Howdy,
Over the weekend, I saw this beautifully restored 69 Alfa Spider. It looked as if it came of the assembly line. The owner said it had a mechanical fuel injection (I don't know what that means). He spent about $24K on it. It was just a gorgeous automobile. I couldn't stop looking at it.
I'm curious as to the reputation of Alfa versus Fiat Spiders? Which one has better performance, better handling, better reliability etc.
Personally, I like the Fiat's body style better. I like the round curves and strong look. The Alfa is too long and thin for my taste. But, 69 I saw did have subtle curves to it, unlike the later models.
Clint
Fiat vs Alfa
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spidernut
- Posts: 1906
- Joined: Wed Jan 25, 2006 12:20 am
- Your car is a: 1979 Fiat Spider Automatic
- Location: Lincoln, CA
The Alfas tend to be more popular amongst Italian car fans. They both suffer from many of the same electrical and mechanical problems. Performance is a different story. It really depends on which models and years you are considering. Some are better, some are worse. As far as reliability, I think they're pretty similar - you'll be under the hood tinkering no matter which model you purchase. That just goes with the turf.
John G.
1979 Spider (Owned since 2000)
1971 124 Sport Spider (Owned since 2017)
1977 Spider (Sold 2017)
1979 Spider (Disposed of in 2017)
1979 Spider (Sold 2015)
1980 Spider (Sold in 2013)
1981 Spider (Sold in 1985)
2017 Spider (Owned since 2019)
1979 Spider (Owned since 2000)
1971 124 Sport Spider (Owned since 2017)
1977 Spider (Sold 2017)
1979 Spider (Disposed of in 2017)
1979 Spider (Sold 2015)
1980 Spider (Sold in 2013)
1981 Spider (Sold in 1985)
2017 Spider (Owned since 2019)
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Hjulen
I share some of your same opinions about the Alfa Spider, the styling after the 60s Duetto spiders never really excited me that much.
Having not driven an Alfa Spider, and really can't comment on those differences. I will say that the Fiat community (local clubs ect) in my experience is a little more relaxed and my style.
Having not driven an Alfa Spider, and really can't comment on those differences. I will say that the Fiat community (local clubs ect) in my experience is a little more relaxed and my style.
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E Prod Racer
I used to own a '71 Alfa Spider, and a '74 GTV coupe - at the same time. Both daily drivers, the GTV for me, and the Spider for my at the time new wife - our young and stupid days....
The mechanical fuel injection is Spica, which was used by Alfa from '69 to the mid 80's?, when it was replaced by Bosch (much better). The Spica was/is an infernal mechanism, IMHO. Another reason to buy Weber DCOEs, which is the "cure" for Spica. The injection itself was just marginal, if well maintained (the trick was to make sure to change the oil often, and reqired two filters, one for the engine, and one for the injection pump. Forget the filter in the injection pump, and not too many miles later - Spica madness. The real big problem was the Fuel Pump - an infernal device from HELL! It would quit at the drop of a hat, only lasted 1-2 years, and cost about $175 in early '70's dollars - very expensive. A smart owner would always have a spare in the trunk. Oh, yeah, and the pump was driven by a toothed timing belt (it had to be timed), that would also quit on you in the middle of nowhere (did for me, and that is another interesting story...."Is this here thing an EYEtalian car?" Geez, I hated that Spica! Don't get me started.....
All in all, I am much happier with the FIATs. A much better engine, easier to tune for more power, and cheaper to tune. The body on FIATs and Alfa both rust at the same rate, so best to keep either in a garage in the winter. They share a lot of trim, and body fittings, and both had the same build quality. My favorite Alfa was the GTV I had - a sexy little coupe, and a great driver (now if it only didn't have that crappy Spica....).
The mechanical fuel injection is Spica, which was used by Alfa from '69 to the mid 80's?, when it was replaced by Bosch (much better). The Spica was/is an infernal mechanism, IMHO. Another reason to buy Weber DCOEs, which is the "cure" for Spica. The injection itself was just marginal, if well maintained (the trick was to make sure to change the oil often, and reqired two filters, one for the engine, and one for the injection pump. Forget the filter in the injection pump, and not too many miles later - Spica madness. The real big problem was the Fuel Pump - an infernal device from HELL! It would quit at the drop of a hat, only lasted 1-2 years, and cost about $175 in early '70's dollars - very expensive. A smart owner would always have a spare in the trunk. Oh, yeah, and the pump was driven by a toothed timing belt (it had to be timed), that would also quit on you in the middle of nowhere (did for me, and that is another interesting story...."Is this here thing an EYEtalian car?" Geez, I hated that Spica! Don't get me started.....
All in all, I am much happier with the FIATs. A much better engine, easier to tune for more power, and cheaper to tune. The body on FIATs and Alfa both rust at the same rate, so best to keep either in a garage in the winter. They share a lot of trim, and body fittings, and both had the same build quality. My favorite Alfa was the GTV I had - a sexy little coupe, and a great driver (now if it only didn't have that crappy Spica....).