The 500 Abarth is coming

carguy123 wrote:

Derick Freese wrote: 5.0 is already in the Mustang. I've stopped and window peeked one at the local dealership. Price makes me want to wait for depreciation to make a dent in values before I bother with them.

For quite a bit less than the price of a 5.0 you can get a fully loaded STI.

A fully loaded STI is $39k in the US. A 5.0 can be had for $29 k (both MSRP).

http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/impreza-wrx/sti-limited/build.html

http://bp3.ford.com/2012-Ford-Mustang?lang=en&branding=1&referringsite=1&referrer=Ford.com#/Exterior/Config%5B%7CFord%7CMustang%7C2012%7C1%7C1.%7C300A.P8C.....NFLEE.44X.GT.COU.LESS.%5D

The FSAE guys gave me an earful when I said I wanted a 500 Abarth.

Taiden wrote: The FSAE guys gave me an earful when I said I wanted a 500 Abarth.

But it's so bulgy, like a moose!

imirk wrote:

Taiden wrote: The FSAE guys gave me an earful when I said I wanted a 500 Abarth.

But it's so bulgy, like a moose!

Round these parts, we is rather fond of the moose.

Taiden wrote:

imirk wrote:

Taiden wrote: The FSAE guys gave me an earful when I said I wanted a 500 Abarth.

But it's so bulgy, like a moose!

Round these parts, we is rather fond of the moose.

Please find a new artiodactyl to compare your fiat to. The moose is reserved for fanboys of another marque

Bulgy moose quote video

njansenv wrote:

carguy123 wrote:

Derick Freese wrote: 5.0 is already in the Mustang. I've stopped and window peeked one at the local dealership. Price makes me want to wait for depreciation to make a dent in values before I bother with them.

For quite a bit less than the price of a 5.0 you can get a fully loaded STI.

A fully loaded STI is $39k in the US. A 5.0 can be had for $29 k (both MSRP). http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/impreza-wrx/sti-limited/build.html http://bp3.ford.com/2012-Ford-Mustang?lang=en&branding=1&referringsite=1&referrer=Ford.com#/Exterior/Config%5B%7CFord%7CMustang%7C2012%7C1%7C1.%7C300A.P8C.....NFLEE.44X.GT.COU.LESS.%5D

I looked at 3 different 5.0 tangs at different dealerships and not a one had a sticker of under $36k.

I looked at 2 different STIs and not a one had a sticker over $34k

Am I the only one that thinks the 500 should do much better mpg wise?

It's like a smaller, slower MINI that doesn't cost less.

Tom Heath wrote: I don't blame you for picking the Fiat, but I've had WAY better results from my Mazda2 than C/D is reporting. I'm beating their Fiat results by 3 or 4 mpg. I'd very much like to see some other manufacturers put something spicy in the B-segment market. Mazdaspeed2, Fit/CR-Z type R, SVT Fiesta, bring them all out!

I strictly want it to be different And to say I've owned a Fiat.

If there was such a thing as a MS2 (there isn't even much speculation about it happening) or a Fiesta ST (same thing) or Fit Type Rrrrrrrrr, I might reconsider.

So GRM, when is the bone stock "B-Spec" comparo with tires equalized?

carguy123 wrote:

njansenv wrote:

carguy123 wrote:

Derick Freese wrote: 5.0 is already in the Mustang. I've stopped and window peeked one at the local dealership. Price makes me want to wait for depreciation to make a dent in values before I bother with them.

For quite a bit less than the price of a 5.0 you can get a fully loaded STI.

A fully loaded STI is $39k in the US. A 5.0 can be had for $29 k (both MSRP). http://www.subaru.com/vehicles/impreza-wrx/sti-limited/build.html http://bp3.ford.com/2012-Ford-Mustang?lang=en&branding=1&referringsite=1&referrer=Ford.com#/Exterior/Config%5B%7CFord%7CMustang%7C2012%7C1%7C1.%7C300A.P8C.....NFLEE.44X.GT.COU.LESS.%5D

I looked at 3 different 5.0 tangs at different dealerships and not a one had a sticker of under $36k. I looked at 2 different STIs and not a one had a sticker over $34k

I'll pay the extra 2k, as the Mustang lays waste to the Sube, unless you have snow to deal with.

In reply to pete240z:

Head up to Highland Park. Little dealership off 41.

I see 500's around the North Shore fairly regularly, but after sitting in one at the dealership I can see why I haven't spotted more.

z31maniac wrote: Am I the only one that thinks the 500 should do much better mpg wise? It's like a smaller, slower MINI that doesn't cost less.

Thank you!

I really don't see a market for this car.

gamby wrote: http://www.fiatusa.com/abarth Not that I'm buying one, but it would be way atop my list if I were in the market for a new car. The Fit Sport would be more efficient, practical and reliable, but that Abarth looks fantastic. I hope it comes here close to Euro spec with the nice low ride height from the factory and the wheels that were on Hammond's car when he drove the Abarth cabrio on TGUK.

The Fit may be more pratical due to it's girth compared to the Fiat, the rest I'm not so sure about. Besides, the little Fiat looks great inside and out-the Fit? Not so much. I was suprised at how cheesy the Honda was when I drove one-hubcaps and all.

I still want a 500 more then any other new car for sale right now.

I just sat in the 500 and the Fit within minutes of each other at the new car car show in San Antonio last weekend.

The 500 is WAYYYYYYY cheesier feeling and looking than the fit, in my recent, direct comparison opinion.

Im not defending the fit.. but the fiat was a little bit of a letdown from an ergonomics and "is this knob going to break off if i sneeze while turning it" point of view.

It looks and feels like it should start at $11k.

The space in the back was more than expected, though.

I see 500's around the North Shore fairly regularly, but after sitting in one at the dealership I can see why I haven't spotted more.

After sitting in one I see why people want them. They are comfy with lots of head room.

I've never "appreciated" the new Mini and the styling of the Fiat doesn't knock me out, but for some reason I like it.

forzav12 wrote:

gamby wrote: http://www.fiatusa.com/abarth Not that I'm buying one, but it would be way atop my list if I were in the market for a new car. The Fit Sport would be more efficient, practical and reliable, but that Abarth looks fantastic. I hope it comes here close to Euro spec with the nice low ride height from the factory and the wheels that were on Hammond's car when he drove the Abarth cabrio on TGUK.

The Fit may be more pratical due to it's girth compared to the Fiat, the rest I'm not so sure about. Besides, the little Fiat looks great inside and out-the Fit? Not so much. I was suprised at how cheesy the Honda was when I drove one-hubcaps and all.

Well, my wife has a 2010 Fit Sport and it's a fantastic little car. Sure the interior is cheap, but I don't pay attention to the interior of a car when I'm behind the wheel. The seats are great, it has suprisingly nice handling characteristics, 36-38mpg, colossal storage space and a great stereo with all the relevant gadgets.

The Abarth blows the Fit out of the water in the looks dept, though. I'd think it would be a more engaging drive as well. "Chrysler/Fiat reliability & longevity" is the big x-factor for me.

That, and I dunno if it would be all that easy to stuff a bicycle into the back of the thing. I saw one on the freeway today and thought "yeah, probably not able to stuff a bike into that without a fight".

One thing I really liked about the Fiat was visibility. I can see out of all 4 corners very well as well as the back. That's a problem with cars like the Mustang and Camaro. Come to think of it, it's a problem out of a lot of the newer cars.

ok so this guy seems to be really into them I hope his HP numbers are right or close at least

http://www.fiat500abarth.us/featured/crunching-the-performance-numbers/

Vigo wrote: but the fiat was a little bit of a letdown from an ergonomics and "is this knob going to break off if i sneeze while turning it" point of view.

Really? I haven't ever thought that, even when I use to DD sprints and fireflys. You must be really rough on cars.

In fact, I have NEVER had a piece of interior equipment in a car fail on me. So, what you are actually saying is that emotionally, with no logic or rational, you somehow "feel" the car is cheesy and not well made.

Pick up any car magazine that reviews new cars and you will find commentary on ergonomics and the feel of switchgear.

Is this new to you somehow?

You clearly have an agenda with your approach to my comments. Maybe you like the 500? Good for you. I would like it too.. at the right price point. I never said everyone should agree with me.

Im on my ~45th car, currently own 13, and as a professional auto tech ive spent 'personal time' with thousands more. As far as im concerned, im perfectly qualified to offer my OPINION.

So, HiTempguy, what you are actually saying is that emotionally, with no logic or rational [sic], you somehow "feel" that my comments have no legitimate basis without knowing jack E36 M3 about me?

See what i did there?

redstack wrote: ok so this guy seems to be really into them I hope his HP numbers are right or close at least http://www.fiat500abarth.us/featured/crunching-the-performance-numbers/

Well, I don't buy that the 17" wheels will "shake the teeth out of your head". Too many people have no tolerance for a true "sport suspension".

As feared, it's got a jacked-up ride height. WTF. (again--not that I'm running out to buy one).

HiTempguy wrote: Really? I haven't ever thought that, even when I use to DD sprints and fireflys. You must be really rough on cars. In fact, I have NEVER had a piece of interior equipment in a car fail on me. So, what you are actually saying is that emotionally, with no logic or rational, you somehow "feel" the car is cheesy and not well made.

I can't turn the radio on my E46 BMW off. The car is 8 years and 74,000 miles old. The knob is loose and rattly and cannot be poked off/on any more - all I can do is turn it down to zero when I don't want to listen.

Vigo wrote: blah blah blah

No, I don't "like" the 500, I like what it stands for and hope to support what it represents. I've been in ONE. It seemed decent. I didn't expect much for a $15k starting price.

I could care one way or another if you are a mechanic or not personally. I've worked on hundreds of cars myself, and have owned over 30 personal vehicles at this point. What that has to do with anything I don't know. For every competent mechanic I've met, I've met 10 that would scare me to have them work on my car, so really, that doesn't mean your opinion is worth more or less than any else's.

I tend to base my judgment of a car on the tangible. Can you tell the difference between quality and cheap? Yes, I'd say you can. But if it gets the job done, I can't complain in a car for $30k or less. No different than my cheap HF ratchet. Feels like E36 M3, has lasted forever. A knob on the radio or hvac controls isn't going to dissuade me from buying or not buying a vehicle. It being reliable, not falling apart, and doing what its meant to do (turn off radio, windows go up and down, heat work).

I can understand your argument if we were sampling the tasty morsels of $40k+ cars, but we ain't.

Vigo wrote: Pick up any car magazine that reviews new cars and you will read a bunch of nonsense that isn't worth the paper it's written on

I fixed that for you.

FWIW, I like the way it looks, but think they are completely out to lunch on the pricing.