Fiat Abarth

[MauleM5-235]

Bought my wife a Fiat 500 Abarth Convertible last week. Exhaust note is incredible. Perfect "almost sports car" for wife when she has to take our two daughters from school. Anyone have any experience with the new Fiat 500 Abarth?

[look 171]

Yes, one can't move out of the way(full of people) on the passing lane doing 75 on a grade. We were driving right behind him on our minivan and he held up about 8 people behind him.

[nynor]

Originally Posted by look 171

Yes, one can't move out of the way(full of people) on the passing lane doing 75 on a grade. We were driving right behind him on our minivan and he held up about 8 people behind him.

[look 171]

I have no idea which model 500 it was, but this little thing did not, could not move any more. Maybe he just didn't want to.

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by nynor

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The 2013 Abarth that I have is only slightly less wicked than the Renault R5-Turbo II that I owned years ago.

The R5-T2 weighed a bit over 1,900 lbs. and was dyno'd right around 212 hp. I put a variable boost control on it and at times when I gave her ~ 20 lbs. (just below detonation) I had to up-shift quickly. That car felt every bit as quick as a buddy's Mustang 500 Cobra. It was just plain nasty from 20 - 100 mph. Also, the R5 stayed flatter cornering.

Again, this Abarth is only slightly less strong because it's heavier and makes less hp. But I'm enjoying the hell outa this little bugger.
I love small, hot cars.
Hard to 'splain.
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A recent Pelican thread: "Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse"
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Fiat 500 Abarth Assetto Corse

[Chocaholic]

Originally Posted by MauleM5-235

Bought my wife a Fiat 500 Abarth Convertible last week. Exhaust note is incredible. Perfect "almost sports car" for wife when she has to take our two daughters from school. Anyone have any experience with the new Fiat 500 Abarth?

Please tell her to drive safely. We had a Mini CooperS and on two occasions I had my kids in the back seat. Nothing happened but I couldn't get past the thought of them sitting only inches in front of the rear bumper. So many driving and texting these days....you know the story. Sold it primarily for that reason.

Be careful.

[DanielDudley]

Originally Posted by Chocaholic

Please tell her to drive safely. We had a Mini CooperS and on two occasions I had my kids in the back seat. Nothing happened but I couldn't get past the thought of them sitting only inches in front of the rear bumper. So many driving and texting these days....you know the story. Sold it primarily for that reason.

Be careful.

Rides a duck, and is afraid of a car.

[krichard]

just picked this one up today. It has plenty of get up and go so the complaint above is just plain stupid. I Plan to drive it like I stole it and see how it holds up. They're so cheap it's almost disposable.....

[speeder]

Originally Posted by look 171

Yes, one can't move out of the way(full of people) on the passing lane doing 75 on a grade. We were driving right behind him on our minivan and he held up about 8 people behind him.

Originally Posted by look 171

I have no idea which model 500 it was, but this little thing did not, could not move any more. Maybe he just didn't want to.

Now there is some valuable and relevant contribution.

Back on topic: I love those little bombers. My mom has a new regular 500 convertible, cute car but the Abarth is a completely different animal. I had the pleasure of meeting one of the people who was instrumental in bringing that car to market in the U.S.A.

[speeder]

Kerry, I love that SOB.

[krichard]

Originally Posted by speeder

Kerry, I love that SOB.

Yea the ride home from the dealer was fun but revealed that it needs immediate suspension improvements. Ride is a little high and floaty. Springs and a short shifter are on the list of soon to be done improvements. Other than that it's a blast to drive and has a lot more room than I ever imagined before driving it.

[porsche4life]

I test drove one and was impressed. Reminded me of my corrado after a few mods. A touch of torque steer and angry noises. A perfect little DD!

[fred cook]

Originally Posted by MauleM5-235

Bought my wife a Fiat 500 Abarth Convertible last week. Exhaust note is incredible. Perfect "almost sports car" for wife when she has to take our two daughters from school. Anyone have any experience with the new Fiat 500 Abarth?

Am I correct in assuming from your user name that you have a Maule airplane? I live in/near the town (Moultrie, Ga.) where they are made. The Maule plant even has a small lake they use to land the float plane versions on. Mr. B.D. Maule is famous locally for getting one of his planes off the ground from the back of a hangar. Very short take off and landing capabilities!

[Don Ro]

Originally Posted by krichard

just picked this one up today. It has plenty of get up and go so the complaint above is just plain stupid. I Plan to drive it like I stole it and see how it holds up. They're so cheap it's almost disposable.....

"They're so cheap..."
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Cheap? Waddya pay for yours? Got leather?

[matthew-s]

Enjoy! I test drove one and thought it was a lot of fun. It's on my short list for a commuter car, should my current DD blow up (not likely anytime soon though).

It does seem to beg to be driven hard, doesn't it!

[BeyGon]

I think one of the magazines said something like that, you can drive them hard but nobody knows.

[Chocaholic]

Originally Posted by DanielDudley

Rides a duck, and is afraid of a car.

Yep....but the safety of my kids is on a whole different level than my own.

[krichard]

Originally Posted by Don Ro

"They're so cheap..."
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Cheap? Waddya pay for yours? Got leather?

I should have said "relatively cheap". It came pretty loaded. 17" wheels, leather seats, convenience package and beats audio. More options than I really wanted but it was on the floor and they wanted to turn it so I bit. Sticker was $26,600 and I drove out for under $23,000.

[9dreizig]

They roll pretty easily
Starting a 25 Hour Race... 48 hours in advance. - YouTube

[sammyg2]

I paid $25k for my furd f-150.
Evidently fiat doan charge by the pound