FI 80' vs. 81' vs. 82' any quirks?

[rlux4]

I turn my back on your guys for a couple of days, and I find you trying to corrupt some poor innocent quester.
Here's the straight skinny. When I decided to get another Spider (when my wife said it was OK) I too, wanted to get the best one I could afford. So I asked myself what would constitute the best year. Logic demanded that it must be an 82! That is the year that Fiat decided they couldn't make it any better, so they stopped making them.
Seriously, I really wanted a Spider with FI. My first one, years ago, was a 79, and in California, a 79 was really a slug. I went after the 82 thinking it would be a converstion piece to own the last year that Fiat made the Spider. (I know there's really no difference to speak of between the FI models.)
Ron

[JDOliver]

Some 80s where carbed. Just be aware of that.

[pope]

There is really no difference in cars, its the owners that are quirky. 80's are most stable owners, and can get down right neurotic by the time you get to 82 owners.

[mbouse]

There is really no difference in cars, its the owners that are quirky. 80's are most stable owners, and can get down right neurotic by the time you get to 82 owners.

right you are Pope. 1980 Spider owners are a stable crew. just ask me, i know i resemble that remark.

and, "slug" is a relative term. unmodified 1979-80 carbureted models were the worst performing in stock form. however.... give me an 1800 intake and a rebuilt 1800 head, a 32/36 Weber and some breathing exhaust... and i will run along side ANY '82.. ANYtime, ANYwhere