Spider or Spitfire

[baltobernie]

http://michaeljay.tripod.com/spitfires/cdtest/index.htm
Spidey beat 'em all

[DUCeditor]

http://michaeljay.tripod.com/spitfires/cdtest/index.htm
Spidey beat 'em all

The power to rationalize is amazing and that article proves it. My oh my the lengths that Spitfire fan goes with the i
"ifs" and "buts" only to arrive back where he started. The the 124 wipes the other cars off the grid.

Sweet! Thanks for sharing. Now I'd love to get a copy of the entire original C&D article.

-don

[ga.spyder]

A couple years back,Classic Motorsports replicated that test using restored models of the same vehicles.Same cars ....same results.The Fiat not only dominated the test,but each owner got to drive all the other cars.The other owners almost all chose the Fiat as the car they would like to own other than their own.

[SeldomSeen]

x2 on the chrome-bumpered MGB. I've had my '66 for six years now without a single problem. If you decide to get a Spitfire get an older one - '67 Mk 3 or Mk 2. They're much simpler to work on than the later Federalized versions. And be sure to get a camber compensator if it doesn't already have one. I've always wanted a Spitfire.

[NJFIAT1981]

How about this reason. "Real Men Drive Spiders" Sorry had to throw that out there

[babu2001]

I've never owned a Spitfire, never was able to fit in it too either. I'm a big guy, 360 lbs (big bones of course ) and I fit in the Spider like no other convertible. Better than a Miata! All my buddies were scepticals about seeing me at the wheel of this kind of car. Now, they are believers. Lot of space. Even the trunk has plenty of room. Better than a Crossfire. That's what the guy who imported it for me said. He was able to put 2 Hummer wheels in it. And also, there is the space behind the seats. It's almost spacious as a minivan...

[onemorespyder]

Having owned several british cars, ( 59 MGA, 62 MGB, TR6 ) and also several Italian cars, I can attest to the virtues of both. The Brit cars ride roughly, have archaic suspension and braking systems, but offer a genuine classic feel. Pushrod engines, non-synchro first geared trans and smoking gun electrics are some design shortcomings. The Italian cars available in this country are very much more refined, engineered with more modern componrnts, and offer a tremendous value as they are well known to sell for very modest amounts. I've owned 6 Alfa Romeos, 1 2000 fiat roadster ( 1980 FI ) and the biggest difference in these cars other than the technology involve is the size of the smile on your face when you get back from a drive. The braking on these cars is far superior to anything British of the same era as attested by how many of our little spiders were rearended by cars with less able brakes. Currently I own and drive daily a 76 2 Liter Alfa Spider and the 80 Fiat Spider. So similar in concept and execution that they both offer the same type of experience. Both have a wonderful enthusiast network. ( Besides this invaluable forum, the Alfa BB has 50,000 + members ) and both are helpful for advice, parts and comradrie. I think in truth you shoul expand your search to include the Alfas as well. The Fiat and Alfa both have cost less than anything comparable for me to purchase and own and have delivered more smiles to the gallon than any cars I've owned. Just buy one and drive!

Regards, Darrell

[gudtimer41]

I've gone through 4 TR-3s and an MG-B in my car history. If you want a car that will start every time, get an FI spider. After sitting all winter in the garage, mine fires up with just a couple of turns. If you want a car that you can practically raise or lower the top with one hand, get a spider. If you want 4 wheel disc brakes, get a spider. If you want a car with a real heater, get a spider. If you want a car without Lucas electrics, GET A SPIDER!!!!!!!

[noKYspider]

Thanks everyone for the thoughts and advice. Just to let you know I'm currently looking for a Spider and hopefully it won't take months to get one. I've found one that I'm looking at locally and if you'd like to weigh in on the specifics please check the thread below.

http://www.fiatspider.com/f08/viewtopic.php?f=3&t=18375

[RedWolf]

FWIW - I have an old R&T article from June, 1976 where they compared several cars - Fiat 124, Fiat X 1/9, MGB, MG Midget, Triumph TR7, and Triumph Spitfire. The new designs at the time were the TR7 and X1/9. A perfect score was 1,600 - here were the results...

X 1/9 1371
TR7 1243
Spider 1214
MGB 940
Spitfire 920
Midget 761

Out of the 4 "vintage" cars at the time, the Spider was considered by far the best & came very close to beating the much more modern TR7.

[ga.spyder]

Not to mention that it is the biggest car of the bunch!I'm not sure I can get one butt cheek into a Midget!I was parked next to MGB ata ashow last week.My wife was amazed at how much bigger the Spider is than the B.

[courtenay]

I can appreciate that, Craig. When I was looking for a sports car back in 1972, I was convinced by an MG salesman to "test fit" a Midget. Took 4 sales guys to help extricate me from the vehicle. I thought they were going to have to use the jaws of life.
Interestingly enough, I also had a problem with the 124 Spider I eventually bought. Because of the large steering wheel, I had trouble shifting between first and second as my knee was in the way. The problem was solved by the dealer who installed a 12" MOMO wheel and included it in the deal. I have the same wheel on my current Spider.

[majicwrench]

Back in the '70s I worked at a dealership that sold both Fiats and British Leyland. The Brit carts had a certain charm, but jeesh, how crude. That said, my first car was a TR3, and I always figured I would end up with another Brit car at some point, till I saw an old fiat at a yard sale......and my wife said, hey you should get that....
Keith

[124ADDHE]

Back in the '70s I worked at a dealership that sold both Fiats and British Leyland. The Brit carts had a certain charm, but jeesh, how crude. That said, my first car was a TR3, and I always figured I would end up with another Brit car at some point, till I saw an old fiat at a yard sale......and my wife said, hey you should get that....
Keith

Thats some awesome wife you have their Keith