The 10 Best Tires for the Fiat 124 Spider
Certain trends in the automotive industry indicate that fun little sports cars aren’t a thing anymore. To be fair, it’s quite obvious, seeing large SUVs around us, but there are some exceptions.
Some car manufacturers want to keep the enthusiast’s dream alive and, even in this modern era, give us a car that will make us smile. One such model is the Fiat 124. Even though it’s discontinued, it’s popular enough to deserve a list of the best tires.
The Fiat 124 came in several flavors, most of which were running 17-inch wheels, which is the size I’ve chosen for today.
#1. Michelin Pilot Super Sport
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My first tire for the Fiat 124 is a relatively older model. The Pilot Super Sport has been around for over a decade, and despite its age, it’s still a very competitive option.
The Pilot Super Sport is a tire that can offer much more performance than you’d need. You’ll have plenty of traction, meaning that even in aggressive scenarios, the amount of slip will be almost non-existent. The grip is also magnificent, and the tire will handle getting thrown into a corner without breaking a sweat. All of this comes backed by some of the shortest braking distances in the category. It’s a tire that you can use daily or have some fun on a twisty road or on a track. As for the handling, I have no complaints. The tire is very responsive and communicates with you well. You can make corrections mid-corner without any issues.
Things remain equally impressive in wet conditions. Damp roads are not a problem for the Pilot Super Sport, thanks to the high levels of grip and traction. The tire will remain planted regardless of whether you’re driving to the supermarket or having fun around corners. With that said, you can overwhelm it, which may result in some understeer or slip when accelerating. Like before, you’re looking at very impressive braking distances, which are better than some newer models from the same category. Harsh rain is something that this tire will struggle with. It’s good enough, but the tire never really did well in these conditions.
Even though it’s a max performance tire, the Pilot Super Sport isn’t the worst tire in terms of refinement. The noise levels are surprisingly low, and the hum isn’t the loudest thing you’ll hear – maybe a bit more on the highway, but nothing terrible. The comfort levels are good, but there is a slight drawback. It’s fine over smaller bumps and imperfections and smooths them as best as possible. With that said, it struggles with the larger one, where it feels a bit harsh.
Surprisingly, the Pilot Super Sport has a warranty. With this tire, you’re getting a 30,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is pretty good considering the type of tire we’re looking at.
Pros
- Marvelous dry performance
- Relatively low noise levels
- Dynamic handling
Cons
- Wet performance is a bit behind some of its rivals, especially in terms of aquaplaning resistance
- Going over larger bumps makes the tire feel a bit harsh
#2. Bridgestone Potenza Sport
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There is another option from the max performance segment that’s a bit more affordable than the previous tire. I’m talking about the Potenza Sport, which may not be the best in class, but it’s still an excellent choice.
As a performance-oriented tire, the Potenza Sport offers plenty of performance in dry conditions. The grip and traction levels are plentiful, and the tire will handle getting pushed a lot before it lets go of the road. It also offers short braking distances, which aren’t far behind the best-in-class models. One thing enthusiasts will love is the handling. It’s among the most responsive tires in this class, offering plenty of feedback. Despite not being the best in terms of performance, the handling makes up for that, making it a fun tire.
Wet is where things start to get a bit mixed. The traction and grip levels are pretty good, but you’ll notice they’re a bit behind when you put it back-to-back with some of its rivals. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a very capable tire, but I feel like it needs just a bit more. It’s the same with the braking distances. The differences aren’t massive, but they are still noticeable. As for aquaplaning resistance, you’re looking at a stable tire in harsh rain, but again, some rivals seem to do a bit better job.
In terms of refinement, the Potenza Sport isn’t the best in this category. The comfort levels are slightly harsher, which is to be expected. With larger bumps or potholes, the initial hit is dampened, but the tire struggles a bit with the smaller ones, as it doesn’t minimize vibrations as well as some of the other tires. The noise levels are acceptable. It’s not particularly loud, but it’s slightly louder than some of its rivals, especially if we’re talking about rougher roads.
Pros
- Very responsive with plenty of feedback
- Dampens larger bumps and potholes well
- Grip and traction levels on dry roads are excellent
Cons
- Performance on wet roads needs a bit more work
- The noise levels are average
#3. Firestone Firehawk Indy 500
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Like in our list of best tires for the Mazda MX-5, I’m throwing in a summer performance tire from the mid-range segment. I’m going for the Firehawk Indy 500, which is a good enough choice, considering we’re talking about the Fiat 124.
Despite being a mid-range model, the Firehawk Indy 500 offers plenty of performance in dry conditions. The tire delivers high levels of grip and traction, putting it near the top of its class, which also covers the short braking distances. Even though the tire is behind on performance when compared with the previous two, it’s far from a poor option, especially considering the type of vehicle we’re talking about. The handling is another positive about this tire. It’s responsive, and the inputs are precise, which, combined with decent feedback, means it’s dynamic.
In wet conditions, things don’t change too much, and the Firehawk Indy 500 remains one of the best-in-class tires. It offers pretty good levels of traction, which will keep the slip minimal unless you get overly aggressive when accelerating. It’s the same story with the cornering grip. The tire will handle getting thrown into a corner with no issues, but getting overboard will result in understeer. It’s also very stable in harsh rain, thanks to the pattern that evacuates water efficiently.
The biggest drawback with the Firehawk Indy 500 is the refinement. In terms of comfort, you’re looking at an averagely smooth ride. The tire smooths some of the smaller imperfections well, so in this case, it’s not too bad. With that said, larger bumps and potholes aren’t well absorbed, so you’ll have to deal with a stiffer ride and a bit more vibrations. The noise levels aren’t the lowest, even in the mid-range segment. On smooth roads around town, the hum is barely noticeable, which isn’t the case at highway speeds or on rougher surfaces.
Pros
- Grip and traction levels are pretty good for a mid-range model
- The handling is responsive, with a solid amount of feedback
- Stable in harsh rain
Cons
- The overall performance isn’t as good as the premium options
- The noise and comfort levels aren’t as good as some mid-range tires
#4. Bridgestone Potenza RE980AS+
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Now, let’s talk about a few models that can handle a bit of winter driving, starting with a model from Bridgestone. The Potenza RE980AS+ comes as an upgrade over the regular RE980AS, bringing some improvements into the mix.
The Potenza RE980AS+ is a tire that will deliver all the performance you’ll need in dry conditions. There are high levels of grip and traction, meaning that the tire will prevent slip or understeer, even when you want to have some fun with it. The best part is that it’s easy to handle even when you reach the limits, making it a very maneuverable model, which most people would be happy with. It’s also very predictable on the limit, meaning it won’t surprise you when you push it hard. You’re looking at a very responsive tire that will communicate with you enough so that you’ll know when you’ve reached the limits.
Wet performance is something that the Potenza RE980AS+ does very well, but this is where we begin to see some weaknesses. The tire offers plenty of grip and traction, which, combined with the short braking distances, makes this a very good performer. With that said, you’re looking at performance that is behind some of its rivals, especially when we’re looking at the braking distances. On a positive note, the tire’s handling characteristics don’t change much in these conditions. Like most of the performance in these conditions, the aquaplaning resistance is pretty good but not the best in class.
The Potenza RE980AS+ is an all-season tire, and as such, it offers some performance in winter. In lighter conditions, the tire’s traction is pretty good, meaning that you can use it in areas where the winters are mild. The performance on unpacked snow is good as long as it’s not too deep. You will notice it struggling to find traction on packed snow a bit more, but it’s easily manageable. The braking distances are pretty short, and surprisingly, the tire offers some usable performance on ice.
Refinement is something that the Potenza RE980AS+ does well, considering it’s a UHP tire. The comfort levels aren’t the worst in this category, and if you’re prepared to live with some harness, it won’t be the worst choice in the world. You’ll notice a bump here and there, and the vibrations won’t be as muted as with some of its rivals. As for the noise levels, I don’t have too many complaints. There is some noise from the tire, which is to be expected, but it’s not overly loud, even when you’re driving at higher speeds.
As a premium tire, you’re getting a premium warranty. The Potenza RE980AS+ comes with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is quite a lot for a UHP tire.
Pros
- Usable in lighter winter conditions
- Dry performance is excellent
- Superb handling characteristics
Cons
- Wet braking distances are behind some of its rivals
- Slightly stiffer ride
#5. Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4
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This next option is another tire from the Pilot Sport lineup. It’s the Pilot Sport All Season 4, which is a direct competitor of the previous tire, offering plenty of performance as long as you’re prepared for the slightly higher price tag.
The Pilot Sport All Season 4 is a tire that will have no issues delivering performance in dry conditions. There’s more than enough traction to prevent any slip while keeping the tire in check when going around a corner. The tire also offers very short braking distances. Overall, it’s a model that perfectly satisfies your needs as an enthusiast. The handling is also pretty dynamic, adding to the fun aspect of the tire.
Wet performance is something that the Pilot Sport All Season 4 delivers well, especially considering the application we’re talking about today. For the most part, the tire is pretty good when driving in these conditions and will keep you safe, which is backed by the short braking distances. The thing that’s worth mentioning is that once you start to reach the limits, the tire will become a bit twitchy, especially when you need to make micro-corrections mid-corner. In harsh rain conditions, the aquaplaning resistance is excellent, and the stability isn’t compromised.
As an all-season tire, the Pilot Sport All Season 4 offers usable performance in winter conditions. The tire has solid levels of grip and traction on shallow snow and won’t struggle a lot unless you ask too much of it. It does a good enough job on packed snow, but the levels aren’t as high as with a proper winter tire. The tire does a decently good job in lighter conditions, but like most all-season tires, it will struggle in harsher conditions.
Refinement is something that the Pilot Sport All Season 4 does well enough for a tire from this category. You’re getting solid comfort levels, and the tire deals with bumps decently well. It’s a slightly firm ride, especially when going over larger bumps, but it’s not a dealbreaker. Noise levels are on the low side when you’re driving at slower speeds. The hum is a bit more pronounced on the highway, even when compared with some of its rivals.
The warranty is surprisingly long for a Michelin tire. You’re looking at a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is just a bit behind the previous model.
Pros
- Very responsive with a good amount of feedback
- Snow performance is decent
- Overall performance is more than enough for most people
Cons
- It’s a bit on the pricy side
- Average refinement levels
#6. BFGoodrich g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus
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Here, I have another premium UHP all-season tire that is a direct competitor of the previous ones. The g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus is an upgrade over its predecessor, bringing some improvements in terms of performance.
In dry conditions, the g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus is a tire that won’t disappoint. The performance levels are excellent, and the tire delivers plenty of grip and traction, which is more than enough for anything from daily driving to having fun on a twisty road. It won’t be an ideal choice for getting the best times on a track, but it will be enough if you want to have some fun. I have to braise the braking distances are being on the shorter end of the spectrum in this category. The thing that’s a bit of a letdown is the handling. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a dynamic tire, which is good. With that said, some models are a bit more eager to respond to your inputs.
The wet performance of the g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus is even more impressive. Right off the bat, the thing that’s worth mentioning is the braking distances, which are among the shorter ones in the all-season UHP segment. The same goes for the grip and traction levels. With this tire, the amount of slip will be minimal, and the tire will go around a corner without promoting understeer. The V-shaped tread pattern does wonders in harsh rain, offering very good aquaplaning resistance.
BFGoodrich offers the g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus as an upgrade, meaning you’re also getting noticeably improved winter performance. The tire deals with lighter snow conditions quite well, and it seems to struggle less on packed snow when compared with some of its rivals. This also covers the braking distances, which are very short for this category of tires. I wouldn’t start comparing it with winter tires, but it’s a pretty strong performer in its own class.
Refinement is an area where the g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus does well enough. The comfort levels are solid, and the tire will do a good enough job to absorb the larger potholes without feeling overly harsh. It’s not a touring tire, so don’t expect miracles. The noise levels aren’t as low as some of its rivals, meaning that you’ll get to hear it just a bit more when compared with tires that we consider the best.
The warranty is surprisingly good, considering the lower price point. With the g-Force COMP-2 A/S Plus, you’re getting a 45,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is on the same level as the more expensive Michelin tire.
Pros
- The wet performance is marvelous
- Very capable tire in snowy conditions
- It’s a bit more affordable than some other premium models
Cons
- Not the quietest tire of the bunch
- Even though the responsiveness is good, it needs just a bit more
#7. General G-MAX AS-07
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With the premium models aside, let’s look at some mid-range options. The G-MAX AS-07 is an excellent all-season UHP tire that may be a bit behind some of the premium rivals, but it makes up for that with affordability.
The dry performance of the G-MAX AS-07 is excellent, which is why I’m recommending it as a good option for the Fiat 124. For daily driving, the tire’s grip and traction levels are more than enough, meaning you can accelerate or go around the corner without worrying if the tire can handle that. As a UHP tire, you have the performance to push it and have some fun. It’s more than up to the task for a twisty road, but if you plan on taking it on a track, you’ll notice it’s a bit behind the premium rivals. The handling is pretty good, and the tire is responsive with a good amount of feedback. With that said, it lacks a bit in terms of precision.
Driving in wet conditions is something that the G-MAX AS-07 does well in terms of performance. The performance is there, and the traction levels on damp surfaces are very good to prevent any slip. Going into a corner isn’t an issue, and the grip will hold the tire in check, but getting too aggressive with your input can upset the car mid-corner. Keep in mind that this is only for situations where you’re pushing it hard. The best thing about this tire is that it offers short braking distances, even in the mid-range segment. Harsh rain is another aspect that doesn’t upset the tire too much and will remain stable at highway speeds.
Considering that the G-MAX AS-07 is only a few months old, the winter performance is unknown. If it’s anything like its predecessor, you should have usable performance in lighter conditions, but I wouldn’t guarantee anything until I try it. If someone has had an experience in these conditions, let me know.
The refinement is an area where the G-MAX AS-07 needs a bit of work. It’s comfortable enough and deals well with bumps and road imperfections. With that said, there is a bouncy nature that you’ll notice, especially on bad roads. As for the noise levels, I’d call them average. The tire isn’t obnoxiously loud, but it’s louder than some of its rivals, especially the ones from the premium segment.
In terms of warranty, this model is well within the premium segment. The G-MAX AS-07 comes with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is on the same level as the Bridgestone model.
Pros
- Solidly comfortable
- Plenty of performance
- Long treadwear warranty
Cons
- It may feel bouncy on bad roads
- Not as precise as some of its rivals
#8. Vredestein Hypertrac All Season
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The last of the all-season options on this list is another mid-range model. I’m talking about the Hypertrac All Season from Vredestein, a tire that does a lot of things right, which is what you’d want in this situation.
Performance in dry conditions is something that the Hypertrac All Season delivers without too many issues. The grip and traction levels are way higher than what you’d need for daily driving. Since it’s a sporty tire, you’d want to push it, and it will comply. You won’t get the same level of performance as the premium models, but it’s still more than enough for the 124. The braking distances are good but noticeably longer than its premium rivals. It’s a tire that’s easy to handle and dynamic enough to be fun to drive. With that said, it’s a bit soft and not as responsive and eager to turn.
In wet conditions, the Hypertrac All Season delivers dependable performance, which most people want. The traction levels are pretty good for the category, and the tire won’t slip in moderately aggressive scenarios. In the corners, the grip is enough to eliminate slip, but with the 124, you may experience some oversteer if you get carried away with the gas pedal mid-corner. The best part is that it’s easy to handle and won’t catch you by surprise. As for safety, the braking distances are good, but like the previous tire, it’s a bit behind some of its rivals. The aquaplaning resistance is pretty decent for a mid-range tire and will remain stable even in harsh rain conditions.
The performance in winter conditions is as good as you can expect from an all-season tire to be. With the Hypertrac All Season, you’re looking at solid levels of grip and traction in lighter conditions, which will be more than enough for lighter conditions. Like wet, the tire has a playful nature, and you can get the back to step out a bit if you push it enough. The braking distances are pretty good for a mid-range tire and are very close to what some premium tires offer.
Refinement is something that the Hypertrac All Season does very well despite its mid-range tag. The comfort levels are pretty good for a UHP tire, offering a smooth enough ride that won’t feel harsh. It deals with potholes well, softening the initial impact quite well. The noise levels are also pretty good for a tire from this category. It’s generally quiet enough and won’t be too noticeable, even when driving at higher speeds. The only noticeable thing is the thump when you hit a pothole.
Similar to the previous tire, the warranty is excellent. The Hypertrac All Season comes with a 50,000-mile treadwear warranty, which is better than some premium options on this list.
Pros
- The comfort levels are very good for a UHP tire
- Solid performance in winter
- Dry and wet performance is more than enough for most people
Cons
- The overall performance is behind the premium rivals, especially when pushed to the limit
- There is a noticeable thump when you hit a pothole
#9. Pirelli Winter Sottozero 3
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Like most of my lists, I’m ending this one with a winter tire, starting with a premium option. The Winter Sottozero 3 is an excellent tire with plenty of performance and not a lot of drawbacks.
The dry performance of the Winter Sottozero 3 is excellent, meaning you won’t feel like you need more. There’s plenty of traction to prevent the tire from slipping when accelerating, while the grip will keep it in check, eliminating understeer. You can push it too much where it will let go, but even if you want to have a bit of fun, the tire won’t have any issues with that. It comes with short braking distances, so it’s safe. As for the handling, it’s responsive enough, but some of its rivals seem to do a better job at it.
Rain is something that the Winter Sottozero 3 won’t struggle with at all and will offer all the performance you’ll need. The grip and traction on damp roads are enough to minimize slip or understeer when going into a corner and will also prevent oversteer when accelerating. It won’t be on the same level as in dry conditions, so don’t push it too hard unless you know what you’re doing. The tire also delivers short braking distances, so it’s a perfect performer, right? Not exactly. Unfortunately, the aquaplaning resistance isn’t the best in its class. The tire is stable in harsh rain, but some of its rivals can handle a bit more speed.
The Winter Sottozero 3 is all about winter, meaning you’re looking at excellent snow performance. It won’t struggle on snow too much, and as long as you don’t get too carried away, the tire won’t slip. You also won’t have any issues in harsher conditions like deeper snow, so I have no complaints here. Regardless of the surface, this tire can offer very short braking distances, putting it near the top of this category. There’s even some ice performance on the table, which is good enough as long as you don’t compare it with a studdable or studded tire.
When it comes to refinement, there are two sides to the Winter Sottozero 3. The positive side is the comfort levels, which are very good. It’s soft and delivers a plush ride, easily smoothing cracks and smaller bumps in the road. The tire also does a very good job of smoothing potholes and preventing vibrations from entering the cabin. On the other hand, we have the noise levels. The tire isn’t the loudest in the bunch, but far from the quietest. For the most part, the hum around town isn’t too noticeable, but that changes when you get on the highway.
Pros
- Excellent tire for snow and a bit of ice
- Grip and traction levels on dry and wet roads are excellent
- The comfort levels are very good
Cons
- It’s a bit behind some of its rivals in terms of aquaplaning resistance
- The noise is the weakest part, which is average for the premium segment
#10. Falken Eurowinter HS01
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The last tire for this list is another winter option, but it’s from the mid-range segment. You have the Eurowinter HS01, which is a more affordable option than the previous one, meaning that there are some slight compromises to be made.
When it comes to performance in dry conditions, the Eurowinter HS01 provides very good performance. It offers plenty of traction to prevent slip when accelerating, and you can even get a bit aggressive without doing a burnout. The tire goes around corners very well and holds the line, thanks to the high levels of grip. You’re also getting very short braking distances, slightly better than some premium rivals. The handling is the weakest point. It’s not the most responsive model, even when we’re talking about winter tires.
The tire continues to deliver plenty of performance in wet conditions as well. There’s more than enough traction and grip on damp roads to keep the Eurowinter HS01 planted, even if you want to push it a bit. Overdoing it will result in understeer, which is to be expected since we’re talking about a mid-range tire. Like in dry conditions, the tire delivers very short braking distances, so it’s safe. The best part about it is the aquaplaning resistance. It outperforms the Pirelli model and many of its rivals.
Even though it’s a winter tire, the Eurowinter HS01 isn’t the best snow performer. Don’t get me wrong, it’s far from terrible, but even within its class, some tires seem to do a slightly better job. The traction is suitable for daily driving, but if you decide to push it, you’ll notice it lacking a bit. It’s the same story with the braking distances. Yes, they’re short and safe, but longer than some of its rivals.
As for the refinement, it seems to have the same characteristics as the previous tire. The Eurowinter HS01 is a comfortable tire despite being a mid-range model. It smooths out a good amount of imperfections and minor bums without feeling bouncy. With potholes, the initial hit is well-dampened, and you won’t deal with too much vibration in the cabin. The noise levels aren’t as impressive. Regardless of the type of surface you drive on, the tire will produce a hum, which increases in intensity when you drive on rougher surfaces.
Pros
- Dry and wet performance is very good
- Comfortable
- Superb aquaplaning resistance
Cons
- Snow performance is behind some of its rivals
- The noise levels aren’t very low