I wanted to get some opinions on the 124 Spider vs. the Triumph Spitfire in terms of why you chose the Spitfire (and yes, I realize where I'm asking). Just to remind you I'm looking at small convertibles because I want something fun, something to tinker on, and something to teach my kids about the generalities of car maintenance. The Fiat was the first convertible I looked at but I didn't get to drive it because the one I found had no brakes. I've since looked at and driven a 77 Spitfire and a 79 MGB. I ended up ruling out the MGB because it just didn't do much for me in the way it looks even though the car was in good shape at a good price.
After driving both of the British cars I'm concerned with the lack of power. I've never had a car with less than a v6 and I can't shake this nagging fear that I'll be disappointed in the power over the long haul. I know the Spider has more power and I'm looking for one now to check out and drive. That being said, one of the initial things that kind of shied me away from the Spider was the thought that I might be going at the experience more on my own with the Fiat. It seems all the LBCs have a good support network and clubs that do lots of local events but I haven't really been able to find that for the Fiat in Cincinnati. Maybe I just haven't been successful in searching though. One of the things I really like about the Spider though is the potential for having the kids in the car with my wife and I because of the rear seat / package shelf.
So, I'd really be interested in hearing some thoughts, especially from people that looked at Spiders too and chose the Spitfire, or people that might own both. I'm trying to get into the hobby with my eyes wide open and want to make sure I make the best possible decision for me and my family over the long haul. Thanks for any thoughts and/or adviceyou might have.
After driving both of the British cars I'm concerned with the lack of power. I've never had a car with less than a v6 and I can't shake this nagging fear that I'll be disappointed in the power over the long haul. I know the Spider has more power and I'm looking for one now to check out and drive. That being said, one of the initial things that kind of shied me away from the Spider was the thought that I might be going at the experience more on my own with the Fiat. It seems all the LBCs have a good support network and clubs that do lots of local events but I haven't really been able to find that for the Fiat in Cincinnati. Maybe I just haven't been successful in searching though. One of the things I really like about the Spider though is the potential for having the kids in the car with my wife and I because of the rear seat / package shelf.
So, I'd really be interested in hearing some thoughts, especially from people that looked at Spiders too and chose the Spitfire, or people that might own both. I'm trying to get into the hobby with my eyes wide open and want to make sure I make the best possible decision for me and my family over the long haul. Thanks for any thoughts and/or adviceyou might have.