Best Years for 124 Spider

[LEWISDR]

I'm wondering if there is a different driving feel of a later FI car versus an earlier small bumper carburated car?

Specifically, comparing a 73 with the 1608 motor versus an 81 FI car. Assuming of course that both cars are in very good condition. I have heard that the 1608 is a very good motor and will rev higher than the later FI cars. Also the earlier car would be somewhat lighter I think due to not having the oversized federal bumpers.

Would the handling be better on the 1608? Would the acceleration be similar?

Question is mainly for those who have been lucky enough to drive good examples of both cars.

Thanks
Dan
81 Spider

[rlux4]

I can compare my 82 with Ace's 70. Keeping in mind that when I drove his modified for HP car, it wasn't perfoming at peak, I gotta say, I couldn't tell much difference. In both power and handling, they seemed to me to be very similar. His did seem to rev quicker. We didn't take his out on a route that would really test the handling though. It could be that I just don't have that sensitive a seat of the pants feel. The bumpers on mine don't feel any different than when I have a passenger with me, and I never feel the difference in handling then either.
Ron

[mdrburchette]

It really depends on what you're looking for in a car. The early models are classier with their chrome bumpers. Even a lot of FI owners will admit that that! They are also easier to modify for more hp due to them being carbed. But, on the same token, the FI cars are pretty peppy from the factory, with the ease and reliability of a fuel injected engine....so, of course the 73 with the 1608 is the better choice!

[Gunsmith]

Don't worry about trying to figure out what year is better. Just find an 82 and know you have bought the best.

[ga.spyder]

Do we have any proof that Denise secretly loves the 82 model Spiders...hmmmm

[rlux4]

Craig, it looks like your hood is not latched. Is that because Denise had it open, drooling all over the fuel injected 2 litre engine?
Ron

[ga.spyder]

No,that was from Alvon poking around in there looking for perfomance tips!
Craig

[ventura ace]

That picture is a classic. You come up with some geat ones, Craig! One day, when you're not expecting it . . . there just may be payback.

But, you know, Denise or I don't really need to say anything. The cars speak for themselves (early and later years). If you like them, then that is what is best for you. And if you don't, they you'll pick something else.

BTW, I love how smooth the FI 2.0L engines run, and how torquey they are on the low end. A properly running 1608 seems to match it pretty well on the high end, however (and the 1438 does pretty doggone good too). The 1.8L seems to be a good balancing act in the middle, especially if you trick it out a little with cams, high compression pistons, and some big IDF carbs, lightened flywheel, etc. The modified 1.8L in my car ran pretty doggone hot when first built, but sadly, the head gasket has developed compression leaks between pistons, and the car just feels sort of normal now, as Ron says. But you can put any of these engines in any of the years' cars, so that's not the best reason for choosing a year.

I like the early models for the styling, and for the simplicity that there's not much to go wrong, and if it ever does, can be fixed by the side of the road with the most basic tools, and simple diagnostics. The more complexity of the later cars' electronics can present challenges, and often does. Properly maintained, you'll get great satisfaction out of any of them, early or later.

Alvon

[ga.spyder]

I gotta agree with Alvon.We all like to play around with the 'best year' stuff...it is fun.In reality,they are all great cars with their own virtues.I dont think they made a bad one.
Craig

[mdrburchette]

Dang, Craig. Don't tell me nobody got a picture of you driving my 72! We're going to have to do better next time.

[ga.spyder]

Ha!!! You missed your chance,and I was grinnin the whole time.You did turn my poor daughter,the lovely Heather, into a 'little bumper' fan!

[Gunsmith]

Craig that picture was great. Now add some to your daughters that she is dreaming of an 82 or something down those lines.

[Makita]

I think, she is dreaming of an 84 DS

[mdrburchette]

At that age she's dreaming about the boy down the road. Doesn't she look good in my 72?

[RoadRacer]

1982....... fuel injected, 4 wheel disc brakes, same as a modern sports car!