Interesting that a lot of you seem to have been sold on the Abarth very quickly from the test drive. Can I ask what sort of cars you have come from perchance?

I have had my fair share of quick motors in the past and wonder how (vx220, Civic type R, Golf GTI MK V, Z4, Mini Cooper S, to name but a few) and I wonder how the little 500 will stack up based on my history if you know what I mean.

I think, and I am just supposing here, the 500 will offer relatively low cost thrills in an environment where fuel is becoming more and more of a issue. I loved my Mini for its fun factor, it wasnt the quickest or the most practical but it was a great little car. Will the 500 replace it in my heart?

By the way, at the moment I am in a 530d sport, but the 25mpg diesel is bloody killing my wallet, despite the comfortable ride and millions of toys.

Quote from: Archer on April 16, 2011, 09:34:15 am

Will the 500 replace it in my heart?

It certainly will. Some members have had and still have exotic cars, but there is still a place for an Abarth.

Civic type R

Beat 2 different type R's at Crail drag track on the quarter mile, mines a 500 Esseesse, so dont worry that they arent fast

Spend a slightly lower sum on upgraded brakes, a TMC box and some GAZ suspension. Essentially, there is no way you (like me) were ever going to want the standard car given your past. Mine's an SS. Do it and sell the wheels if you don't want them. The rest is really worth it if you are including Konis. The other route is cheaper and the results are good. 

I've covered 21500 in 11 months, much of it for work. Ok, I'm not very big but it's not uncomfortable. I get a fairly consistent 33 mpg. Stop looking for excuses.....

I have another problem. My heart wants a 500. I prefer the image and the pin sharp handling. My head on the other hand says that with my 60 mile per day commute on the A1 I should get the APE, bigger, more refined ride, cruise, stop start for fuel savings in the traffic. Is the driving position in the APE significantly more comfy than the 500? I dunno, what you lot think?

60 mile a day commute every day - easy 
320 motorway miles on way home from pickup - comfy and fun 
Grin from ear to ear - priceless 

Get the 500 

What's a TMC by the way?

Ok. Device made by Daron to make the car faster....  Have a look in the TMC section on the front page of the forum. Make sure you have a cup of tea so you can have a good read and hatch some plans.....