FIAT v ABARTH: Comparison

Benvenuti amici!

We are winding down our second week in our second 500 into our second year with FIAT. We thought our experiences with the brand, Bergstrom FIAT USA of MKE and the FIAT 500 may be of some interest to our readers. When taking into consideration we moved from a sweet verde chiaro Pop trim to an aggressive nero puro Abarth edition of the Cinquecento it is evident there is most definitely a tale to tell. 

We purchased our first Cinquino with Tony Westley & Ryan Lenfestey. It was a fantastic introduction to FIATs and the best choice for first new car purchase (my wonderful mother wept tears of joy at the thought). I have told the tale many times. We recently recorded our second Fitito purchase, with Luke Bibis & Brandon Drew (here as well as our FB page). Both experiences were surreal and left me feeling as though I was dreaming. They're somewhat incomparable (to me). I prefer to chalk up the impressions their make up leave on me.

So, let's slide into first impressions...

VC Pop w/Nero Sport Pictured

For a driver noticing aesthetics as much as I do, the badging comparison is the easiest place to start, largely because it is one of the very first things drawing my attention as I look at FIATs of any trim or model. But before we get into that bit of fun, it is important you understand we sought to mate the beautiful simplicity of the 500 Pop with the sensual aggression of the Abarth 500. Our subtle choices reflect this aim.

KICKING THE TIRES:

Classic, Bold, Italian and Sweet

Classic, Bold, Italo-Austrian and Aggressive

A500 (Abarth 500) Only Heritage Badging

Easy to spot ~ FIAT

Impossible to miss ~ Abarth

Simple & Modern ~ Pop Optional 15" Wheels

Stylishly Modern ~ Abarth Base 16" Wheels

That, our esteemed readers, is the 'first impression' difference between these fine Italian daily drivers. As you can see, even without comparing profile shots, (shared cuteness aside) the vibes of the standard and hyper Abarth performance 500s are opposite sides of the spectrum. That we bought both is telling of the complexity of our personalities and tastes.

Let's move inside the 'centos…

The differences between cockpits in a standard 500 and the Scorpione are vast… and they are not only skin deep. Yes ~ it is evident you are still in a 500, but the color details are what truly separates the models. I love the happy-go-lucky vibe of the Pop… especially in verde chiaro…

INSPECTING THE INTERIOR:

… but I find the sensual drama of a nero/nero puro A500 with rosso e nero interior makes me just as happy. The added bonus of mystery is probably what I dig most. The fact La Sombrita is black with all the warm-colored accents (lights & side markers included) holds my attention in a new way.

[Editor note: The name, La Sombrita, is an homage to a name my father used as a masked wrestler. He was called La Sombra Negra/The Black Shadow. La Sombrita is the diminutive form, meaning Tiny Shadow.]

Yes, I am one of the camp absolutely digging the retro-chic of the Pop/500c/Lounge. One friend very kindly asked whether I would miss that after moving to the Abarth. But, it turns out, the styling of the turbos feels more… modern… and recalls what initially drew me to the original Trepiùno design. It is a modern take on FIAT design of the past… 'more than retro'.

I realize the changes are not so vast to some. However, when one is discussing the simple perfection of a FIAT 500, it is undeniable each tiny difference changes how one feels in the cockpit. Feeling is what this car is all about. It has soul. The best way to illustrate my point is to propose  you participate in the following experiment. 

• Load two playlists (one all '50s/'60s Italian Pop and the other industrial or otherwise slickly-produced electronic music) into your phone/iPhone or mp3 player/iPod
• Drive out to your LS (local studio)
• Test drive a Pop and an Abarth back-to-back
• Listen to both playlists in both models
• 'Feel' your ride

See what I mean? Great. Moving on…

TURNING THE KEY:

The ride in a Pop is so comfortable ~ It feels as though you're zipping around on your plush recliner. IT IS AMAZING. I find it impossible to drive a FIAT 500 Pop without constantly smiling. In Sport Mode, you get what has been called the best sounding naturally aspirated 4 cylinder motor and gives off the a distinct exhaust note. It is subtle, but very Italian in its tone. 

                       

FIAT 500 Pop Exhaust Note = Sweet & Cute

The ride in an Abarth is less comfy ~ It still feels as though you're zipping around on a piece of furniture. But this piece is a minimalist leather chaise. IT IS OUT OF THIS WORLD. In or out of Sport Mode, the sound of the modern 500 Abarth is worthy of the scorpion branding. For those unaware, Karl 'Carlo' Abarth (Abarth & Co) was well known for his high-performance exhausts. This is  why the exhaust note is a central topic of discussion for this particular car. One turn of the key reveals the nameplate and ups the ante of drama.

A500 Exhaust Note = Venomous

Of course, the biggest payoff in a small FIAT (which pays dividends far beyond MPG/miles per gallon) is the amount of SPM (smiles per mile) delivered. I find it utterly impossible to stop smiling while I am behind the wheel of a FIAT 500. What I have found is, in addition to the non-stop smiling, my heart races behind the wheel of the Scorpione… regardless of which gear I am in. With every pop & gurgle from the exhaust, my ticker flutters. Now, that is what I call an amenity!

PRACTICAL PINCH POINTS:

It is true, there is also the difference of fuel consumption. But, on the first two tanks (in both cars), I filled up once in a week. It is worth noting I drove home in La Fee Verte in May, with the best formulated 93, while we drove home in La Sombrita in December, with the worst formulated 93. I ran neither Pop nor Abarth down to an empty tank.

FIAT 500 Sport Gauge Cluster

Another reality to be considered is maintenance. The A500 is more expensive to keep running like new. Yes, it is new and that isn't a big worry for some time. I think the time to begin worrying about such things is prior to due maintenance. One should never purchase a car one cannot afford to keep running in tip-top condition. The interior and wheel set are just two areas of aesthetic differences. There are also mechanical differences.

FIAT 500 Abarth Boost/Shift Gauge

FIAT 500 Abarth Engine/Turbo

Of course, one realizes such things when seriously considering this kind of move. Yes, the missus and I discussed them while making our decision. My father always said, "If you can't afford to take care of it, you can't afford to have it". Thanks, Pop, for that little nugget of brutal truth.

So, which of the 500s is better? Which of the two do we prefer? We moved from our 'paid for' Pop to a new round of payments with our Abarth, because I always wanted one and the missus agreed. I dig a Scorpione for the differences presented in this 'two weeks in review'. I was head-over-heels for our Pop for the differences presented in this piece as well as all the reasons presented in previous entries.

We are fortunate to say we lived in a 500 Pop for well over a year. It was brilliant. Now, we are beginning life in a 500 Abarth ~ with no doubt it will be at least as equally brilliant. Finally, included in the A500 purchase package is the Abarth Experience Track Day. The missus and I can attend a day of learning the in & outs of our Tiny Shadow with professional drivers and other members of the Cult of the Scorpion©. In addition, FIAT NA will feed us and there will be a host of non-driving activities to engage our imaginations. Wow! We truly are fortunate to enjoy the 'best of both worlds'.

Finally, the one and most important thing you, our dear friend, need to know is we are Fiatisti yesterday, today & tomorrow...

Vivere.Amare.Guidare.

Ciao!

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