Hello there,
Thank you for the kind words.
The Abarth 595 Competizione (180) is a great car to drive, lots of Torque from 2krpm+ and it pulls hard all the way to the redline. Handling is crisp, it could do with the optional extra LSD but the TCS system can't be turned off fully so I don't think there is a huge advantage having one. The TTC system does a good job of acting like an LSD, I have driven an Abarth with the LSD package as well.
Previous car was a Honda Integra Type-R (DC5), a 200+ bhp front wheel drive car with an LSD praised for being one of the best handling fwd cars you can buy in it's day and the Abarth is as capable if not more capable than that car. It certainly is cheaper to run, insure and is physically lighter. I had no regrets switching to the Abarth just for the sound alone.
The suspension is superb, just the right amount of bounce and just the right amount of stiffness, the Eibach springs are progressive making for a comfortable but firm ride. The Brembo brakes are also progressive, giving you good control over braking force.
My only concern on them is the standard tyres, if you have the Pirelli P-zero Nero, I would change them right away, they were useless for me and my fast road driving style, newer models however come with Michelin PS3's, they are much better suited to the power levels of the Competizione. I have Goodyear Eagle F1 Asymmetric 2's, the same as they run on the 695 Biposto and I find them perfectly suited to the car, wheel spin is reduced to minimal.
I still haven't found a car I like enough to replace it, sure there is more powerful but in terms of character, there is little out there that can match it
Enjoy,
P.