Jerry
Dork
3/10/14 6:57 a.m.
Drove from Dayton OH to Charlotte NC and back this weekend for the SCCA National Convention. After some debate on engine break-in I decided to take the Abarth. Some observations:
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Steering wheel could use some cushion, it's leather-wrapped stone. Wondering if I can get a cover that fits with the flat-bottomed shape.
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The seats are amazingly comfy. I did not expect much, being on the sporty side vs luxury. But even 5hrs in I felt fine, and I go to a chiropractor every month for adjustments. (After 7-8-9hrs it was a bit less comfy but even a recliner would have been by then.)
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Forget heated seats, give me a heated steering wheel! 15F and no gloves was like steering with an ice cube. (That's on me for forgetting my gloves.)
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There is no reason to not have "Sport" button pressed. I thought maybe the MPG might be a little better (not sure) but having sport to pass on a mountain is worth it...
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...and there was no need to downshift to pass/climb a hill. Hit the gas, she moves.
All in all this was a very fun car to drive and the looks from the rednecks in WV trying to figure out what the hell that was was worth it alone. 
Woody
MegaDork
3/10/14 7:07 a.m.
Does it track straight on the highway? That's always a concern of mine with short wheelbase cars.
Jerry
Dork
3/10/14 9:05 a.m.
In reply to Woody:
I didn't notice any problems. Hit some good potholes and it hops around a bit but nothing unusual to me.
My mantra for 3 years has been "No car payments means more cash for racing"
You're making me want a car payment.
Jerry
Dork
3/10/14 11:54 a.m.
In reply to DaveEstey:
I haven't had a car payment since 2010 or so. Trust me, I held out as long as I could, but I couldn't pass up the huge deals on the 2013's.
wae
Reader
3/10/14 12:06 p.m.
Jerry wrote:
In reply to Woody:
I didn't notice any problems. Hit some good potholes and it hops around a bit but nothing unusual to me.
Yes, what is the difference in in stability compared to those other boats I've seen you driving around? 
Jerry
Dork
3/10/14 1:27 p.m.
In reply to wae:
So much less wind resistance, no need for the "IH8WIND" plate the xB had at least. 
I say it every time I read an abarth thread, but those cars sounds wonderful. There are 2-3 around me and anytime they go by I have a crisis in my pants.
