124 spider Arbarth
- Thread starter john-e89
- Start date
beanie said:
Thanks!
john-e89 said:
Thanks, John. It has BBR's Super 200 package - stainless steel 4 into 1 manifold, different intake and exhaust camshafts, upgraded valve springs, remap, and cold air intake system (rerouted air intake). There's an equivalent Super 220 package for the newer ND2 as that vehicle already starts with over 180hp. I think that Roddisons in Sheffield may do similar modifications, although not advertised on the website.
I wouldn't be bothered if it didn't, but the car still regularly returns me over 40mpg when I do any kind of longer journey. I had Apple CarPlay added to it as well (the ND2 includes it, for the ND1 it's a Mazda upgrade).
I have it exactly how I want it now - it feels quite quick, the Recaro seats are great, the technology is quite modern, and it doesn't cost a fortune to run.
M1k3yC said:
Thanks for that M1...Sounds very nice, I bet it's pretty lively...!
It would definitely something to throw in the pot, but I'm not expecting ownership to be long enough to warrant the outlay on mods, so it's still an Abarth really but that's a hot MX5 you have for sure. :driving:
I had Abarth 124 Spider for 2y 5 months, before Z4. The only reason, why I didn't keep it, was sudden increase of used car prices and buyout price from leasing company. I was planning to keep it, before prices shoot up and I refused to overpay for it. Sadly, prices are still high, actually almost the same as for last brand new ones in 2019, when you could get it with 3y warranty.
The first time I've seen 124 at Geneva Motor Show, I thought it's ugly and didn't even take a picture of it. I looked into this model, because it was very cheap on lease deals. I was surprised by the exhaust sound after watching a few videos and went for a test drives.
I didn't want to get one with black bonnet, because my cars always get stone chips and it would look worse than on standard paint.
Another thing, I would recommend getting one with visibility pack with xenons. Halogen lights are pretty poor. Visibility pack adds some other options as well.
Exhaust noise was great, but it also meant a lot of attention and I felt that people are always looking at me. Car got a lot of compliments everywhere, especially in Italy. No other car I had, got so much attention.
Comparing to Z4 G29, it might feel a bit primitive with limited spec, but I think it's just right. No start/stop, no lane assist or other annoying gadgets, real hand brake. Infotainment is straight from Mazda. No parking sensors on mine, but I had reversing camera installed, since it only costed me £100.
I really enjoyed driving Abarth, took it twice to the Alps for 4-5 weeks trips, drove on all my favourite mountain passes. I just came back from the Alps in Z4 and it was awfully quiet on the same roads. I didn't even bother driving on some roads, because I didn't think it's worth it.
When lease on my Z4 runs out next year, I will be getting Abarth again.
The first time I've seen 124 at Geneva Motor Show, I thought it's ugly and didn't even take a picture of it. I looked into this model, because it was very cheap on lease deals. I was surprised by the exhaust sound after watching a few videos and went for a test drives.
I didn't want to get one with black bonnet, because my cars always get stone chips and it would look worse than on standard paint.
Another thing, I would recommend getting one with visibility pack with xenons. Halogen lights are pretty poor. Visibility pack adds some other options as well.
Exhaust noise was great, but it also meant a lot of attention and I felt that people are always looking at me. Car got a lot of compliments everywhere, especially in Italy. No other car I had, got so much attention.
Comparing to Z4 G29, it might feel a bit primitive with limited spec, but I think it's just right. No start/stop, no lane assist or other annoying gadgets, real hand brake. Infotainment is straight from Mazda. No parking sensors on mine, but I had reversing camera installed, since it only costed me £100.
I really enjoyed driving Abarth, took it twice to the Alps for 4-5 weeks trips, drove on all my favourite mountain passes. I just came back from the Alps in Z4 and it was awfully quiet on the same roads. I didn't even bother driving on some roads, because I didn't think it's worth it.
When lease on my Z4 runs out next year, I will be getting Abarth again.
