Saw a Fiat 500 today... - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

iwrock · #1 03-26-2011, 07:53 PM

It looked freggin awesome!

Very small, but very good looking. Or as Tom W would say "Handsome."

POS · #2 03-26-2011, 08:01 PM

The magazine guys say that it looks better in person, but also that it's probably a bigger piece of crap. I haven't seen on in person yet, but in Houston that shouldn't take too long. Would rather have a Mini, personally.

The Swede · #3 03-26-2011, 08:16 PM

I saw a few at the auto show. Kinda crappy, but in a cool way. The again, like Italian cars. Way more character than another $17k car like the Nissan Versa.

ramonajim · #4 03-26-2011, 08:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Swede

I saw a few at the auto show. Kinda crappy, but in a cool way. The again, like Italian cars. Way more character than another $17k car like the Nissan Versa.

Had a Versa as a rental car a couple weeks ago - absolute, utter, total crap to drive. Mushy auto tranny that was CONSTANTLY hunting for a gear, steering that was numb to the point of feeling dangerous in the one quick avoidance move that I had to make. Under powered for what it seems to be trying to be (this from a guy who most often drives a ~ 110hp Miata).

Control layout was anything but intuitive, and the fit/finish of the interior bits was awful.

Honestly wondered if I'd be put in a mid-80's American made econo-box. Worst new car drive I've had in years.

Ara T. · #5 03-27-2011, 06:23 AM

I love the looks of those little cars! Definitely would not mind an Abarth.

Stretch · #6 03-27-2011, 06:45 AM

Build quality is dreadful - enjoy them whilst they are still around - you may not see any next year.

SwampYankee · #7 03-27-2011, 08:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Army

Build quality is dreadful - enjoy them whilst they are still around - you may not see any next year.

People still buy Chrysler products. Even a Fiat is a step up.

I'm not a small car person, but I'd still like to get my hands on an Abarth.

#8 03-27-2011, 08:55 AM

Like the mini, I would prefer the original.

jlomon · #9 03-27-2011, 09:32 AM

I had a good hard look at these at the Toronto auto show last month - they're very cool, incredibly well equipped, and suprisingly useful given the size of the car - $10K less than the equivalent Mini, but every bit as well equipped and usable. I thought it would make a great replacement for my C280, given that we have the E320 Wagon any time we need a big car, and my C is just used for grocery runs and other errands.

Then I found out it was assembled in Mexico.

Pass.

DieselPaul · #10 03-27-2011, 10:44 AM

I really liked them in Detroit, and needed deviation from the Mini, which I do love.

tbomachines · #11 03-27-2011, 11:58 AM

Comparing them to a mini is kind of erroneous. The Fiat 500 is much smaller, it competes more directly with subcompacts like the toyota yaris, chevy aveo, etc. I sat in one at our auto show and actually liked it a lot, my 6'0 210lb self had no problem fitting in it (which I can't say about the fiesta), wish I had a chance to drive it. Add FI, bump the HP up to around 200 and you've got an awesome car.

SwampYankee · #12 03-27-2011, 12:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbomachines

Comparing them to a mini is kind of erroneous. The Fiat 500 is much smaller, it competes more directly with subcompacts like the toyota yaris, chevy aveo, etc. I sat in one at our auto show and actually liked it a lot, my 6'0 210lb self had no problem fitting in it (which I can't say about the fiesta), wish I had a chance to drive it. Add FI, bump the HP up to around 200 and you've got an awesome car.

True. I'd like the new Mini more if it wasn't, well, so Maxi. (The new, bigger 4x4 one is even more ridiculous)

jlomon · #13 03-27-2011, 04:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tbomachines

Comparing them to a mini is kind of erroneous. The Fiat 500 is much smaller, it competes more directly with subcompacts like the toyota yaris, chevy aveo, etc.

I disagree. I compared them both back to back at the auto show. The Mini has a larger footprint on the ground, but it doesn't translate into much more space inside. The Mini felt marginally larger inside, it didn't seem in any way significant to me. Same with the trunk space.

I think they're both aimed at the same buyer - someone who wants something very small, but stylish and European -they want to make a style statement with their car instead of driving a Yaris or a Fit. Either someone single, or a small family in need of a city car or second car. I'm sure there are engineering differences under the skin - BMW is going to out-engineer Fiat - but I just didn't see 40% more car with a Mini, based on the difference in price.

SwampYankee · #14 04-17-2011, 09:16 PM

Had my first sighting today. White one with dealer plates on the way to breakfast. It's a cool looking little car on the road. Definitely more character the the other subcompacts. It looked to be the size the new Mini should have been. I might go give one a drive just for kicks.