Good info, thanks. We like them both, very similar in size and seating. For us, not being mechanics, a lot comes down to available experts, parts, shops and reliability. I’d like to own at least ONE Alfa in my life, and a new one is out of the price range, I’m looking for one where the owner loved it, took care of it, but has too many cars Wouldn’t F1 be more desirable, as opposed to less?Ok, I have owned both. A mid 70's 124 and also an 86 Alfa Spider. I would own the 124 any day over the Alfa. The Alfa I had was powered with the Bosch FI system, and it was god awful slow. The 124 could run circles around it. In terms of working on and maintenance, I would say they are very similar, with the alfa bits being just a bit more, because Alfa.... Now, if you go back in years a bit and find a late 60 or early 70's Alfa, then that becomes a much more interesting comparison.
However, it comes down to which style you like more. The Alfa is very pretty and looks like it is doing 110 sitting there. The 124 also looks good, just not as "sleek" as the Afla. I would say, buy which one you like the best and enjoy it. FI can be removed for carbs, or you can toss the Bosch system and replace it with Megasquirt, there are lots of options to overcome the issues I had with it.
Ha, that’s a first, Alfa shop over FIAT. I hear this too - “oh, we don’t know how to work on THOSE cars”. Yet most people here say it’s no big deal. Luckily there’s a young, local kid who has the attitude ‘It’s just an engine’. So in a pinch, at least I can get a diagnosis.Have owned both but never a Bosch injected Alfa Spider so I can’t comment on those.
Id rather have the Fiat. Especially the late model injected cars. They are a great classic that’s usable and a cheaper buy in than the Alfa.
Parts costs and availability are about the same.
Not being mechanics though you are correct, it’s very important to have a good mechanic available. For example my city has a resident Alfa expert but no one wants to touch a Fiat.
Good point and the Fiat has the simplest top to operate, ever!The driving position in the Fiat 124 is better than the Alfa, it may just be me.
Yes, that was his name and shop - thanks for remembering what I couldn't lolI think the mechanic is Benny at John's Alfa Romance. I do know someone in LA area that had work done by Benny, and was always pleased with the work done on the car.
We’re looking at a ‘87My 91 had motronic. Left me stranded 3 times. I have a 3 tow truck limit rule.
L jet. Simple to work on.We’re looking at a ‘87