New Englander searching for Fiat

[gojira]

Hi,

I live in central NH and am looking for a FIAT that I can do some mods on. I'm initially thinking about a 124, but I had a 500 rental in the UK that was a hoot, so a 500 Abarth might be in the cards, especially at the price points I see for used ones. I think I physically fit in a 124 a bit better though.

I'm not too worried about wrenching on a car as I've owned more cars than I can count. The closest I've come to owning an Italian car in the past though was a 1970 Innocenti Mino Cooper - 998cc of fury! I also owned a Citroën SM almost 40 years ago when I was a couple of years out of school and that car definitely ate my lunch money.

The thing I'm trying to figure out with the 124, is how much difference is there between an Abarth and one of the lower trims, say a Lusso, if I know I'm going to replace the exhaust, tune, etc. I'll appreciate any and all comments. Thanks!

[texanbrit]

There is also the X1/9 that you see come up as project cars quite often. I'm no expert on the classic 124s, but I know a couple of folks who are. Shoot me a PM if you are interested and I'll try to hook you up with them. Fiat Club America is also a tremendous resource for the classic Fiats.

[Mp3guy]

Since the Abarth and the 124 use the same 1.4L motor, most mods are quite similar. As far as owning a convertible with a louder exhaust, that is up to the taste of the owner.

Performance wise, there isn't a heck of a lot of difference between the Abarth and the Lusso. If I were a New Englander, with all those nice roads to tour, consider a Lusso for comfort and adding a tune later for speed.