars.
Heavier overall
Usually have better wheels/tires, i.e., 14 inch rims
Overall look is more refined
The 2L engines were somewhat undercooled, so your cooling system has to be in very good shape or it can overheat

As for resale value, the '81 will be likely be higher. Totally depends on condition, location, the used car market at the time, etc. The flip side of this is that the '74 is cheaper to buy initially. Again, it depends on the individual car.

Given a choice, I'd probably lean towards the '81, but then again, there is that smog check issue (at least in CA).

-Bryan

[aj81spider]

Unlike Bryan, who has owned 18 Spiders I have only owned two - coincidentally a '74 and an '81. I bought them both around the same time and decided to restore the '74 because the body was in better shape and I loved the chrome bumpers. I drove the '81 for a couple of years while restoring the '74, then sold it when the '74 was done. I definitely regret having sold it.

The '74 has the chrome bumpers and I think looks a little better as a result. However it is significantly less peppy than the '81. The 2 liter engine and fuel injection makes a big difference in performance.

I may be unique, but I also found working on the fuel injection to be much easier than trying to get a carburetor to run optimally. I still struggle with the carb on the '74 (although the '74 carb is supposedly the best of the Fiat carburetors - the DMSA). One other thing to consider is that the '74 was a transition year, so depending on when yours was built it may have odd configurations. I found that I could not get a drop in radiator replacement, for example because the '74 was a one year only configuration (I ended up getting an earlier radiator and having a shop weld new mounting tabs to it).

If I were faced with two identical condition cars, a '74 and an '81 I think I'd choose the '81.

However cars are never in identical condition. I'd look carefully at the rust situation and the overall quality of the car. If they are not equal I'd buy the one in better shape, and I would definitely not buy one with any serious rust issues unless you are skilled at welding and body work.

Ultimately I don't think you can go wrong. Those are both good years for Fiats.

[Pescado]

thanks guys some good points brought up...both cars are in good shape the 74 is 2-3k less depending on how good my buying skills are....what to do what to do? I hope owning one is as fun as shopping for one has been:). I have met some great people and look forward to meeting more...thanks again.

[Pescado]

well just to make things even more interesting a 1983 in good shape has just come up...thoughts on this one compares to the 74 and 81.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I'm hoping someone with experience with an '83 can tell you more as all my experience with spiders was with the early ones, plus one 1981 model. My gut feeling is that an '83 will be worth more than the others, so if you can get a good price, that's the one I would go with. However, as others have pointed out, a nice '74 or '81 is going to be worth more than an '83 that's had a hard life.

Do some homework on the price as nice spiders are selling for some eye-popping amounts these days. There are exceptions of course.

-Bryan

[Pescado]

Thanks guys….the 81 did not show as good as I thought it was going to and now a 79 has shown up in really good mechanical condition, excellent paint, and totally new interior ( plus being sold certified ). Now I know that the 79 is considered the dog year but I suppose the engine can always be improved slowly. This car will be my initiation into the world of “classic” car purchases…I’m not certain but I feel like a good body and great interior in a 79 trumps the stronger 74 motor with decent paint and interior needing love ( but cool bumpers )What do you guys think?

[toyfiats]

During the export boom in the late '80s/early 90's the '79 was highly desired as it had a 2L motor and all the updates of the later cars (lights, cool door handles, etc), and still carburated. All of which made for a great base to improve upon.

Living in California here and now, a '79 is probably the last model year I would recommend anyone get as the smog equipment is horrible to deal with, although there are members here that do it, and do it well. Bottom line, if everything else checks out and you are in an area that doesn't require smog checks a '79 isn't a bad option at all. Just hold on to all the smog equipment you take off in case the future owner isn't as fortunate.

[18Fiatsandcounting]

I’m not certain but I feel like a good body and great interior in a 79 trumps the stronger 74 motor with decent paint and interior needing love ( but cool bumpers )What do you guys think?

I agree with you. It's not the end of the world to live with the original '79 and its smog equipment, and as toyfiats points out, this can be changed. Body and interior work can also be done, but it will probably add up to much more money unless you do the work yourself.

-Bryan

[Pescado]

Thanks guys…I‘ll let you know what I scoop up and post some pictures…man this is exciting!

[Pescado]

Testing out the photo application...if this work it's a shot of the engine in the 1979.