How the FIAT Abarth Stacks Up Against the Competition

Last updated 1 year ago

For years, the Mini Cooper S Coupe was the leading performance compact vehicle in its class. Of course, that was before the FIAT 500 Abarth came roaring onto the scene. Building on the brand’s storied racing history, the Abarth embodies the characteristics of Italian automotive excellence, including head-turning good looks, remarkable interior luxury, and heart-pounding performance. So, how does FIAT’s tiny terror stack up against the little Brit? Read on to find out:

Performance

Although the Mini Cooper S Coupe makes the zero-to-60 sprint some 0.4 seconds quicker than the Abarth, it is also 200 pounds heavier than the 2,500-pound Italian compact. In other words, the S Coupe may beat the Abarth in a drag race by the blink of an eye, but FIAT’s turbocharged 1.4-litre MultiAir four-cylinder engine helps the lighter and more agile Abarth dominate the competition on winding roads and curved racetracks.

Comfort

Get behind the wheel of a FIAT 500 Abarth and the first thing you’ll notice is the racing-inspired sport seat. Thick bolstering in the cushion and backing holds you in place during aggressive driving and provides supple comfort during long road trips. Besides more comfortable seats, the Abarth also offers substantially more cargo space than the Mini Cooper S Coupe. With the rear seat folded down, the Abarth’s maximum cargo space is an impressive 26.8 cubic feet. The S Coupe, on the other hand, offers just 9.8 cubic feet of cargo space.

Presence

Compared to the stubby S Coupe, the head-turning Abarth is complimented by swooping lines and beautiful performance-enhancing design elements such as a split intercooler front fascia and a racing-inspired rear spoiler. Fortunately, the exterior isn’t the loudest thing about the Abarth. Turn the ignition and the turbocharged engine burbles and pops like the world-class Italian sports cars that inspired its design. In other words, this tiny Italian screamer will stand out wherever you go.

Corner after corner, mile after mile, the FIAT 500 Abarth will never fail to put a smile on your face. To test drive the Abarth yourself, stop by Johnston FIAT today. If you have any questions, or if you would like to receive additional vehicle information, contact us online or call (905) 388-5502.